STORAGE AND HANDLING OF DANGEROUS GOODS

Prof. Javier Díaz

HAZARDOUS
MATERIALS
(HAZMAT)
A variety of ships carry different types and form of cargo at sea. As per maritime regulations, there are approximately
more than 5000 HAZMAT products in the database of different categories. As a maritime professional, it is important to
know if there is a HAZMAT cargo on your ship.

It is a common misconception that IMDG Code is the only reference for all the hazardous material shipped via sea.
The IMDG code covers approximately 3500 products whereas the rest of the products are covered in IMSBC, IGC.
MARPOL Annex I, etc.
IMDG Code is for the cargoes which are carried in packaged form, however, there are
many ships that carry solid, liquid and gaseous cargo in bulk.
The Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) is
transported by sea complying with
various regulations concerning proper
packing, storage and communication
between authorities and parties involved
in the transport to avoid any mishap.
 The Dangerous Goods Labels and Dangerous Goods Certificate for the cargo are issued as per the nine (9) clauses

The involved parties must comply

with tougher requirements as
compared to other regular
cargoes. The nature or category of
the hazardous cargo may vary as
some cargo are only pollutants,
some can be harmful to humans,
and some can be both.
If the cargo is in packaged form, it is the duty of the shipper to properly pack the cargo as per the requirements of the
IMDG Code. Container ships are the most popular mode of maritime transport today and one container may carry
items for different shippers. When it comes to Hazardous Material cargo, a separate container may be used to store
this type of cargo with proper and secured stowage arrangement. No other form of cargo is loaded (depending upon
the property of the HAZMAT) even when the container has space to occupy more cargo.
The HAZMAT cargo can be transported through different modes to reach its destination, however, out of
all, transportation by the sea is the most stringent as the quantity transported is usually enormous as
compared to air and road. To prepare the HAZMAT cargo transportation from the sea, Shipper and Vessel
have to perform respective roles for ensuring safe passage.
Responsibility of the Shipper

To classify the category of the cargo as per the specific Maritime Code/ Annex.

This should include the Proper Shipping Name (PSN), details of the Hazardous Substance (RQ),

the flash point of the product to be shipped in bulk, category of the Marine Pollutant etc.
1. To appropriately pack the HAZMAT cargo to ensure the safety of the ship’s crew and cargo. If the cargo is being packed and

shipped, proper securing and storing in the pallet might be needed, which is to be effectively done by the shipper.

2. To provide appropriate paperwork and certificates for preparing dangerous goods manifest as per the cargo to be loaded on the

ship. As per the requirements, without these documents, the vessel will not load the cargo.
3. To provide handling and emergency procedures (e.g., Firefighting procedure for specific cargo). Some products (e.g., chemicals)

may have different handling procedures and firefighting requirements when compared to a gas bottle carried as cargo on a ship.

4. To provide precaution and safety measures to the vessel for planning the cargo stowage. Many HAZMAT cargoes react with other

types of cargo if kept together. The shipper needs to provide such details to the vessel for helping in planning the cargo stowage. For

e.g., a shipment of division 2.2 non-flammable gasses and Class 3 flammable liquids must never be kept close to each other, even

when they are in separate containers.

5. When a HAZMAT cargo is carried in the container, the shipper must provide the Container Packing Certificate along with other

HAZMAT documents to the Master/ Chief officer of the vessel, which should contain:
A. A declaration stating the packing of the container has been carried out in accordance with the applicable provisions of the IMDG Code.

B. Name of the certificate authority.

C. Structural serviceability of container.

D. Segregation requirements.

E. Freight container HAZCOM requirements.

F. Packages inspected and in good condition

Responsibility of the Master and Ship´s Crew
Once the cargo is ready to load on a ship, the master
will have the overall responsibility to ensure all the
required codes and regulations are being followed
properly. As the shipper will supply the documents for
Master’s assessment, he/she should ensure that all
shipping paper entries, package markings and
certifications related to the HAZMAT cargo are in
English (or additional required languages) and
permitted for ease of use.

