Assignment 8

Explain the use of IMDG code/ MFAG/ MSDS. What are the
precautions required for loading magazines (explosives) in a
General Cargo Ship.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is responsible for
maintaining and updating the International Maritime Dangerous Goods
Code (IMDG Code) which governs the vast majority of shipments of
hazardous materials by water. The IMDG Code is intended to provide for
the safe transportation of hazardous materials by vessel, protect crew
members and to prevent marine pollution. The Code is based on the UN
Model Regulations but also includes additional requirements applicable to
the transport of hazardous materials by sea (e.g., requirements for marine
pollutants, freight containers loading procedures, stowage and segregation
and other requirements applicable to shipboard safety and preservation of
the marine environment) that are not covered by the UN Model
Regulations. The IMDG Code is maintained and updated by IMO's DSC
Sub-Committee. Implementation of the Code is mandatory in conjunction
with the governments' obligations under the International Convention for
the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Convention for
the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL).

Aim of the Code:

To regulate the transport by sea of dangerous goods to reasonably prevent injury

to person or damage to the ship.
To regulate transport by sea of marine pollutants to prevent harm to the marine
environment.
However any regulation should not unnecessarily impede the movement of
dangerous goods.

Principles of the IMDG Code:The IMDG Code is based on an internationally agreed system which:
groups dangerous goods together based on the hazards they present in transport
(classification)
contains the dangerous goods in packaging/tanks which are of appropriate strength
and which will prevent the goods escaping
uses hazard warning labels and other identifying marks to identify dangerous goods in
transport
requires standard documentation to be provided when dangerous goods are being
transported
lays down principles for ensuring that those dangerous goods which will react
dangerously together are kept apart

Assignment 8

lays down principles for where to place dangerous goods on board ship to ensure safe
transport
provides emergency response advice for dangerous goods involved in a fire or
spillage on board ship

General Introduction of the Code :The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code is based on the report of the
United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods , which also
forms the basis for legislation and recommendations for transport of Dangerous Goods by
other modes - road, rail and air.
The IMDG code is composed of 7 parts, comes in 2 volumes and a Supplement. The 2
volumes cover details of dangerous goods, all of which are subdivided into 9 classes.

Contents Of IMDG Code:Volume 1

PART 1 General Provisions, Definition and Training.
PART 2 Classification
PART 4 Packing and Tank Provisions
PART 5 Consignment Procedures
PART 6 Construction and testing of packaging, intermediate bulk containers(IBCs),
large packaging, portable tanks and road talk vehicles.
PART 7 Provisions concerning transport operations.

Volume 2
PART 3 Dangerous Goods list and limited quantities exception.
APPENDIX A List of Generic and N.O.S proper shipping names
APPENDIX B Glossary of terms.

The Supplement contains the following texts related to the Code:

Emergency response procedures (EmS Guide)
Medical first aid guide (MFAG)
Reporting Procedures
IMO/ILO/ECE guidelines for packing cargo transport units
Irradiated Nuclear Fuel (INF) code
Recommendations on safe use of Pesticides on ships.

Introduction to Dangerous Cargo:The handling and carriage of dangerous goods must be carried out in full compliance
with the laws of the country :
from which the dangerous goods are being shipped,

Assignment 8

in whose vehicle or ships it is moved,

through which the goods will transit,
to its final destination.

So the classification, packaging and stowage of dangerous goods must be in accordance

with any legislation which may be enforced in
the country of origin
the country of destination
any country which it has entered
the country under whose flag the carrying vessel operates.
Dangerous Goods shall be divided into the following classes:
Class 1
- Explosives
Class 2
- Gases: compressed, liquefied or dissolved under pressure.
Class 3
- Flammable liquids.
Class 4.1 - Flammable solids.
Class 4.2 - Substances liable to spontaneous combustion
Class 4.3 - Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases.
Class 5.1 - Oxidizing substances
Class 5.2 - Organic peroxides
Class 6.1 - Poisonous (toxic) substances
Class 6.2 - Infectious substances
Class 7
- Radioactive materials
Class 8
- Corrosives
Class 9 - Miscellaneous dangerous substances, that is any other substance which
experience has shown, or may show, to be of such dangerous character that
the provisions of this part shall apply to it.

Marine Pollutants
Many of the substances assigned to classes 1-9 are marine pollutants and where identified
as such, should carry the Marine Pollutant mark on the packaging. These are noted in
the Dangerous Goods list in volume 2 of the Code.
For packaging purposes substances other than those of classes 1, 2, 4.1, 5.2, 6.2 and 7 are
assigned three packing groups according to the degree of danger they present:
Packing Group I: substances presenting higher danger;
Packing Group II: substances presenting medium danger;
Packing Group III: substances presenting medium danger.

