Professional Documents
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JUNE 1995
D:\03 Tech Library\10 Subject Files\18 Formal Notes And Presentations\18-10 Technical Notes\TN-130 Discharge Of
Biocides.DOC
DISCHARGE OF BIOCIDES OFFSHORE
1. INTRODUCTION
Biocides are added to sealed dead spaces such as the flooded legs of jackets to kill the
bacteria contained in the seawater. The effect of these bacteria over the lifetime of a
structure has not been quantified but it is the belief of some operators that they could cause
significant pitting of structural steel. Some operators therefore require treatment of flooded
compartments with biocides whilst others have structures have been standing for many years
untreated.
The recommendations on the discharge of biocides into open sea water are currently in a
state of flux. This is of concern because biocides which it is currently acceptable to
discharge may not be permitted to be discharged in the future when the platform is
abandoned.
2. NOTIFICATION SCHEMES
The DTI currently administer a voluntary notification scheme based on testing the toxicity
of chemicals titled 'Notification for Selection of Chemicals to be Used Offshore'. This lists
chemicals in categories from 0 (no limits on discharge) to 4 (take care). Most of the
biocides we use (generally quaternary amines) are in group 1.
The above scheme is gradually being superseded by a new draft notification scheme - 'New
Notification Scheme for the Selection of Substances and Preparations to be Used Offshore'
issued in September 1994. This draft scheme requires that biocides are tested for features
such as their effect on the food chain as well as toxicity.
Following testing biocides will be categorised in groups with Group A being the most
hazardous and Group E relatively innocuous. The testing to the new requirements is being
carried out gradually. Biocides categorised under the old scheme will retain their existing
categories until the dates given below. After the cut-off date they will no longer be listed for
use in UK waters unless they have been tested and recategorised.
As the biocides that we use are in (old) categories 1 and 2 they have yet to be tested to the
new requirements.
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A single document covering all European coastal waters is currently in production. This is
to be entitled 'Chemical Hazard and Risk Manual' (CHARM). There is a meeting of the
committee scheduled for June '95, but no date set for issue. Once issued the CHARM
requirements will be mandatory.
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ADDENDUM A
Categories for chemical toxicity under DTI "notification for selection of chemicals to be used
offshore" scheme.
As stated above this scheme is being superseded. Within it the categories are as follows:-
ADDENDUM B
The above scheme is that stated in "new notification scheme for the selection of substances and
preparations to be used offshore" MAFF, September 1994, as agreed in the EC Parcom Agreement.
INHIBITORS
It should be noted that chemical inhibitors as frequently used on offshore platforms may be in any
of the above categories. For example the following categories apply for common inhibitors:
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