MSC.1/Circ.1264
RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE SAFE USE OF PESTICIDES IN SHIPS APPLICABLE TO THE
FUMIGATION OF CARGO HOLDS
27
May 2008
1.
The Maritime Safety Committee, at its sixty-second session (24 to 28 May 1993),
approved the Recommendations on the safe use of pesticides in ships
(MSC/Circ.612), proposed by the Sub-Committee on Containers and Cargoes at its
thirty-second session.
2.
The Maritime Safety Committee, at its eighty-fourth session (7 to 16 May 2008),
approved the Recommendations on the safe use of pesticides in ships applicable
to the fumigation of cargo holds, which apply to carriage of solid bulk cargoes
including grain in pursuance of the requirement of SOLAS regulation VI/4,
proposed by the Sub-Committee on Dangerous Goods, Solid Cargoes and Containers
at its twelfth session, set out in the annex.
3.
The Committee agreed that the Recommendations should not apply to the carriage
of fresh food produce under controlled atmosphere.
4.
Member Governments are invited to bring the Recommendations to the attention of
competent authorities, mariners, fumigators, fumigant and pesticide
manufacturers and others concerned.
5.
The present circular supersedes MSC/Circ.612, as amended by MSC/Circ.689 and
MSC/Circ.746 with regard to the fumigation of cargo holds.
Annex.
RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE SAFE USE OF PESTICIDES IN SHIPS APPLICABLE TO THE
FUMIGATION OF CARGO HOLDS
1.1
Insect and mite pests of plant and animal products may be carried into the
cargo holds with goods (introduced infestation); they may move from one kind of
product to another (cross-infestation) and may remain to attack subsequent
cargoes (residual infestation). Their control may be required to comply with
phytosanitary requirements to prevent spread of pests and for commercial
reasons to prevent infestation and contamination of, or damage to, cargoes of
human and animal food both raw and processed materials. Although fumigants may
be used to kill rodent pests, the control of rodents on board ships is dealt
with separately. In severe cases of infestation of bulk cargoes such as
cereals, excessive heating may occur.
1.2
The following sections provide guidance to shipmasters in the use of pesticides*
with a view to safety of personnel. They cover pesticides used for the control
of insect** and rodent pests in empty and loaded cargo holds.
______________
*
The word pesticide as used throughout the text means fumigants. Examples of
some commonly used pesticides are listed in appendix 1.
**
The word insect as used throughout the text includes mites.
2.1 Maintenance and
sanitation
2.1.1
Ship cargo holds, tank top ceilings and other parts of the ship should be kept
in a good state of repair to avoid infestation. Many ports of the world have
rules and by-laws dealing specifically with the maintenance of ships intended
to carry grain cargoes; for example, boards and ceilings should be completely
grain-tight.
2.1.2
Cleanliness, or good housekeeping, is as important a means of controlling pests
on a ship as it is in a home, warehouse, mill or factory. Since insect pests on
ships become established and multiply in debris, much can be done to prevent
their increase by simple, thorough cleaning. Box beams and stiffeners, for
example, become filled with debris during discharge of cargo and unless kept
clean can become a source of heavy infestation. It is important to remove
thoroughly all cargo residue from deckhead frames and longitudinal deck girders
at the time of discharge, preferably when the cargo level is suitable for
convenient cleaning. Where available, industrial vacuum cleaners are of value
for the cleaning of cargo holds and fittings.
2.1.3
The material collected during cleaning should be disposed of, or treated,
immediately so that the insects cannot escape and spread to other parts of the
ship or elsewhere. In port it may be burnt or treated with a pesticide, but in
many countries such material may only be landed under phytosanitary
supervision. If any part of the ship is being fumigated the material may be
left exposed to the gas.
2.2.1
Tank top ceiling: If, as often happens, cracks appear between the ceiling
boards, food material may be forced down into the underlying space and serve as
a focus of infestation for an indefinite period. Insects bred in this space can
readily move out to attack food cargoes and establish their progeny in them.
2.2.2
'Tween-deck centre lines, wooden feeders and bins are often left in place for
several voyages and because of their construction are a frequent source of
infestation. After unloading a grain cargo, burlap and battens covering the
narrow spaces between the planks should be removed and discarded before the
holds are cleaned or washed down. These coverings should be replaced by new
material in preparation for the next cargo.
2.2.3
Transverse beams and longitudinal deck girders which support the decks and
hatch openings may have an L-shaped angle-bar construction. Such girders
provide ledges where grain may lodge when bulk cargoes are unloaded. The ledges
are often in inaccessible places overlooked during cleaning operations.