Packaging of Dangerous Goods :

Well made and in good condition.

Interior not dangerously affected by contact with contents.
Strong enough to withstand normal handling- by sea.

Assignment 8

Where absorbent or cushioning material is used, it shall be :

o Capable of minimising the dangers to which the liquid may give rise.
o So disposed as to prevent movement and that the receptacle remains surrounded.
o Where reasonably possible, of sufficient quantity to absorb the liquid in the event
of breakage of the receptacle.
Receptacles to have an ullage (space) to allow for the highest temperature during
normal carriage.
Receptacles for gases under pressure shall be adequately constructed, tested,
maintained and correctly filled.
Empty receptacles used previously for carriage of dangerous goods, to be treated as
full, until thoroughly cleaned.

Marking, Labelling, Placarting:

Packages shall be durably marked with the correct technical name.

Trade name alone shall not be used.
Have distinctive labels or placards to indicate dangerous properties
Markings of technical name, labels or placards shall remains identifiable on packages
surviving at least three months' immersion in the sea except the followings which
may be exempted from labelling requirements :
o low degree of hazard or packed in limited quantity; and
o When special circumstances permit, packages that are stowed and handled in units
that are identified by labels or placards

Documents :At the time of booking, the documentation should contain:

number and kind of packages
correct technical name
class to which it belongs
the flash point (if any)
U.N number
Weight and measurement of the goods.
A statement that goods are packed in a manner approved by an appropriate authority.

Segregation :Greatest care should be taken to ensure that incompatible cargoes are never stowed
together in the same compartment or container. Dangerous goods have been classified in
various classes but all good of a particular class may not be compatible, e.g. Class 8
where a violent reaction may take place between a acid and alkalis)
Food stuff should not be stowed or packed with dangerous good, as a general rule.
For the purpose of segregation, dangerous goods having certain similar chemical
properties have been grouped together in segregation groups:
4

Assignment 8

Acids
Ammonium compounds
bromates
chlorates
chlorites
cyanides
heavy metals and their salts
hypochlorites
lead and lead compounds
liquid halogenated hydrocarbon
mercury and mercury compounds
nitrites
perchlorates
permanganates
powdered metals
peroxides
azides

Explanation of the separated method :Away From:

Effectively segregated so that the incompatible goods cannot interact dangerously in the
event of an accident but may be transported in the same compartment or hold or on deck,
provided minimum horizontal separation of 3 meters, projected vertically is obtained.
Separated From:
In different compartments or holds when stowed under deck. Provided the intervening
deck is resistant of fire and liquid, a vertical separation, i.e. in different compartments,
may be accepted as equivalent to this segregation. For on deck stowage, a separation of at
least 6 meters horizontally.
Separated by a complete compartment or hold from:
Either a vertical or horizontal separation. If the intervening decks are not resistant to fire
and liquid, then only a longitudinal separation, i.e. by an complete compartment or hold
is acceptable. For on deck stowage, a separation of at least 12 meters horizontally, the
same distance has to be applied if one package is stowed on deck and other one is an
upper compartment.
Separated longitudinally by an intervening compartment or hold from:
Vertical separation alone does not meet this requirement. Between a package under deck
and one on deck, a minimum distance of 24 meters, including a complete compartment,
must be maintained longitudinally. For on deck stowage, a separation of at least 24
meters longitudinally
Stowage

Assignment 8

Ships are divided into two groupings for the purpose of making stowage
recommendations (except for class 1). These groups are:
Group 1: cargo ships or passenger ships carrying a number of passengers limited to not
more than 25 or to 1 passenger per 3 meters of over-all length, whichever is greater
number.
Group 2: other passenger ships in which limiting number of passengers transported is
exceeded.
Substances materials and articles shall be stowed as indicated in the Dangerous Goods
list in accordance with one of the categories:
Stowage category A
GROUP 1
ON DECK OR UNDER DECK
GROUP 2
ON DECK OR UNDER DECK
Stowage category B
GROUP 1
ON DECK OR UNDER DECK
GROUP 2
ON DECK ONLY
Stowage category C
GROUP 1
ON DECK ONLY
GROUP 2
ON DECK ONLY
Stowage Category D
GROUP 1
ON DECK ONLY
GROUP 2
PROHIBITED
Stowage category E
GROUP 1
ON DECK OR UNDER DECK
GROUP 2
PROHIBITED

Precautions For Loading/Discharging Dangerous Goods

Stowed safely and appropriately according to the nature of goods.

