1 Be prepared
1.1 Preventing a fire from occurring is the most important part of a
shipboard safety programme. However, once a fire has started, a well trained crew is
the best defence for bringing the fire under control. Given the complexity of
extinguishing a fire involving dangerous goods, it is essential that the advice in
this Guide be incorporated into the ship’s training regime so that the crew will be
able to respond to a fire casualty in a timely and effective manner.
1.2 This Guide should be integrated into a safety management system
(SMS). Procedures contained in the shipboard emergency plan should be tailored to
the individual ship.
1.3 The firefighting procedures within the EmS SCHEDULES are different
for “on deck” and “under deck” stowage. For specific ship types (e.g. hatchless
containerships) or cargo holds (e.g. open vehicle decks of ferries), these two
procedures have to be assigned specifically to the individual ship.
1.4 Given the toxic nature of some of the dangerous goods involved,
accommodation spaces should be protected from fire and smoke as far as possible
(e.g. water spray). Therefore, the ventilation systems for working and living spaces
should be shut off, closed and secured to reduce the possibility of vapours, dusts
and gases penetrating these spaces. In some instances, it may be necessary to turn
the ship’s accommodation spaces upwind, if possible.
1.5 The safety of firefighting personnel is most important. Use of
appropriate protective clothing (i.e. a firefighter’s outfit when dealing with a
fire) and self-contained breathing apparatus, to protect skin and lungs from toxic
and/or corrosive liquids, vapours, dusts and gases, is essential. This equipment
should be suitable for each individual member of the firefighting team, as working
with such equipment requires a high level of fitness and training. It should be kept
in mind that even a weak acute illness may interfere with a crew member’s fitness.
In addition, pregnant crew members should not be exposed to dangerous vapours.
1.6 It is also essential to ensure that there is always an escape route
for firefighting personnel despite the limitations due to narrow exit paths and the
danger of falling overboard.
2 Identification of the dangerous good(s) involved
2.1 It is essential to identify the dangerous good(s) involved in the
fire in order that the specific EmS FIRE SCHEDULE(S) for the cargo(es) may be
consulted and appropriate action taken. This is important because some dangerous
goods are incompatible with some firefighting media and could exacerbate the
situation (e.g. use of a water-based extinguishing medium on water-reactive
cargoes).
2.2 An identification number with four digits preceded by the letters
“UN” is assigned to all dangerous goods. From the UN Number, it is possible to find
the appropriate EmS FIRE SCHEDULE. The Dangerous Goods List in part 3, chapter 3.2,
of the IMDG Code contains the names and the UN numbers, as well as the EmS SCHEDULE
NUMBERS. The special Dangerous Goods Manifest and the detailed Stowage Plan required
by SOLAS regulation VII/4.2 will also contain the proper shipping name and UN
number of the dangerous good(s) concerned. Packages will usually be labelled as
well.
2.3 Specific information as to properties of dangerous goods may also be
found in the Dangerous Goods List in the IMDG Code. Dangerous goods are classified
and labelled according to their hazards. Labels and marks on packages provide a
warning of the general risks to be encountered. Personnel should understand the
labelling system.
2.4 Emergency preparedness should form part of the ship’s Safety
Management System as required by the ISM
Code. Prepared information can reduce errors during a fire emergency.
Therefore, it is recommended that the EmS SCHEDULE(S) be identified and included on
the Dangerous Goods Manifest and Stowage Plan recording the stowage position of the
cargo. That will enable key members of the crew to know in advance which emergency
procedures could be necessary. In the event of a fire, the allocation of a specific
EmS FIRE SCHEDULE via identification of cargo via the UN number takes time and is
open to error, especially in mixed cargoes in one container. Furthermore, some
firefighting procedures may require specific media and operations could be affected
by the stowage location of such media. The advice given in the EmS FIRE SCHEDULE
should be directly usable based on the stowage information, without time-consuming
identification and location of the cargo involved.
3 Cool and suffocate
3.1 In general, fires require heat (energy) and oxygen to start burning.
Only a limited number of chemicals do not need oxygen from the air. Therefore, the
aim of firefighting is to exclude oxygen and to cool the cargo(es). On board ship,
this is generally carried out by using water spray or gas extinguishing systems.