2.2.4
Insulated bulkheads near engine-rooms: When the hold side of an engine-room
bulkhead is insulated with a wooden sheathing, the airspace and the cracks between
the boards often become filled with grain and other material. Sometimes the
airspace is filled with insulating material which may become heavily infested
and serves as a place for insect breeding. Temporary wooden bulkheads also
provide an ideal place for insect breeding, especially under moist conditions,
such as when green lumber is used.
2.2.5
Cargo battens: The crevices at the sparring cleats are ideal places for
material to lodge and for insects to hide.
2.2.6
Bilges: Insects in accumulations of food material are often found in these
spaces.
2.2.7
Electrical conduit casings: Sometimes the sheet-metal covering is damaged by
general cargo and when bulk grain is loaded later, the casings may become
completely filled. This residual grain has often been found to be heavily
infested. Casings that are damaged should be repaired immediately or, where
possible, they should be replaced with steel strapping, which can be cleaned
more easily.
2.2.8
Other places where material accumulates and where insects breed and hide
include:
The area
underneath burlap, which is used to cover limber boards and sometimes to cover
tank top ceilings.
Boxing around
pipes, especially if it is broken.
Corners, where
old cereal material is often found.
Crevices at
plate landings, frames and chocks.
Wooden coverings
of manholes or wells leading to double-bottom tanks or other places.
Cracks in the
wooden ceiling protecting the propeller shaft tunnel.
Beneath rusty
scale and old paint on the inside of hull plates.
Shifting boards.
Dunnage
material, empty bags and used separation cloths.
Inside lockers.
3. CHEMICAL CONTROL
OF INSECT INFESTATION
3.1 Methods of chemical
disinfestation
3.1.1 Types of pesticides and methods of
insect control
3.1.1.1
To avoid insect populations becoming firmly established in cargo holds and
other parts of a ship, it is necessary to use some form of chemical toxicant
for control. The materials available may be divided conveniently into two
classes: contact insecticides and fumigants. The choice of agent and method of
application depend on the type of commodity, the extent and location of the
infestation, the importance and habits of the insects found, and the climatic
and other conditions. Recommended treatments are altered or modified from time
to time in accordance with new developments.
3.1.1.2
The success of chemical treatments does not lie wholly in the pesticidal
activity of the agents used. In addition, an appreciation of the requirements
and limitations of the different available methods is required. Crew members
can carry out small-scale or "spot" treatments if they adhere to the
manufacturer's instructions and take care to cover the whole area of
infestation. However, extensive or hazardous treatments including fumigation
and spraying near human and animal food should be placed in the hands of
professional operators, who should inform the master of the identity of the
active ingredients used, the hazards involved and the precautions to be taken.
3.1.2.1
Fumigants act in a gaseous phase even though they may be applied as solid or
liquid formulations from which the gas arises. Effective and safe use requires
that the space being treated be rendered gastight for the period of exposure,
which may vary from a few hours to several days, depending on the fumigant type
and concentration used, the pests, the commodities treated and the temperature.
Additional information is provided on two of the most widely used fumigants,
Methyl bromide and Phosphine, in appendix 1.
3.1.2.2
Since fumigant gases are poisonous to humans and require special equipment and
skills in application, they should be used by specialists and not by the ship's
crew.
3.1.2.3
Evacuation of the space under gas treatment is mandatory and in some cases it
will be necessary for the whole ship to be evacuated (see 3.3.1 and 3.3.2
below).
3.1.2.4
A "fumigator-in-charge" should be designated by the fumigation
company, government agency or appropriate authority. He should be able to
provide documentation to the master proving his competence and authorization.
The master should be provided with written instructions by the
fumigator-in-charge on the type of fumigant used, the hazards to human health
involved and the precautions to be taken, and in view of the highly toxic
nature of all commonly used fumigants these should be followed carefully. Such
instructions should be written in a language readily understood by the master
or his representative.
3.2 Disinfestation of empty
cargo holds
3.2.1
An empty cargo hold may be fumigated. Examples of some commonly used pesticides
are listed in appendix 1. (For precautions before, during and after fumigation
of cargo holds see 3.3 below.)
3.3 Disinfestation of
cargoes and surrounds
3.3.1 Fumigation with aeration (ventilation)
in port
3.3.1.1
Fumigation and aeration (ventilation) of empty cargo holds should always be
carried out in port (alongside or at anchorage). Ships should not be permitted
to leave port until gas-free certification has been received from the
fumigator-in-charge.
3.3.1.2
Prior to the application of fumigants to cargo holds, the crew should be landed
and remain ashore until the ship is certified "gas-free", in writing,
by the fumigator-in-charge or other authorized person. During this period a
watchman should be posted to prevent unauthorized boarding or entry, and
warning signs should be prominently displayed at gangways and at entrances to
accommodation. A specimen of such a warning sign is given in appendix 2.
3.3.1.3
The fumigator-in-charge should be retained throughout the fumigation period and
until such time as the ship is declared gas-free.
