MSC 85/26/Add.2 ANNEX 3 RESOLUTION MSC.268(85) - US Coast ...

MSC 85/26/Add.2ANNEX 3Page 157The cargo temperature and moisture shall be monitored during loading and recorded in a logdetailing the temperature and moisture for each lot of cargo loaded, a copy of which shall beprovided to the master. After loading, a certificate shall be issued by a competent personrecognized by the national Administration of the port of loading confirming that throughout thewhole consignment fines and small particles (under 6.35 mm size) are less than 5% by weight,that the moisture content has not exceeded 0.3% and the temperature does not exceed 65°C.On completion of loading of a cargo space, it shall be immediately closed and sealed. Sufficientinert gas shall then be introduced to achieve an oxygen concentration less than 5% throughout thecargo space.PRECAUTIONSDue consideration shall be given to the possibility of moisture inside the cargo pile in order toavoid loading of wet cargo or a wet part of the cargo recognizing that the bottom of the pile canbe wet even though the surface of cargo pile looks dry. The carrier’s nominated technicalpersons or other representatives shall have reasonable access to stockpiles and loadinginstallations for inspection.Prior to shipment, the cargo shall be aged for at least 3 days, or treated with an air-passivationtechnique, or another equivalent method, that reduces the reactivity to the same level as the agedproduct. Such aging process shall be approved by the competent authority that shall also providea certificate to that effect.Shippers shall provide comprehensive information on the cargo and safety procedures to befollowed in the event of emergency. This advice may be an amplification of this Code, but shallnot be contrary thereto in respect of safety.Where practicable, ballast tanks adjacent to the cargo spaces containing this cargo, other thandouble-bottom tanks, shall be kept empty. Weather tightness shall be maintained throughout thevoyage. Bilge wells of the cargo spaces shall be clean, dry and protected from ingress of thecargo using non-combustible material.Due consideration shall be given to protecting equipment, machinery and accommodation spacesfrom the dust of the cargo. Radars and exposed radio communication equipment of ships whichcarry this cargo shall be protected from the dust of this cargo. Persons who may be exposed tothe dust of the cargo shall wear protective clothing, goggles or other equivalent dusteye-protection and dust filter masks, as necessary.During any handling of this cargo “NO SMOKING” signs shall be posted on decks and in areasadjacent to cargo spaces, and no naked lights shall be permitted in these areas. Smoking,burning, cutting, chipping, grinding or other sources of ignition shall not be allowed in thevicinity of cargo spaces containing this cargo at any time.Cargo spaces containing this cargo and adjacent spaces may become oxygen-depleted.Flammable gas may also build up in these spaces. All precautions shall be taken when enteringthe cargo spaces.I:\MSC\85\26-Add-2.doc