3.2 Some burning cargoes will need special firefighting media (like dry
inert material) to suffocate the fire. In such circumstances, normal firefighting
procedures are often impracticable, and concentrating on cooling nearby cargo and
ship structures is recommended in such cases.
3.3 Firefighters should be made aware of the hazards of opening doors of
an over-heated space or freight container which is suspected of containing cargo on
fire. There may be a lack of oxygen inside and fresh air from outside the space may
instantly start a fire, and cause a flashback that could injure the firefighters.
Cool down the container first!
4 Seek advice
4.1 Expert advice should be sought irrespective of how insignificant the
fire may seem to be when dealing with dangerous goods fires. Such advice could be
given by:
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.1 ship operating companies (e.g. designated persons);
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.2 emergency information centres (such as CHEMTREC in the
USA);
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.3 specialized agencies;
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.4 professional responders;
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.5 port State authorities;
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.6 coastguard;
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.7 fire brigades; and
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.8 manufacturers of the products.
5 Evacuation
Within some EmS FIRE SCHEDULES the phrase “Sudden or short-term events
(e.g. explosions) may endanger the safety of the ship” or the phrase “The danger of
uncontrolled spread of fire should be considered” has been introduced. Depending on
the type of ship and on the volume of dangerous goods allocated to this specific
FIRE SCHEDULE, it may be necessary to consider abandoning the ship at an early
stage. In this case, the master should be aware of the hazard and should decide
whether the ship requires assistance.
6 Firefighting media
6.1 Water
6.1.1 Water is the obvious firefighting medium at sea and is recommended
for most fires involving dangerous goods. However, it should be noted that
shore-based firefighters may use a different medium.
6.1.2 When water is applied to a burning cargo, the temperature is
reduced and the fire will be extinguished when the temperature drops below the
ignition point. However, water is not suitable to extinguish all fires involving
dangerous goods. Different firefighting media should be used if so indicated on the
specific EmS FIRE SCHEDULE.
6.1.3 If the fire is under deck, consideration should be given to the
stability of the ship when flooding the hold with water.
6.1.4 Some dangerous goods will react chemically with water, producing
flammable and/or toxic gases. The most effective way to extinguish a fire involving
these dangerous goods is to smother them with a dry inert powdered material.
However, the availability of suitable inert material on board is limited. It may
also be dangerous to approach the fire in order to use inert material properly.
Consequently, the most appropriate method of extinguishing the fire may be to use
copious quantities of water. This would have an overall cooling effect on the fire
even though the water may react with the dangerous goods involved.
6.1.5 Ships are equipped with a number of dual-purpose spray/jet nozzles
as required by SOLAS. Most EmS FIRE SCHEDULES recommend that the nozzles be
set to spray when used to fight fires. Water spray may also be achieved by using
water jets from some distance. This method of producing water spray is generally
recommended. However, it is dangerous to direct a water jet onto the fire at close
range because this could result in the spread of burning material.
6.1.6 The term “copious quantities of water” used within the EmS FIRE
SCHEDULES refers to the minimum total quantities of water provided for optimal
firefighting using four jets of water, as required by SOLAS regulation II-2/10. The master and crew should know the practical
limitations that may be encountered at specific stowage locations in this
respect.
6.1.7 Following the advice “use copious quantities of water” or “water
spray from as many hoses as possible” may interfere with the safety of the ship with
regard to the ship’s stability. Stress forces on the hull due to increased
quantities of water in the ship should be considered.
6.2 Fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems
6.2.1 If a fixed gas fire-extinguishing system is used for incidents
under deck, all hatches and vent dampers should be closed and ventilation shut off
before the system is activated. If smoke is seen coming from around the hatches, the
leaks should be sealed with any suitable material available.
6.2.2 The majority of the fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems use carbon
dioxide (CO2), but some use nitrogen (N2) as the extinguishing
medium. The instructions on board should be followed. The fire control plan will
sometimes specify a given volume of gas to be applied to a given space. No advantage
will be gained by exceeding this volume of gas where burning dangerous goods are
involved.
