3.2 Shoreside fumigation operations: fumigated cargo transport units
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3.2 Shoreside fumigation operations: fumigated cargo transport units

Parent topic: 3 Provisions for Fumigated Cargo Transport Units

3.2.1 Fumigated cargo transport units which have been ventilated

  3.2.1.1 It is important to ensure that cargo transport units are properly ventilated by opening the doors and allowing the gas to escape. This can be a natural process, or can be accelerated by mechanical means such as blowers or extractors. The ventilation process can take many hours or even days.

  3.2.1.2 When the cargo transport unit has been completely ventilated without unloading the cargo, the date of ventilation should be added to the fumigation warning mark in accordance with 5.5.2.3.3 of the IMDG Code. For such cargo transport units, a transport document and the instructions for disposal of any residual fumigant are not required.

  3.2.1.3 Care should be taken even after a cargo transport unit has been declared as ventilated. Gas can be held in packages of cargo, then desorbed over a long period of time, even over many days, raising the level of gas inside the cargo transport unit to above the safe exposure level. Bagged cereals and cartons with large air spaces are likely to produce this effect. Alternatively, gas and the fumigant sachets or tablets can become "trapped" at the far end of a cargo transport unit by tightly-packed cargo.

3.2.2 Cargo transport units loaded without ventilation after fumigation (fumigation in transit)

  3.2.2.1 A cargo transport unit containing cargo under fumigation should not be allowed on board until sufficient time has elapsed to allow the attainment of a reasonably uniform gas concentration throughout the cargo. Because of variations due to types and amounts of fumigants and commodities and temperature levels, the period between fumigant application and loading of the fumigated cargo transport unit on board the ship should be determined by the competent authority. Twenty-four hours is normally adequate for this purpose.

  3.2.2.2 Transport of fumigated cargo transport units which have not been ventilated before loading onto the ship shall be in accordance with the provisions of the IMDG Code for UN 3359.

  3.2.2.3 In column (17) (Properties and observations) of the Dangerous Goods list for UN 3359, the following information is given:

  • "FUMIGATED CARGO TRANSPORT UNIT" is a closed cargo transport unit containing goods or materials that either are or have been fumigated within the unit. The fumigant gases used are either poisonous or asphyxiant. The gases are usually evolved from solid or liquid preparations distributed within the unit. See also 5.5.2."

3.2.3 Marking of the cargo transport unit

  3.2.3.1 A fumigated cargo transport unit shall be marked with the warning mark, as specified in 5.5.2.3.2 of the IMDG Code. Class 9 placards shall not be affixed to the fumigated cargo transport units except as required by other class 9 substances or articles packed therein. This mark shall remain until the cargo has been unloaded. When the fumigated cargo transport unit is loaded with dangerous goods in addition to the fumigant, the cargo transport unit shall display the placards and marks relevant to these goods.

3.2.4 Documentation

  3.2.4.1 When transporting a fumigated cargo transport unit that has not been completely ventilated, the transport document, which may be in any form and which shall contain the information regarding UN 3359, shall be provided. When the fumigated cargo transport unit is loaded with dangerous goods in addition to the fumigant, the transport document relevant to these goods shall also be provided.

3.2.5 Training

  3.2.5.1 Persons engaged in the handling of fumigated cargo transport units should be trained commensurate with their responsibilities.

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