Carriage, Handling and Storage of Dangerous Goods along

66 RECOMMENDATIONS
3.3.1.4 Cargo Handling Equipment
Target group: Tanker barges
RECOMMENDATION
Member Countries should establish minimum technical standards for cargo-handling equipment
including cargo pipes, hoses and valves.
Challenge
There is no system in place for inspecting and maintaining the cargo pump in the pump room and
the cargo pump on the deck. There is no evidence of a preventive maintenance schedule onboard the
vessel for this equipment. There are also no procedures or checklists available to crewmembers that
can be completed prior to commencing loading/discharging operation. Maintenance and operational
procedures are considered a high priority. Failure to maintain cargo pump and associated equipment
will increase the risks of an incident occurring.
Under cargo handling equipment, the following important items are considered:
• pump room;
• cargo pump;
• cargo hoses and pipes,
• cargo valves;
• drip trays;
• spill belt;
• tank-measurement device and tank-capacity alarm;
• emergency shutdown system; and
• gas detection.
This equipment requires close attention as the proper and adequate use greatly reduces the risk of fire,
explosion and pollution.
Pump Room and Cargo Pumps
A pump room has a large concentration of cargo pipelines and connections between pipes and cargo
valves and is the place where leaks are likely to occur. It has the potential to be a highly dangerous place
onboard that should be monitored closely. Leakage of a volatile product from any part of the system
could lead to rapid generation of a flammable or toxic atmosphere. It contains a number of potential
ignition sources which are only under control if structured maintenance, inspection and monitoring
procedures are followed. Because of their location, design and the operational need to be routinely
entered by personnel, pump rooms are spaces that present a particular hazard and necessitate special
precautions to prevent fire, explosion and fatal injuries. Cargo pumps in pump rooms and on deck
should be checked for leaks prior to any cargo operation to avoid fire or explosion and pollution.
Cargo Hoses and Pipes
The cargo and bunker hoses, pipelines and manifolds of barges are often in poor condition, not
properly rigged and not appropriate for the service intended. This condition can easily cause important
and repeating spills with high risk of fire or explosion and pollution.