Incompatible goods shall be segregated from one another.
Explosives (except ammunition) stowed in a magazine and segregated from
detonators. Electrical apparatus and cables in this compartment designed and used so
as to minimise the risk fire and explosion.
Goods which give off dangerous vapours shall be stowed in a well ventilated space or
on deck.
Where inflammable liquids or gases are carried, special precautions to be taken where
necessary against fire or explosion.
Substances liable to spontaneous combustion or heating shall not be carried unless
adequate precautions have been taken to prevent outbreak of fire.
Funnel and ventilators be fitted with "spark arrestor" if loading explosive.
DG cargo tightly stowed and well secured against movement- chafe.
Securing materials used should be compatible with the DG themselves.

Assignment 8

Securing DG packages which have been wetted by rain, and received in a wet
condition with frost or snow adhering, should he effectively dried before loading.

If possible, DG should be handled and stowed during daylight hours, if not, adequate
lighting must be provided during the operation.
Ambient temperatures in relation to the flash point should be taken into account
-particularly in hot weather/tropical climates.
If spillage occurs it should be carefully dealt with having regards to the dangerous
nature of the substances.
Loading and discharging of dangerous goods must be supervised by a responsible
officer. Establish communication with terminal.

Additionally For Explosives (Magazine Loadings)

Explosives must be stowed in a magazine, which is a wood or woodlined

compartment, sometimes specially constructed to stow explosives safely.
No electric cables should pass through the magazine. If this is unavoidable, the cables
should be sheathed by an approved, sealed, non-combustible barrier and tested before
loading.
Explosives are unstable when wet and should be stowed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated
space away from hot bulk heads or decks.
Electrical fittings must be disconnected in a compartment containing dangerous
goods; ventilation fans to the space must be flame-proof, if not disconnected.
Explosives must be stowed away from living quarters.
Masts must be fitted with an efficient lightning conductor as lightning presents a
grave danger.

MEDICAL FIRST AID GUIDE (MFAG)

The medical first aid guide is for use in accidents involving dangerous goods. It refers to
the substances, materials and articles covered by the IMDG code. It is intended to provide
advice necessary for initial management of chemical poisoning and diagnosis within the
limits of the facilities available at sea.
It gives general information about the particular toxic effect likely to be encountered. The
treatment recommended in this guide is specified in the appropriate tables and more
comprehensive in the appropriate section of the appendices. This guide contains 20
chapters and 15 appendices.
In any case of exposure, start with the emergency action and act as advised. For
convenience of use and rapid access to the recommendations in an emergency, the guide
is divided into sections which are grouped to facilitate a three-step approach:
Step 1
Emergency action and Diagnosis
a tabular and flow-chart
guide directing to relevant
tables.
Step 2
Tables
the tables give brief
instructions for special
7

Assignment 8

Step 3

Appendices

circumstances.
the appendices provide
comprehensive
information, a list of
medicines/drugs, and a
list of chemicals referred
to in the tables.

The list of chemicals is limited to those few chemicals that require special treatment. The
list is given both in alphabetical and numerical order (UN no.) in appendix 15 of the
guide.

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS)

Material Safety Data Sheets are used to provide the information necessary for the safe
handling of hazardous or potentially hazardous substances. Therefore MSDS play an
important role in the comprehensive approach to the control of chemical hazards in the
work place.
Contents and General Layout of MSDS
An MSDS shall provide the product information given under 16 standard headings:
1. Chemical Product and company identification: giving the product name,
chemical formula, companys name and address etc.
2. Composition/information on ingredients.
3. Hazards identification: giving the hazards involved such as corrosive, oxidising,
toxic, flammable etc.
4. First-Aid measures: information on first-aid regarding inhalation, skin/eye
contact and ingestion shall be given.
5. Fire fighting measures: types of fire fighting agents and precautions to be
observed, protective clothing or BA to be worn by fire fighters.
Recommendations if evacuation is necessary should also be given.
6. Accidental release measures: steps to be taken in case of spills or leaks.
7. Handling and storage: information regarding ventilation, temperature and place
of stowage etc is given.
8. Exposure controls/personal protection.
9. Physical and chemical properties: certain properties such as appearance, vapour
pressure, boiling/melting points, solubility in water, specific gravity etc. Other
physical and chemical properties such as corrosiveness, shock sensitivity,
viscosity, pH bulk density etc. It also gives fire and explosion data including
flash point, flammability limits, auto-ignition temperature.
10. Stability and reactivity.
11. Toxicological information.
12. Ecological information: such as mobility, biodegradability.
13. Disposal Considerations.

Assignment 8

14. Transport Information.

15. Regulatory Information.
16. Other Information.
The role and use of MSDS in the various components of a chemical hazards programme
can be illustrated as below:

Emergency
response
planning

Hygiene/
environmental
assessment

Training

Chemical
Management
Chemical
labelling/signs

MSD
S

Control
measures

Hazard
Identification

Hazard
assessment

Singapore Standard CP 98:2003, Code of practice for preparation and use of MSDS,
specifies the standards for the data sheet.