If the shipping papers, shippers’ declaration,

Container Packing Certificate and other HAZMAT
related documents are not complete or miss any
information, the mater has the authority to stop the
loading of such cargo.
Once the master receives HAZMAT cargo for loading and its related paperwork, he/she should ensure the following:
1. Concerned authorities are notified about the HAZMAT cargo description and requirements
2. The chief officer has made the cargo stowage plan keeping in mind, the requirements for HAZMAT cargo
3. During loading, the packaging (if packaged cargo) is checked and verified as per the requirement of the IMDG Code
4. The cargo stowage for HAZMAT cargo is done as far as possible from the accommodation
5. The deck crew responsible for cargo stowage and watch knows the emergency response information
6. Proper segregation of cargo is done by the crew if the ship is carrying multiple HAZMAT cargoes
THE CREW IS AWARE OF THE INCIDENT
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
 THE CREW HAS BEEN
UPDATED WITH HAZMAT
TRAINING AND SECURITY
REQUIREMENTS
 THE HAZMAT CARGO
RECEIVED ON THE SHIP
HAS BEEN REPORTED TO
THE REGULATORY
AUTHORITIES
THE CHIEF OFFICER NEEDS TO PREPARE THE
DANGEROUS CARGO/ GOODS MANIFEST
 DANGEROUS GOODS MANIFEST (DGM):

Is the stowage plan document for the HAZMAT cargo, which is prepared by the chief officer once the shipping papers from
the Shipper or agent are received. The main purpose of creating the manifest is to ensure all the information about the
HAZMAT cargoes on a ship is available at one place in a single document known as DGM. The DGM has all the important
and relevant information from the shipping papers and packing certificates.
 THE PREPARED DGM SHOULD INCLUDE:

→ Information as found on shipping papers

→ Stowage plan of HAZMAT cargo loaded on the ship
→ Segregation information plan of HAZMAT cargo loaded on the ship
→ Emergency action plan for the HAZMAT cargo
→ The vessel shall retain a copy of the DGM for at least one year
 THE CONTENT OF THE DGM:

→ The Name and IMO number or call sign of the vessel → The nationality (Flag state) of the vessel
→ Technical name and the class authorized for the dangerous good by the International Maritime Organization
→ Complete description and classification of the hazardous cargoes (as given in the shipping papers)
→ Total number of such packages being carried → The location of such cargo as per the cargo stowage plan of the ship
→ Responsive action in case of an emergency → An emergency response contact number
→ Gross weight for each type of packaging.
 OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION WHICH CAN BE ADDED IN THE DGM AND USED BY THE MARITIME OR
PORT AUTHORITIES ARE:

→ Name and contact details of the ship operator → Location of vessel’s mooring equipment
→ Details and contact number of the cargo owner → Location of the IMDG locker on the ship
→ A complete record, by time intervals of one week, of all receipts and disbursements of HAZMAT
→ Firefighting arrangement on the ship
 OBJECTIVES OF THE DGM
→ To enhance awareness among various stakeholders about HAZMAT cargo
→ To assist the reporting parties and the authorities in finding the correct information
→ To assist in training personnel involved in HAZMAT Cargo
→ To share the best practices in the area of handling HAZMAT
→ To share the insight of accident or near miss reports for handling emergency situations
→ To determine the place of refuge for ships in need of assistance
All the crew members engaged on a ship and involved directly with Dangerous Cargo or

HAZMAT carried on the ship must undergo Dangerous Goods Course, which is based on

STCW requirements and prepared as per IMO guidance.