6.2.3 It is important to realise that it will take an appreciable time
for the space to cool after the fire has been extinguished. Therefore it would be
extremely dangerous to reopen the hatches since the extinguishing gas would escape
and air would enter the space again, thus allowing the fire to reignite. The ship’s
on-board instructions for such cases should be followed.
6.2.4 Fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems are not effective against all
fires. EmS FIRE SCHEDULES may contain specific information in this regard.
6.3 Fixed pressure water spraying systems
6.3.1 In some ships (e.g. ro-ro ships and car ferries), some cargo spaces
may be fitted with a water drencher or spray system instead of a fixed gas
fire-extinguishing system. There will be instructions on board which should be
followed.
6.3.2 A closed cargo space should be ventilated to clear it of smoke and
toxic gases after the fire has been extinguished and the space has cooled. The
ventilation equipment should be of a certified safe type for smoke removal. Evidence
that the space is cooling down can be obtained by monitoring adjacent bulkheads and
decks. Thereafter, a firefighting team should look for any small remaining fires and
inspect the surrounding cargo. After the fire has been extinguished, the cargo
should be kept under surveillance until its normal temperature is reached.
6.4 Foam
In general, foam is an effective firefighting medium for fires involving
flammable liquids. The foam forms a layer on the liquid thereby excluding oxygen and
reducing heat. However, it is less effective on solid substances on fire. Most foams
contain water and should not be used on fires where the use of water is restricted
because of adverse chemical reaction.
6.5 Dry chemicals
Dry chemicals may be an effective extinguishing medium for fires
involving water-reactive substances and metals. The dry chemical should not react
with the dangerous goods involved in the fire. Some dangerous goods require a
specific dry chemical to extinguish a fire.
7 Dangerous goods exposed to fire
7.1 Rupture and cooling
7.1.1 Where possible, packages should be removed from the vicinity of
the fire. In general, heated material will expand, thus needing more volume and
creating pressure in the package. This will affect the integrity of the package
which could lead to rupture and dispersal of the contents. Effective cooling can
lower the possibility of rupture.
7.1.2 Where there is a danger that heat will have already started to
cause a chemical or physical change to the dangerous substance, packages should not
be moved. Care should always be exercised, for example, with those substances liable
to polymerize, as this reaction may continue for a long time after the removal of
the heat source. Provided no discharge or pumping overboard problem arises, cooling
should continue for many hours after the fire has been extinguished. After heat
evolution has ceased, cooling with water may be stopped. A careful watch should be
kept on the stability of the ship.
7.1.3 The EmS FIRE SCHEDULES advise that a number of dangerous goods
should be removed or jettisoned if there is a likelihood of their involvement in a
fire. However, where full or nearly full cargo transport units are involved, such
guidance may be impractical. In that case, the advice should be taken to indicate
that the goods are particularly dangerous. Personnel on board should fight the fire
and cool nearby cargo as far as possible. It should be borne in mind that some
heated dangerous goods may have already damaged the packaging or may explode during
handling. Consequently, moving or jettisoning burning cargo should only be attempted
with utmost caution.
7.2 Spillage
7.2.1 It should be remembered that leakage of dangerous goods can be
very dangerous for the crew and for the ship. Fire and explosion can rupture nearby
packages or tanks, creating a spillage.
7.2.2 If a leak is discovered, the hazards associated with that leak
should be ascertained immediately. In cases involving leaks of flammable liquids or
flammable gases (class 3 and class 2.1 labels respectively), the crew should
withdraw to a well-protected position. Air-vapour and air-gas mixtures are liable to
explode and such an explosion may injure crew members and damage the ship.
7.2.3 Many toxic gases are odourless and colourless. A number of liquids
will produce toxic vapours if exposed to heat. In an emergency, the ship should be
manoeuvred to keep the bridge, living quarters and crew upwind as far as
possible.
7.2.4 The EmS SPILLAGE SCHEDULES should be consulted when dealing with a
leakage.
8 Personal protection
8.1 Ship’s personnel
8.1.1 Many vapours and gases of dangerous goods produced by a fire are
hazardous to health. In the case of fire, the use of a firefighter’s outfit and
self-contained breathing apparatus is essential. Only trained personnel should use
this equipment, which should be well maintained. Particular attention should be
given to ensuring that toxic vapours or fumes do not penetrate occupied areas of the
ship (e.g. bridge, living quarters, machinery spaces, working areas, etc.).
