Carriage, Handling and Storage of Dangerous Goods along

94 RECOMMENDATIONS
References
• DAGOB Maritime Transport and Risks of Packaged Dangerous Goods 4:2006;
• ADN; and
• IMDG Code.
ACTIONS
Technical and Management
A dangerous goods stowage plan together with a dangerous cargo list should be onboard and ready
for immediate use in case of an emergency.
The MSDS should be available where the required emergency-response measures are fully explained.
A dangerous goods stowage plan together with a dangerous cargo list should be onboard and ready
for immediate use in case of an emergency.
The operator should make sure that the crew has all relevant information and documentation necessary
for the safe transport of the dangerous goods involved.
Institutional and Capacity Building
Authorities should implement the IMDG code or similar code to regulate the transport of packaged
dangerous goods either as general cargo or in containers.
Training programmes for crew handling this cargo should be provided in nautical colleges.
Documents relating to dangerous cargo onboard are subject to scrutiny by port officials, (PSC
inspectors) and other concerned parties. Thus any irregularities in such documentation may result in
fines, detention or other such serious implications for the vessel.
3.3.5.2 Material Safety Data Sheet
RECOMMENDATION
Ship operator should only accept dangerous goods if the correct MSDS is provided.
Challenge
The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is often not provided for the materials onboard tanker barges
(see previous section). Effective control over tanker barge cargo operations includes the combination
of trained personnel, fully equipped and well maintained tanker barges, proper management, safe
working procedures, checklists, and the necessary cargo information. Detailed and essential cargo
information can be found in the MSDS.
The MSDS is a form with data regarding the properties of a particular substance. Its purpose is to
provide personnel with procedures for handling or working with that substance in a safe manner. The
sheet includes information such as physical data, toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage,
disposal, (PPE) protective equipment and spill-handling procedures. Material Safety Data Sheets or
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) should be provided by the supplier to assist the ship’s crew in handling the
dangerous cargo. The MSDS indicates the type and probable concentrations of hazardous or toxic
components in the cargo to be loaded, especially H2S (hydrogen sulfide) and benzene as these often
occur in petroleum products.