For many flammable liquids IMDG Code, in properties and observation, states “Narcotic” or “Narcotic in high concentration”. In higher concentration petroleum products can cause narcotic effect with just 4-5 breaths. This is a very high hazard for ships’ staff entering enclosed spaces apart from possibility of explosion and fire.

Many street kids and drug addicts steal petrol from vehicles, especially two wheelers, and sniff it for getting high. Sniffing petrol and petrol related products as an inhalant abuse is done by drug addicts due to poverty. They do not have the means to get other drugs due to lack of money. By depressing the nervous system hydrocarbon causes similar effect as alcohol. Another access to narcotic effect of flammable liquid is from paint, thinner, white ink or correction fluids, vulcanizing solutions etc.

Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre in Thailand lists below as commonly used inhalant abusing substances 

• Cleaning fluids
• Correction fluids
• Degreasers
• Deodorant sprays
• Felt markers
• Gasoline
• Glue
• Hair spray
• Leather cleaners
• Lighter fuel
• Nail varnish remover
• Nitrous oxide
• Paint thinners
• Room deodorizer
• Solvents
• Spray paints
• Vegetable oil sprays
• Whipped cream aerosols

As per Australian Broadcasting Corporation, ABC, Health warning Short term effects of sniffing petrol can include:

hallucinations, aggression, increased libido, hunger, lack of coordination, staggering, disorientation, slurred speech, coughing, wheezing, vomiting, slow reflexes

The rampant usage and growing menace of children using such products for substance abuse has prompted Delhi High Court to direct the police to enforce section 77 of The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

Section 77 of the Juvenile Justice Act is for Penalty for giving intoxicating liquor or narcotic drug or psychotropic substance to a child, which states “Whoever gives, or causes to be given, to any child any intoxicating liquor or any narcotic drug or tobacco products or psychotropic substance, except on the order of a duly qualified medical practitioner, shall be punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years and shall also be liable to a fine which may extend up to one lakh rupees.”

Is shipping Container an enclosed space?

International Maritime Organization defines enclosed space as “Any space which has limited openings for entry and exit, inadequate ventilation and not designed for continuous worker occupancy is an Enclosed Space.”

Shipping containers may have oxygen depleted or oxygen enriched atmosphere or it may contain flammable, toxic or corrosive vapours or gases. How to evaluate safety before entering into a shipping containers? Click here to know more