12.1 Spaces normally entered during cargo-handling operations
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - IBC Code - International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in BulkAmended by Resolution MEPC.225(64) - Chapter 12 Mechanical ventilation in the cargo area - 12.1 Spaces normally entered during cargo-handling operations

12.1 Spaces normally entered during cargo-handling operations

  12.1.1 Cargo pump-rooms and other enclosed spaces which contain cargo-handling equipment and similar spaces in which work is performed on the cargo shall be fitted with mechanical ventilation systems, capable of being controlled from outside such spaces.

  12.1.2 Provision shall be made to ventilate such spaces prior to entering the compartment and operating the equipment and a warning notice requiring the use of such ventilation shall be placed outside the compartment.

  12.1.3 Mechanical ventilation inlets and outlets shall be arranged to ensure sufficient air movement through the space to avoid the accumulation of toxic or flammable vapours or both (taking into account their vapour densities) and to ensure sufficient oxygen to provide a safe working environment, but in no case shall the ventilation system have a capacity of less than 30 changes of air per hour, based upon the total volume of the space. For certain products, increased ventilation rates for cargo pump-rooms are prescribed in 15.17.

  12.1.4 Ventilation systems shall be permanent and shall normally be of the extraction type. Extraction from above and below the floor plates shall be possible. In rooms housing motors driving cargo pumps, the ventilation shall be of the positive-pressure type.

  12.1.5 Ventilation exhaust ducts from spaces within the cargo area shall discharge upwards in locations at least 10 m in the horizontal direction from ventilation intakes and openings to accommodation, service and machinery spaces and control stations and other spaces outside the cargo area.

  12.1.6 Ventilation intakes shall be so arranged as to minimize the possibility of recycling hazardous vapours from any ventilation discharge opening.

  12.1.7 Ventilation ducts shall not be led through accommodation, service and machinery spaces or other similar spaces.

  12.1.8 Electric motors driving fans shall be placed outside the ventilation ducts if the carriage of flammable products is intended. Ventilation fans and fan ducts, in way of fans only, for hazardous locations referred to in chapter 10 shall be of non-sparking construction, defined as:

  • .1 impellers or housing of non-metallic construction, due regard being paid to the elimination of static electricity;

  • .2 impellers and housing of non-ferrous materials;

  • .3 impellers and housing of austenitic stainless steel; and

  • .4 ferrous impellers and housing with not less than 13 mm design tip clearance.

Any combination of an aluminium or a magnesium alloy fixed or rotating component and a ferrous fixed or rotating component, regardless of tip clearance, is considered a sparking hazard and shall not be used in these places.

  12.1.9 Sufficient spare parts shall be carried for each type of fan on board required by this chapter.

  12.1.10 Protection screens of not more than 13 mm square mesh shall be fitted in outside openings of ventilation ducts.

Parent topic: Chapter 12 Mechanical ventilation in the cargo area
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