3.1 Effective use of the ventilation system
When optimizing the ventilation of a ro-ro cargo space, all appropriate options should be
considered. Such options include: different fan speeds, fan configurations and the use
of natural ventilation through hull openings. Consideration should also be given to the
relative safety and environmental conditions.
3.2 Testing of the air quality
When a new ship is put in operation, the air quality should be tested by a competent
qualified person with specialist training in occupational exposure. The tests should be
carried out in consultation with the ship's safety delegate and any other relevant
authorities. Shipowners and operators should consider testing the air quality in
conjunction with tests of the ventilation system to ensure proper maintenance and
functioning of the ventilation system. Situations which indicate the necessity to
conduct air quality monitoring include worker complaints (e.g. headache, dizziness,
stinging of the eyes or respiratory system), indications that the ventilation system
itself has deteriorated, and changes in vessel operation which are substantially
different from that for which the original ventilation system was verified.
All tests results verifying the adequacy of the ventilation system should be documented
and kept with the ship's records. Appendix 3 provides recommendations for conducting air
quality monitoring in ro-ro cargo spaces.