potassium chlorate – IMDG Code Compliance Centre

Fumata Nera and Fumata Bianca in Election of Pope

The news of resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on 28^th February 2013 shook the world. This was the second resignation by a Pope after Pope Gregory XII in 1415 or call it third considering the first as Pope Celestine V relinquished responsibilities in December 1294.

The Sistine Chapel, new conclave location now ... — The Sistine Chapel, new conclave location now that the Quirinal Palace was no longer available (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The subsequent election of Pope Francis in 2013 was widely covered by news media across the globe. We all know that the Papal Conclave sealed in Sistine Chapel do the election of new pope after expelling the outsiders, done by the Master of the Papal Liturgical Celebrations calling out: “Extra omnes!” (“Everybody else, out!”).

The believers and everyone else present in St. Peters Square and those who watch the live telecast breathtakingly wait for the sign of new Pope being elected with the colour of the smoke signal.

If the papal election is not decisive the papal conclave sends out the message through black smoke (fumata nera) and when the pope is elected it is declared through white smoke (fumata bianca).

How do papal conclave produce these black and white smoke?

Black smoke (fumata nera) is produced by burning Potassium Perchlorate + Anthracene + Sulphur

White smoke (fumata bianca) is produced by burning Potassium Chlorate + Lactose + Rosin

Both Potassium Perchlorate and Potassium Chlorate are classified as oxidizing substances, Class 5.1, in dangerous goods regulations. Potassium Chlorate is assigned with United Nations identification number 1485 and Potassium Perchlorate with 1489. The entries of both these substances contain observation reading “White crystals or powder. Soluble in water. Reacts vigorously with sulphuric acid. Reacts fiercely with cyanides when heated or by friction. May form explosive mixtures with combustible material, powdered metals or ammonium compounds. These mixtures are sensitive to friction and are liable to ignite. When involved in a fire, may cause an explosion.”

TEAR GAS CANDLES

Tear gas candles are used by police and or civil defence for crowd control. These candles are articles containing a fuse and other chemicals which when activated will disperse fine chemicals which will cause extreme eye irritation and profuse tears.

A typical candle may contain Barium Chromate, Manganese Powder, Lead Chromate, Nitrocellulose, Red Iron Oxide, Titanium Powder, Zirconium Powder, Potassium Chlorate, Sugar, Magnesium Carbonate, etc.

These articles, TEAR GAS CANDLES, are classified as toxic substances with subsidiary risk flammable solids, class 6.1/4.1, by IMDG Code. See entry UN 1700.

MAN OVERBOARD MARKER

Man overboard marker is a device fitted on the outboard side of ship’s bridgewing attached to a lifebuoy. If any crew member or passenger falls overboard personal on board will quickly release the MOB marker which will fall into sea and float emitting orange smoke and flashing lights. The purpose of Man overboard marker is to mark the position of person fallen overboard for rescue operation.

MOB Marker attached to lifebuoy - photo by Sunil Unnikrishnan

SOLAS require at least one Man overboard marker to be mounted on each bridgewing. Man overboard marker (MOB) need to be attached to a lifebuoy weighing 4kg with a lanyard. When there is a man over board emergency the lifebuoy and Man overboard marker must be released. Release mechanism allows automatic and manual release.

Once released the marker will float in sea attached to the lifebuoy and produce dense orange smoke for at least 15 minutes and two lights will burn for at least 2 hours as a day and night signal.

SOLAS require MOB marker be able to be operable from a mounting height of at least 30M.

Potassium chlorate is the main ingredient in MOB marker. Chemical reaction of potassium chlorate with other ingridients inside generates the dense Orange smoke.

When MOB marker is transported by sea as a cargo same must be consigned as per IMDG Code regulations as it falls under classification criteria of explosives. Some of the MOB markers are classified as UN 0507 Class 1.4S or UN 0197 Class 1.4G.

However MOB markers fitted on board vessels and in its store as part of life saving appliances do not fall under the purview of IMDG Code as Regulation 2 of SOLAS Chapter VII Part A (Carriage of Dangerous Goods in Packaged Form) states the provisions of this part do not apply to ships’ stores and equipment.

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