8.1.2 According to the ship’s fire emergency plan, ventilation systems
to living and working spaces should be shut off, closed and secured to reduce the
possibility of vapours, dusts, and gases from penetrating these areas.
8.2 Firefighting team
8.2.1 Chapter II-2 of SOLAS requires firefighter’s outfits, full chemical
protective suits and self-contained breathing apparatus to be readily available on
board. Masters are reminded that personnel will need regular training in the use of
self-contained breathing apparatus and that special attention should be given to
ensure that face masks fit satisfactorily at all times.
8.2.2 Self-contained breathing apparatus is essential for firefighting
because dangerous goods on fire produce various substances hazardous to health.
Handling water jets from some distance or cooling of heated cargo may not require
the use of self-contained breathing apparatus. However, decisions not to use
self-contained breathing apparatus should be undertaken carefully and on a
case-by-case basis.
8.2.3 Firefighting outfits offer only limited protection from dangerous
goods. Firefighting outfits are not chemical suits. Chemical protective clothing is
designed to protect against specific properties of chemicals. In general, there will
be no such thing as a single type chemical protective suit on board. Therefore,
contact with dangerous goods should be avoided. Chemical protective clothing is not
resistant to fire or heat.
9 First aid and actions after termination of firefighting
9.1 Any contamination with hazardous material should be immediately
removed from the skin and then washed, for example with copious quantities of water.
Information on medical first aid is provided in the IMO/WHO/ ILO Medical First
Aid Guide for Use in Accidents Involving Dangerous Goods (MFAG) published by
IMO. Be prepared to use the MFAG!
9.2 Cargo may re-ignite after a fire has been extinguished. An efficient
patrol should be maintained in the spaces in which the fire occurred and in any
adjoining spaces to ensure that any new ignition or leakages are dealt with
promptly. Fire-extinguishing systems should remain on stand-by. Post a fire
watch.
9.3 After extinguishing the fire, all emergency team personnel should
ensure that all contamination of equipment and protective clothing is removed and
washed immediately. Equipment should be restored and re-stowed for use.
9.4 There are reporting procedures under SOLAS
and MARPOL which have to be followed (see Reporting procedures).
10 Special notes on classes of dangerous goods
10.1 Explosives – class 1
10.1.1 In the event of a fire, everything should be done to prevent the
spread of the fire to containers which contain class 1 goods. If it is not possible
to prevent the spread of the fire, all personnel should immediately withdraw from
the area.
10.1.2 Many explosives will burn to the point of an explosion. The
master’s main concern will be whether or not there is likely to be a mass explosion.
Such an explosion could damage the ship. If goods of division 1.1 or division 1.5
are involved, this likelihood will exist. The time between fire reaching the
explosives and the subsequent mass explosion will be of the order of a few seconds
to minutes. The master should ascertain how large a quantity of such explosives is
involved. A few kilograms are unlikely to sink the ship, but above this a clear risk
to the safety of the crew and the stability of the ship should be considered. Sudden
or short- term events may endanger the safety of the ship.
10.1.3 Explosives of divisions 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, and 1.6 are unlikely to
explode en masse. Irrespective of the division of the explosives, any
firefighting should take place from behind substantial cover. If the risk to
firefighters is too high, hoses could be lashed to the rail or other suitable
fixtures and left unmanned.
10.1.4 Neither exclusion of air nor the use of smothering material is
likely to be effective against a fire involving explosives. The use of the largest
possible quantity of water in the shortest possible time is the only means of
attempting to prevent a rise in temperature that could affect the chemical stability
of the explosives.
10.1.5 Some dangerous goods of this class have been wetted or immersed
in water. As they dry, they become unstable. The master should seek advice (see
section 4 above).
10.2 Gases – class 2
10.2.1 Gases are substances usually transported in cylinders, flasks,
portable tanks, aerosol dispensers and bottles under varying degrees of pressure.
The gases may be flammable, toxic or corrosive and may be compressed, liquefied or
refrigerated.
