Cargo pump room hazards - tanker

procedure 

On tankers equipped with a cargo pump-room, this

is a potentially hazardous enclosed space. Pump
alarms and trips, level alarms etc. should be tested
regularly, and in any case before commencing
cargo handling operations, to ensure that they are
functioning correctly. The results of such tests
should be recorded. 

Bulkhead glands around drive shafts between the

pump-room and an adjacent machinery space
should be checked and adjusted or lubricated as
necessary to ensure an efficient gastight seal.
During all cargo operations, including loading, the
pump-room should be inspected at regular
intervals to check for signs of leakages from
glands, drain plugs and drain valves, bulkhead
glands should be checked for overheating. In the
event of leakage or overheating the pump should
be stopped. 

No attempt should be made to adjust pump glands

on rotating shafts while the pump is in service. No
repairs should be undertaken on cargo pumps,
their associated relief valves or control systems
while the pumps are running.
 tanker pump room layout

Pump-room bilges should be drained of any liquid

that has leaked from glands, pipelines or valves;
such liquid is usually transferred into a slop tank
for contaminated liquids. Not only is this good
practice for cleanliness and reduction of vapours
within the space, but it will avoid the possibility of
incompatible cargoes becoming inadvertently
mixed. It should be possible, when alongside a
terminal, to transfer contaminated liquids directly
to shore reception facilities.