These products, in storage, release a small amount of hydrocarbon vapour; rate of release increase in elevated temperature.
The requirement of stowage on board ships is “Protected from sources of heat. When stowed under-deck, mechanical ventilation shall be in accordance with SOLAS regulation II-2/19 (II-2/54) for flammable liquids with flashpoint below 23°C c.c. and Segregation as for class 3 but “Separated from” class 1 except division 1.4S”.
UN 2211 POLYMERIC BEADS, EXPANDABLE & UN 3314 PLASTICS MOULDING COMPOUND are assigned with special provision SP 965 in IMDG Code 36-12 for preventing possible fire/explosion due to collected flammable vapour inside shipping container.
Below Table dissects SP 965 for easier understanding, further to IMDG Code requirements there may be shipping line’s own restrictions which shippers need to check with respective lines.
Requirements | Special Provision 965 |
Containershall be
a) Ventilated Container b) Open Top Container c) Or One Door Off operation
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965.1When transported in cargo transport units, the cargo transport units shall provide an adequate exchange of air in the unit (e.g., by using a ventilated container, open-top container or container in one door off operation) to prevent the build-up of an explosive atmosphere.
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Alternate Arrangement by using Reefer container Reefer shall meet provisions of 7.3.7.6 of IMDG Code (Special provisions for flammable gases or liquids having a flashpoint less than 23°C c.c. transported under temperature control)VentsWhen containers with venting devices are used al vents shall be kept clear and in operating condition. | Alternatively, these entries shall be transported under temperature control in refrigerated cargo transport units that comply with the provisions of 7.3.7.6. When cargo transport units with venting devicesare used, these devices shall be kept clear and operable. |
Mechanical Ventilation
If mechanical ventilationis used they shall be of explosion-proof electrical fittings Refer to the Recommendations published by the International Electrotechnical Commission |
When mechanical devices are used for ventilation, they shall be explosion-proof to prevent ignition of flammable vapours from the substances. |
Above not needed if a) substances packed in hermetically sealedpackagings orb) packed in IBCs conforming to PG II performance level for liquids meeting IMDG Code sections 6.1 or 6.5 and
c) hydraulic test pressure exceeds 1.5 the total gauge pressure or d) IBC determined at 55 deg C as per 4.1.1.10.1 |
965.2 The provisions of .1 do not apply if:a) the substance is packed in hermetically sealed packagings or IBCs, which conform to packing group II performance level for liquid dangerous goods according to the provisions of 6.1 or 6.5, respectively; and
b) The marked hydraulic test pressure exceeds 1.5 times the total gauge pressure in the packagings or IBCs determined at 55°C for the respective filling goods according to 4.1.1.10.1.
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Opening and entering the container Before opening the doors of the container the possibility that concentration of flammable vapours shall be considered. | 965.3Where the substanceis loaded in closed cargo transport units, the provisions of 7.3.6.1 shall be met. |
Warning Sign on Container Door(s) On the door(s) of the container a warning sign reading“CAUTION – MAY CONTAIN FLAMMABLE VAPOUR” shall be affixed
Size of Warning Sign Not less than 25 mm high
Warning sign removal – ONLY After a) Ventilating the container removing all vapour or gas b) No ignition source in the immediate vicinity of container and c) cargo is unloaded
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965.4 Cargo transport units shall be marked with a warning mark including the words “CAUTION – MAY CONTAIN FLAMMABLE VAPOUR” with lettering not less than 25 mm high.
This mark shall be affixed at each access point in a location where it will be easily seen by persons prior to opening or entering the cargo transport unit and shall remain on the cargo transport unit until the following provisions are met: a) the cargo transport unit has been completely ventilated to remove any hazardous concentration of vapour or gas; b) the immediate vicinity of the cargo transport unit there is clear of any source of ignition; and c) the goods have been unloaded. |