10.2.2 Gases will not start burning at the valve, unless there has been
an ignition source nearby (e.g. fire or heat). The location of the burning gas needs
to be identified because it may be the heart of the fire. The heating of the
receptacle is the most serious danger because of the possibility of rupture,
rocketing or explosion. In the event of a fire, receptacles containing gas should be
liberally sprayed with water to keep them as cool as possible.
10.2.3 Non-burning leakages from receptacles of flammable gases may give
rise to explosive mixtures in air. If a fire caused by the ignition of leaking gas
is extinguished within a cargo space before the leak is stopped, accumulation of gas
will occur. This will result in an explosive mixture or a toxic or suffocating
atmosphere. The EmS SPILLAGE SCHEDULES should be consulted.
10.2.4 Extremely low temperatures around leakages of some liquefied
gases are an additional hazard (other than flammability and toxicity). Emergency
teams should avoid contact with such leakages and the immediate vicinity.
10.3 Flammable liquids – class 3
10.3.1 It is dangerous to direct a jet of water onto a fire involving
flammable liquids. Many flammable liquids float on water and the water jet would
spread the liquid, thus creating a greater danger. Closed containers exposed to fire
will become pressurized and a rupture will occur.
10.3.2 Heated flammable liquid will release vapours that may start
burning instantly with explosive effect. Consequently, firefighting personnel should
stay in a well-protected position and use water spray on the area of the fire. This
will cool down the temperature of the liquid and the air-vapour mixture
10.4 Flammable solids, self-reactive substances, solid desensitized
explosives and polymerizing substances – class 4.1
10.4.1 This class of substances includes flammable solids, water-wetted
explosives (i.e. desensitized explosives) and self-reactive substances.
10.4.2 Flammable solids will easily ignite, and the appropriate EmS FIRE
SCHEDULE should be consulted. In the event of a fire, water-wetted explosives (i.e.
desensitized explosives) will effectively have the properties of a class 1 product.
The special notes on class 1 explosives (see 10.1) and the relevant EmS FIRE
SCHEDULES should be consulted.
10.4.3 Self-reactive substances are sometimes transported under
temperature controlled conditions where the control temperature will depend upon the
specific properties of the substance being transported. If the control temperature
is exceeded, the refrigeration unit has to be inspected. If the temperature control
cannot be restored, the manufacturer should be consulted as soon as possible. The
manufacturer should be similarly consulted if smoke is observed. The cargo should
then be kept under surveillance.
10.5 Substances liable to spontaneous combustion – class 4.2
10.5.1 This class of substances includes pyrophoric substances, which
will instantly burn on contact with air, and self-heating substances, which lead to
spontaneous combustion.
10.5.2 Although the use of dry inert powdered material to smother the
fire would be the preferred option, in most circumstances such a procedure may not
be possible. Two methods of dealing with such fires are possible:
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.1 controlled burning: stay in a well-protected position. Let the
goods burn. Many goods of this class react dangerously with water: refer to
the relevant EmS FIRE SCHEDULE. In such cases, contact with water may
intensify burning. Therefore, it is not recommended to apply water directly
on the burning goods. When portable water monitors providing water shield
function are available: generate a water screen to prevent spread of fire.
The fire involving the goods should be left to burn out completely. If the
fire has already spread to the adjacent cargo which is not reacting with
water (see relevant EmS FIRE SCHEDULE): fight this fire from a safe
distance;
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.2 fight the fire from a safe distance: if the location of the
fire makes it possible, copious quantities of water should be used
immediately. Although the goods on fire will react with water and create
heat, a large quantity of water will cool down the reaction and prevent
further heat radiation. However, water should not be used when the location
of the fire makes it impossible to apply copious amounts of water directly
onto the goods. Refer to the relevant EmS FIRE SCHEDULE.
10.6 Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases –
class 4.3
10.6.1 This class of substances reacts violently with water, evolving
flammable gases. The heat of the reaction is sometimes sufficient to initiate a
fire.
10.6.2 Although the use of dry inert powdered material to smother the
fire would be the preferred option, in most circumstances such a procedure may not
be possible. Two methods of dealing with such fires are possible:
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.1 controlled burning: stay in a well-protected position. Let the
goods burn. All goods of this class react dangerously with water: refer to
the relevant EmS FIRE SCHEDULE. Contact with water will intensify burning.
