Carriage, Handling and Storage of Dangerous Goods along

PORTS AND TERMINALS 25
Fire and gas-detection equipment are key to maintaining the overall safety and operation of ports/
terminals. The equipment continuously monitors for abnormal situations such as fire and the release
of combustible or toxic gases within the terminal/port, providing an early warning to prevent escalation
of the incident and protect the process or environment. Fire and gas-detection equipment can detect
early warnings of explosive and health hazards, including combustible and toxic-gas releases, thermal
radiation from fires and traces of smoke. They provide audible and visual alarms to ensure that operators
and personnel are informed of potentially hazardous situations, allowing for immediate actions to
minimise escalation of safety incidents, protecting personnel, property and the environment.
References
• International Safety Guide for Inland Navigation Tank-Barges and Terminals (ISGINTT);
• NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code; and
• Handbook of Fire and Explosions Protection Engineering Principles for Oil, Gas, Chemical
and Related Facilities. 2
ACTIONS
Technical and Management
The selection and fitting of fire-detection equipment and alarm systems at a terminal or port depend
on several factors including:
• products being handled;
• size and quantity of the vessels/barges berthed per year;
• terminal throughput;
• pumping rate; and
• proximity to residential, commercial or other industrial properties.
Before installation, the advice from manufacturers and fire-safety experts should be considered,
along with a compliance check against applicable regulations.
When planning a fire detection system, detectors should be selected based on the type of fires that
can occur. The following should be taken into consideration:
• type and quantity of fuel handled;
• possible ignition sources;
• range of ambient conditions; and
• value of the property.
Fixed combustible gas sensors should be placed in areas sensitive to hydrocarbon leaks or spills (e.g.
loading arm areas, near valve manifolds and near transfer pumps) or areas that contain ignition
sources. Fixed toxic-gas sensors may be installed in supply air intakes of cargo control rooms. Fire and
gas detection equipment should be periodically tested to ensure reliable operation.
The alarm system should have the capability to automatically self test and warn of malfunctions
and to raise local audible and visual alarms and, depending on the circumstances, a general alarm.
It should indicate an alarm on a fire-control panel indicating the location of the activated sensor.
2 Noyes publications, Dennis P. Nolan, P.E., 1996