Safe Handling of Tank Containers - ITCO

ICHCA International Safety Panel Briefing Pamphlet No 30
6.3.2.1 As stated in paragraph 5.3.6 spill boxes are fitted with a drain tube to allow
waste material to be drained. However it is important to note that liquids
escaping from these tubes are not always dangerous. There have been a
large number of false alarms raised because operators erroneously believed
that the tank container was leaking. However on closer examination the
liquid was found to be melt or rain water.
6.3.3 Cryogenic Tanks
6.3.3.1 Cryogenic tanks do not have any refrigeration equipment but rely on the
vacuum insulation to reduce heat gain and retain the gaseous cargo in a
liquefied state. All such tanks have a maximum “holding time”, a maximum
time from filling before heat gain from ambient sources causes a pressure
rise sufficient to open the pressure relief valves. The “holding time” will
vary from tank to tank and should be made know to handlers and vessel
operators as exceeding the holding time can be dangerous.
6.3.4 Tank Container Heating
6.3.4.1 If steam heating is being undertaken, it is essential that suitable precautions
are taken to prevent anyone being scalded.
Each steam coil is designed to a specific maximum pressure.
Pressure should never be introduced into a steam coil in excess of its
maximum pressure rating as there will be a risk of frangible the steam
coil and even causing serious damage to the tank shell.
6.3.4.2 Electrically heater tank containers do not have their own power source so
that a power cable has to be plugged into an external power source.
Most tank containers have a power cable but there is no standard
length for the cable.
It may be that extension cables have to be supplied to reach the power
point. Care must be taken that these are in good condition and of the
appropriate power rating.
Most electrical systems are designed for operation from a 380 Volt
three phase supply, usually 32 amps. It is important to ensure that only
the correct voltage and amperage power source is used.
Only the correct plug and socket should be used.
7 Documentation
7.1 When goods are offered for transport, shippers have to prepare documentation
suitable for the modes of transport and the type of the cargo. The form of these
documents, the particulars to be entered on them and the obligations they
entail may be fixed by international and national conventions, legislation,
regulations and rules which apply to the different modes of transport.
7.2 As it would be impossible for this pamphlet to cover all these requirements
individuals should make themselves aware of their local legislation, statutory
instruments and regulations.
7.3 Documentation does not preclude the use of electronic data processing (EDP)
and electronic data interchange (EDI) transmission techniques as an aid to, or
in some cases in lieu of, paper documentation.
7.4 The examples shown in Annex 4 are intended to provide guidance of the detail
required.
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