3.3.1.4
At the end of the fumigation period the fumigator will take the necessary
action to ensure that the fumigant is dispersed. If crew members are required
to assist in such actions, for example in opening hatches, they should be
provided with adequate respiratory protection and adhere strictly to
instructions given by the fumigator-in-charge.
3.3.1.5
The fumigator-in-charge should notify the master in writing of any spaces
determined to be safe for re-occupancy by essential crew members prior to the
aeration of the ship.
3.3.1.6
In such circumstances the fumigator-in-charge should monitor, throughout the
fumigation and aeration periods, spaces to which personnel have been permitted
to return. Should the concentration in any such area exceed the occupational
exposure limit values set by the flag State regulations, crew members should be
evacuated from the area until measurements show re-occupancy to be safe.
3.3.1.7
No unauthorized persons should be allowed on board until all parts of the ship
have been determined gas-free, warning signs removed and clearance certificates
issued by the fumigator-in-charge.
3.3.1.8
Clearance certificates should only be issued when tests show that all residual
fumigant has been dispersed from empty cargo holds and adjacent working spaces
and any residual fumigant material has been removed.
3.3.1.9
Entry into a space under fumigation should never take place except in the event
of an extreme emergency. If entry is imperative the fumigator-in-charge and at
least one other person should enter, each wearing adequate protective equipment
appropriate for the fumigant used and a safety harness and lifeline. Each
lifeline should be tended by a person outside the space, who should be
similarly equipped.
3.3.1.10
If a clearance certificate cannot be issued after the fumigation of cargo in
port, the provisions of 3.3.2 should apply.
3.3.2 Fumigation continued in transit
3.3.2.1
Fumigation in transit should only be carried out at the discretion of the
master. This should be clearly understood by owners, charterers, and all other
parties involved when considering the transport of cargoes that may be
infested. Due consideration should be taken of this when assessing the options
of fumigation. The master should be aware of the regulations of the flag State
Administration with regard to in-transit fumigation. The application of the
process should be with the agreement of the port State Administration. The
process may be considered under two headings:
.1 fumigation in
which treatment is intentionally continued in a sealed space during a voyage
and in which no aeration has taken place before sailing; and
.2 in-port cargo
fumigation where some aeration is carried out before sailing, but where a
clearance certificate for the cargo hold(s) cannot be issued because of
residual gas and the cargo hold(s) has been re-sealed before sailing.
3.3.2.2 Before a decision on sailing with a fumigated cargo hold(s)
is made it should be taken into account that, due to operational conditions,
the circumstances outlined in 3.3.2.1.2 may arise unintentionally, e.g., a ship
may be required to sail at a time earlier than anticipated when the fumigation
was started. In such circumstances the potential hazards may be as great as
with a planned in-transit fumigation and all the precautions in the following
paragraphs should be observed.
3.3.2.3
Before a decision is made as to whether a fumigation treatment planned to be
commenced in port and continued at sea should be carried out, special
precautions are necessary. These include the following:
.1 at least two
members of the crew (including one officer) who have received appropriate
training (see 3.3.2.6) should be designated as the trained representatives of
the master responsible for ensuring that safe conditions in accommodation,
engine-room and other working spaces are maintained after the
fumigator-in-charge has handed over that responsibility to the master (see 3.3.2.12);
and
.2 the trained
representatives of the master should brief the crew before a fumigation takes
place and satisfy the fumigator-in-charge that this has been done.
3.3.2.4
Empty cargo holds are to be inspected and/or tested for leakage with instruments
so that proper sealing can be done before or after loading. The
fumigator-in-charge, accompanied by a trained representative of the master or a
competent person, should determine whether the cargo holds to be treated are or
can be made sufficiently gastight to prevent leakage of the fumigant to the
accommodation, engine-rooms and other working spaces in the ship. Special
attention should be paid to potential problem areas such as bilge and cargo
line systems. On completion of such inspection and/or test, the
fumigator-in-charge should supply to the master for his retention a signed
statement that the inspection and/or test has been performed, what provisions
have been made and that the cargo holds are or can be made satisfactory for
fumigation. Whenever a cargo hold is found not to be sufficiently gastight, the
fumigator-in-charge should issue a signed statement to the master and the other
parties involved.
3.3.2.5
Accommodation, engine-rooms, areas designated for use in navigation of the
ship, frequently visited working areas and stores, such as the forecastle head
spaces, adjacent to cargo holds being subject to fumigation in transit should
be treated in accordance with the provisions of 3.3.2.13. Special attention
should be paid to gas concentration safety checks in problem areas referred to
in 3.3.2.4.
