Carriage, Handling and Storage of Dangerous Goods along

Technical and Management (continued)
PORTS AND TERMINALS 47
Emergency plans should be tested at least every three years. If not practicable to test all parts of the
plan simultaneously, several tests may be conducted during the three-year period and at least one
should be a major exercise involving emergency services, adjacent facilities and nearby residents.
Institutional and Capacity Building
• Ports or terminals handling dangerous goods with the possibility of off-site effects of an
emergency that may occur at the facility should submit an appropriate emergency plan to
the relevant line agencies; and
• Emergency and firefighting equipment requirements should be according to legislation.
2.4.2 Emergency and Contingency Response Equipment/Systems
2.4.2.1 Fixed Firewater and Foam Systems
RECOMMENDATION
Member Countries should determine minimum standards for fixed fire water and foam systems to
ensure they are of sufficient capacity, well maintained and ready for immediate use.
Challenge
Some terminals where dangerous goods are stored or handled have no fixed firewater or foam
systems available or the capacity of the systems is insufficient. Fixed firewater and foam systems are
used to protect potentially exposed equipment to avoid fire escalation and to minimise fire damage.
In the event of a fire/explosion escalating to a major incident, local communities, the environment and
property are at risk.
References
• International Safety Guide for Inland Navigation Tank-Barges and Terminals (ISGINTT);
• NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code;
• NFPA, Fire Pump Handbook; and
• Handbook of Fire and Explosions Protection Engineering Principles for Oil, Gas, Chemical
and Related Facilities, Noyes Publications, Dennis P. Nolan, P.E., 1996.
ACTIONS
Technical and Management
Terminal personnel should be able to fully operate the fixed firefighting systems within the first 5
minutes following the outbreak of a fire. These systems depend on:
• type and quantity of the fixed-fire fighting system;
• terminal size and location;
• size and quantity of the vessels/barges berthed per year;
• quantities of cargo handled; and
• physical layout of the terminal.