The Master, ship agents and ship operators are responsible to make sure that the HAZMAT

goods information about the cargo being carried on the vessel is reported correctly and

accurately to the NSW or relevant similar authority, depending on the location of their voyage.
THE MOST IMPORTANT DETAILS WHICH NEED TO BE REPORTED ARE:

→ Classification of HAZMAT goods with details of related IMO Code(s) or Convention Product’s name as found in the legal instruments

→ UN Number of the HAZMAT good to allows the identification of the cargo

→ IMO Hazard Classes – essential for the proper identification of the characteristics and properties of the substances, materials and articles

→ The total quantity of each HAZMAT cargo carried on the ship

→ The location on board to identify the dangerous and polluting goods which are onboard a ship for providing the necessary assistance during

rescue or salvage operations

→ Identification of the transport units containing dangerous or polluting goods

→ Where appropriate, the class of the ship as defined by the Irradiated Nuclear Fuel Code.
SAFETY, SECURITY AND EMERGENCY PROCEURES

Prof. Javier Díaz

Knowing how to respond to a HAZMAT incident is essential for any occupational safety professional, particularly in

companies that regularly use and transport acids, cyanides, gases, and other noxious and flammable substances.
 STEP 1: SITE MANAGEMENT & CONTROL
→ Determine a safe approach to go in and take charge of the impacted site.

→ Evacuate any remaining persons and cordon off the perimeter of the hazard zone.

→ Create a secure staging area for rescuers and other responders who have been alerted to the situation.
 STEP 2: IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM

→ Understand what materials are onsite and look for any breaches to containment.

→ Determine where the hazard is emanating from and if it can be controlled.

→ Predict what could occur next based on the nature of the materials, their location, and proximity to workers or the general public.
 STEP 3: HAZARD & RISK EVALUATION
→ Evaluate the ongoing risk of the spill or leakage including the potential for fire or explosion.

→ Assess any physical symptoms being experienced by individuals who were at the location when the hazard first emerged.

→ This can tell you a lot about the material involved (For example, headaches could be evidence of carbon monoxide).

→ Coupled with a sweet odor, the culprit could be benzene or hydrocarbons.

→ Burning eyes and throat indicate acids of some kind, while a euphoric feeling can point to ketones.
 STEP 4: PROTECTIVE CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT
→ Closer investigation of any hazardous materials breach requires the use of proper protective gear and equipment. This can

include everything from a positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus to a full coverage HAZMAT suit.

→ Monitoring equipment should also be deployed to gauge air quality, radioactivity levels and other environmental quality measures.

→ Thermal imaging cameras and infrared thermometers can also be helpful in scanning a larger area for contaminants.
 STEP 5: INFORMATION MANAGEMENT & RESOURCE COORDINATION

→ Information sharing is critical, both within the organization and with external sources including news media.

→ All available resources should also be mobilized to help keep the hazard area protected from entry by outside parties.

→ Depending on the type of hazard, this area could span up to a 1/3-mile radius. Meanwhile, response teams will need to be

directed to the site and given all available information to take the proper actions.
 STEP 6: IMPLEMENTING RESPONSE OBJECTIVES
→ Continue to evolve your plan of action based on the knowledge you have gained to this point, and the type of resources available to you.

→ Implement your plan in accordance with local emergency response plans and standard operating procedures for your workplace.

→ Ensure that all measures are being taken to ensure safety while also getting the hazardous materials under control.
 STEP 7: DECONTAMINATION
→ The speed and intensity of your decontamination efforts will depend on the severity of the situation.

→ If the hazard is not life threatening, you can take the time to set up a formal decontamination station.

→ If, however, lives are in peril, do not wait to begin decontamination efforts.

→ Cut any clothing away from the affected persons and hose them down immediately, doing your best to contain hazardous run-off from the water.
 STEP 8: TERMINATING THE INCIDENT
This final step has four components:

(1) Incident Debriefing to be conducted immediately after the emergency has passed, before responders leave the scene.

(2) Post-Incident Analysis which provides a formal review of the event.

(3) Incident Critique which evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the overall response.

(4) Reporting and Documentation.

 SAFETY
FIRST

The IMDG Code specifies and lays down various norms and regulations for ships carrying different types of Dangerous Goods. The Code has been
implemented to prevent accidents of fire/explosion and ensure utmost safety of the ship and its crew while handling Dangerous Cargo on board
For a Safer, Greener, more Efficient and Sustainable Shipping
THANK YOU

Prof. Javier Díaz