How safe are we storing dangerous goods in our Ports?

What dangers are we exposing dock workers, staff, the public and the environment to when we store dangerous goods in our Ports?

The recent fire that broke out in the Port of Vancouver on 4 March 2015 with what is believed to be Class 5.1, UN2468 an Oxidizer, sensitive to friction and liable to ignite, an irritant to skin, eyes and mucous membranes, highlighted the possible need to re-evaluate our storage and handling procedures of dangerous goods in our Ports. From the news articles it is clear the container was difficult to locate and contain. It took fire fighters almost 24 hours to contain the fire. The Port was brought to a standstill. One of the dangers was the risk of the fire spreading among other cargoes, especially other dangerous goods. 

 

Are we adhering to and implementing procedures and recommendations such as MSC.1/Circ.1216: RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE SAFE TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS CARGOES AND RELATED ACTIVITIES IN PORT AREAS?

 

Here are some extracts of the Circular on segregation of dangerous goods in Ports:

 

"4.3 Containers, tank-containers and portable tanks containing dangerous cargoes, where practicable, should not be stowed directly above each other or overlap. Exemptions should only be allowed for containers which contain dangerous cargoes of the same class. This does not apply to containers with different cargoes of class 8. Where applicable, containers should be stowed in such a manner as to allow, when applicable, access to the doors and both sides at all times.

4.6 All dangerous cargoes, except for individual packages, should, where applicable, be separated by a minimum distance of 1 m in order to permit access."

 

What the MSC Circular is saying in 4.3 above is that dangerous goods should not be stored directly above one another, except if they are the same IMO Class. The rule is different for Class 8 and only applies if the Class 8's are exactly the same, may they be stored above each other. Adhering to segregation rules and maintaining those minimum distances as described in the segregation table is vital for safety and the prevention of the spread of a fire and possible explosive situations.

The Circular states that special areas must be designated for dangerous goods and there are additional requirements for specific dangerous goods such as storage of temperature controlled substances where provision must be made for adequate temperature control equipment.

Further requirements highlight mandatory Training for awareness and function specific courses for all Port personnel. In addition Security Training for all personnel involved with handling dangerous goods, as stated in Chapter 1.4 of the IMDG Code with direct reference to the ISPS Code on Maritime Security.

Stay Safe...