Ammonium Nitrate Based Fertilizer MHB
AMMONIUM NITRATE BASED FERTILIZER MHB
Schedule source MSC.539(107), Annex 9, Appendix 1, IMSBC Code Amendment 07-23 · pages 89, 90, 91, 92
Description
Crystals, granules or prills. Non-cohesive when dry. Wholly or partly soluble in water. Common products listed under this schedule are compound NPK/NK fertilizers.
Hazard
Although this cargo passes the trough test (referred to in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, part III, section 39), and hence does not fall in class 9, when carried in bulk in large quantities, it may still be subject to decomposition if strongly heated from external sources. Once initiated, decomposition might gradually spread through the remainder of the cargo, producing large volumes of toxic gases. This cargo is not subject to an explosion hazard. Fertilizer dust might be irritating to skin and mucous membranes. It is a hygroscopic cargo and will cake if wet.
Stowage and Segregation
“Separated from” sources of heat (see also Loading). Not to be stowed immediately adjacent to any tank, double bottom or pipe containing heated fuel oil, unless there are permanent means and procedures to monitor and control the temperature so that it does not exceed 50°C. Fertilizers of this type shall be stowed out of direct contact with a metal engine-room boundary. This may be done, for example, by using flame-retardant bags containing inert materials or by any equivalent arrangement approved by the competent authority of the country of origin. This requirement does not apply if the bulkhead is class A-60 or to short international voyages. The hatches of the cargo spaces, including those of ‘tween decks, shall be kept free at all times. In case of an emergency, whenever this material is on board, opening the hatches must be enabled (see 9.3.1.13 of IMSBC Code).
Hold Cleanliness
Clean and dry as relevant to the hazards of the cargo.
Weather Precautions
This cargo shall be kept as dry as practicable. This cargo shall not be handled during precipitation. During handling of this cargo, all non-working hatches of the cargo spaces into which this cargo is loaded, or is to be loaded, shall be closed.
Loading
Trim in accordance with the relevant provisions required under sections 4 and 5 of IMSBC Code. Prior to loading, the following provisions shall be complied with In order to avoid heating up of the cargo, all electrical equipment or other equipment capable of developing heat, other than that of approved safe type, in the cargo spaces to be used for this cargo, shall be electrically disconnected from the power source, by appropriate means other than a fuse, at a point external to the space. This situation shall be maintained while the cargo is on board. Due consideration shall be given to the necessity to open hatches in case of decomposition to provide maximum ventilation, release pressure and heat, and slow down the reaction. During loading, the following provisions shall be complied with Organic contamination aggravates decomposition behaviour in the presence of sources of heat, and therefore bunkering of fuel oil shall not be allowed during loading. Pumping of fuel oil in spaces adjacent to the cargo spaces for this cargo, other than the engine- room, shall not be allowed.
Precautions
“NO SMOKING” signs shall be displayed on deck whenever this cargo is on board. Smoking shall not be allowed on deck and in the cargo spaces. No welding, burning, cutting or other operations involving the use of fire, open flame, spark or arc-producing equipment shall be carried out on equipment or structures in direct contact with the fertilizer.
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