3.3.2.6
The trained representatives of the master designated in 3.3.2.3 should be
provided and be familiar with:
.1 the
information in the relevant Safety Data Sheet; and
.2 the
instructions for use, e.g., on the fumigant label or package itself, such as
the recommendations of the fumigant manufacturer concerning methods of
detection of the fumigant in air, its behaviour and hazardous properties,
symptoms of poisoning, relevant first aid and special medical treatment and
emergency procedures.
3.3.2.7
The ship should carry:
.1 gas-detection
equipment and adequate fresh supplies of serv ice items for the fumigant(s)
concerned as required by 3.3.2.12, together with instructions for its use and
the occupational exposure limit values set by the flag State regulations for
safe working conditions;
.2 instructions
on disposal of residual fumigant material;
.3 at least four
sets of adequate respiratory protective equipment; and
.4 a copy of the
latest version of the Medical First Aid Guide for Use in Accidents Involving
Dangerous Goods (MFAG), including appropriate medicines and medical equipment.
3.3.2.8
The fumigator-in-charge should notify the master in writing of the spaces
containing the cargo to be fumigated and also of any other spaces that are
considered unsafe to enter during the fumigation. During the application of the
fumigant the fumigator-in-charge should ensure that the surrounding areas are
checked for safety.
3.3.2.9
If cargo holds are to be fumigated in transit:
.1 After
application of the fumigant, an initial check should be made by the
fumigator-in-charge together with trained representatives of the master for any
leak which, if detected, should be effectively sealed. When the master is
satisfied that all precautions detailed in 3.3.2.1 to 3.3.2.12 have been
fulfilled (refer to model checklist in appendix 3) then the vessel may sail.
Otherwise, provisions outlined in 3.3.2.9.2 or 3.3.2.9.3 are to be followed.
If
the provisions of 3.3.2.9.1 are not satisfied, either:
.2 After
application of fumigants, the ship should be delayed in port alongside at a
suitable berth or at anchorage for such a period as to allow the gas in the
fumigated cargo holds to reach sufficiently high concentrations to detect any
possible leakage. Special attention should be paid to those cases where
fumigants in a solid or liquid form have been applied which may require a long
period (normally from 4 to 7 days unless a recirculation or similar
distribution system is used) to reach such a high concentration that leakages
can be detected. If leakages are detected, the ship should not sail until the
source(s) of such leakages is(are) determined and eliminated. After
ascertaining that the ship is in a safe condition to sail, i.e. no gas leakages
are present, the fumigator-in-charge should furnish the master with a written
statement that:
.2.1 the gas in
the cargo hold(s) has reached sufficiently high concentrations to detect any
possible leakages;
.2.2 spaces
adjacent to the treated cargo hold(s) have been checked and found gas-free; and
.2.3 the ship's
representative is fully conversant with the use of the gas-detection equipment
provided. or:
.3 After
application of the fumigants and immediately after the sailing of the ship, the
fumigator-in-charge should remain on board for such a period as to allow the
gas in the fumigated cargo hold or spaces to reach sufficiently high
concentrations to detect any possible leakage, or until the fumigated cargo is
discharged (see 3.3.2.20), whichever is the shorter, to check and rectify any
gas leakages. Prior to his leaving the ship, he should ascertain that the ship
is in a safe condition, i.e. no gas leakages are present, and he should furnish
the master with a written statement to the effect that the provisions of
3.3.2.9.2.1, 3.3.2.9.2.2 and 3.3.2.9.2.3 have been carried out.
3.3.2.10
On application of the fumigant, the fumigator-in-charge should post warning
signs at all entrances to places notified to the master as in 3.3.2.8. These
warning signs should indicate the identity of the fumigant and the date and
time of fumigation. A specimen of such a warning sign is given in appendix 2.
3.3.2.11
At an appropriate time after application of the fumigant, the
fumigator-in-charge, accompanied by a representative of the master, should
check that accommodation, engine-rooms and other working spaces remain free of
harmful concentrations of gas.
3.3.2.12
Upon discharging his agreed responsibilities, the fumigator-in-charge should
formally hand over to the master in writing responsibility for maintaining safe
conditions in all occupied spaces. The fumigator-in-charge should ensure that
gas-detection and respiratory protection equipment carried on the ship is in
good order, and that adequate fresh supplies of consumable items are available
to allow sampling as required in 3.3.2.13.
3.3.2.13
Gas concentration safety checks at all appropriate locations, which should at
least include the spaces indicated in 3.3.2.5, should be continued throughout
the voyage at least at eight-hour intervals or more frequently if so advised by
the fumigator-in-charge. These readings should be recorded in the ship's
log-book.
3.3.2.14
Except in extreme emergency, cargo holds sealed for fumigation in transit should
never be opened at sea or entered. If entry is imperative, at least two persons
should enter, wearing adequate protection equipment and a safety harness and
lifeline tended by a person outside the space, similarly equipped with
protective, self-contained breathing apparatus.