Therefore, it is not recommended to apply water directly on the burning
goods. When portable water monitors providing water shield function are
available: generate water screen to prevent spread of fire. The fire
involving the goods should be left to burn out completely. If the fire has
already spread to adjacent cargo which is not reacting with water (see
relevant EmS FIRE SCHEDULE): fight this fire from a safe distance;
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.2 fight the fire from a safe distance: refer to the relevant EmS
FIRE SCHEDULE, since it is possible that firefighting with water may
intensify the fire and generate the evolution of flammable gases which could
explode in mixtures with air.
10.7 Oxidizing substances – class 5.1
10.7.1 This class of substances is liable to evolve oxygen and therefore
to accelerate a fire. These substances, while in themselves not necessarily
combustible, may cause the combustion of other material (e.g. sawdust or paper) or
contribute to the fire, leading to an explosion.
10.7.2 Fires in which these substances are present are difficult to
extinguish, because the ship’s firefighting installation may not be effective.
Everything possible should be done to prevent the spread of fire to containers
containing these dangerous goods. However, if fire reaches the cargo, personnel
should be withdrawn immediately to a well-protected position.
10.8 Organic peroxides – class 5.2
10.8.1 This class of substances is liable to burn vigorously. Some
substances have a low decomposition temperature and are transported under
temperature controlled conditions, where the control temperature will depend upon
the specific properties of the substance being transported.
10.8.2 If the temperature control cannot be restored, the manufacturer
should be consulted as soon as possible even if evolution of smoke has ceased. The
cargo should then be kept under surveillance. The surrounding area should be kept
isolated because liquid may be ejected from relief arrangements.
10.9 Toxic substances – class 6.1
Substances of this class are poisonous by contact or inhalation, and the
use of self-contained breathing apparatus and firefighters’ outfits is therefore
essential.
10.10 Infectious substances – class 6.2
These are substances which are known or reasonably expected to contain
pathogens (i.e. microorganisms that are known or reasonably expected to cause
infectious disease in humans or animals). Pathogens may survive the fire and
self-contained breathing apparatus should therefore be used.
10.11 Radioactive material – class 7
10.11.1 Many radioactive materials are transported in packages designed
to retain their containment and shielding in accidents. However, under extreme fire
conditions, failure of containment or loss of shielding or criticality safety could
result in significant hazard to personnel. Long-term exposure of any class 7 package
to extreme heat should be avoided and in emergencies they should be kept as cool as
possible using copious quantities of water. If a packaging of radioactive material
has been exposed to any significant fire, expert advice should be sought. Suspected
contamination of safety and firefighting equipment should be removed as quickly as
possible.
10.11.2 Some packages may have a class 7 label and other hazard labels.
Such additional hazards may be greater than the radiation hazard. In that case,
actions as specified in the applicable EmS FIRE SCHEDULE should be followed.
10.11.3 Although radiation monitors are not required by regulation on
board ships, applicable relevant provisions on segregation, separation or radiation
protection programmes (e.g. section 1.5.2 and paragraph 7.1.4.5.18 of the IMDG Code)
or the INF
Code may require monitors on board. For ships carrying radiation
monitoring equipment, monitoring of radiation levels is recommended.
10.12 Corrosive substances – class 8
These substances are extremely dangerous to humans, and many may cause
destruction of safety equipment. Burning cargo of this class will produce highly
corrosive vapours. Consequently, wearing selfcontained breathing apparatus is
essential.
10.13 Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles and
environmentally hazardous substances – class 9
This class includes those substances, materials and articles which are
deemed to possess some danger, but which are not classified within the criteria of
classes 1 to 8. No general guidelines are applicable to these goods. They have been
allocated to the relevant EmS FIRE SCHEDULE according to their hazards in the event
of a fire.
10.14 Marine pollutants
10.14.1 A number of substances within all of the above classes have also
been designated as marine pollutants. Packages containing these substances will bear
a marine pollutant mark.
10.14.2 In the case of leakage resulting from burning cargo, it is
important to be aware that any spillage of a marine pollutant which is washed
overboard will pollute the sea. It is, however, more important to fight a fire on
board a ship rather than to prevent pollution of the sea.