The biggest risk of a cargo spill is during cargo handling operations either because of
equipment failure or improper handling procedures. Cargo spills are therefore most likely to
occur during the vessel’s stay alongside.
The primary factor affecting response will be dependent on the chemicals involved, the
circumstances and size of the spillage and its location onboard. If there is the possibility of
cargo or cargo vapours entering the accommodation or engine room spaces via vents, the
appropriate preventative steps must be taken without delay. As a general rule, there should be
full initial response to any spill however small and the emergency party must wear appropriate
breathing apparatus and protective clothing, it is always better to over react to the situation
than to delay.
Safety of personnel in such incidents should always take precedence over environmental
issues. If it is possible and safe to do so, the released liquids should be pumped or washed
into a slop tank or other suitable containment, or collected for safe disposal using absorbent
materials.
In the case of spills or corrosive liquids the general advice is to wash the spilt liquid overboard
with large quantities of water from as far away from the spills as practicable. A spray or fog of
water, never a direct jet, should be used in such circumstances, the emergency team wearing
appropriate protective equipment should approach the spill form upwind and direct the spray
to the edge of the spill gradually working towards the centre.
Personnel should be aware that the use of water on fuming acids and some other
strong acids willn iitially cause vigouros reaction that wicllause increased
fuming, this will be temporary while the spillage will be dealt with rapidly. If
possible, the vessel should be manoeuvred off the wind.
The actions to be taken in the event of a spill onboard should, as a minimum, include the
following:-
- Activate the alarm
- Stop all cargo operations and close valves and hatches
- If alongside a berth, notify the terminal staff of the chemicals involved and possible
risks posed to personnel
- Notify the Port Authorities, usually through the terminal staff and the operators of the
vessel
- Prohibit smoking and the use of naked lights in all areas of the vessel
- Clean up using water and contain in drums or suitable empty tanks, drip tray, etc.
- Clear all non-essential personnel from the immediate vicinity
- Close all access doors and stop all non-closed circuit ventilation
- Make preparations for the vessel to leave the berth
It should be borne in mind that individual ship has got own characteristics and limitations may involved handling various chemical cargoes . The master and all personnel in all cases must be aware of cargo/ship information that has been given and comply with relevant safety procedures.
Related Info:
Voyage planning and related considerations
Cargo sampling safety precautionsPreparation for cargo operation
Preparing a cargo tank atmosphere
Cargo unloading operation safety precautions
Liaison between ship and shore
How to arrange disposal of tank cleaning waste ?
Retention of slops on chemical tankers
Preparations prior allowing personnel into cargo tanks / enclosed spaces
How to rescue injured or unconscious person from enclosed spaces
Cargo hose disconnection - Personal Safety on Chemical
Tankers Risk with noxious liquid cargo contact
Cargo handling equipments for handling noxious liquid substances in bulk
Cargo handling safe practices onboard modern chemical tankers
Product information required for various chemical cargo prior loading
Restriction on discharge of cargo residues into sea from chemical tankers
Static electricity -How they generate & required safety precautions
Main Info pages!
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Inert gas systems
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Chemical handling Safe practice
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