Peat Moss
PEAT MOSS
Schedule source MSC.539(107), Annex 9, Appendix 1, IMSBC Code Amendment 07-23 · pages 341, 342
Description
Surface mined from mires, bogs, fens, muskeg and swamps. Types include moss peat, sedge peat and grass peat. Physical properties depend on organic matter, water and air content, botanical decomposition and degree of decomposition. May range from a highly fibrous cohesive mass of plant remains which, when squeezed in its natural state, exudes clear to slightly coloured water, to a well decomposed, largely amorphous material with little or no separation of liquid from solids when squeezed. Typically air-dried peat has low density, high compressibility and high water content; in its natural state it can hold 90 percent or more of water by weight of water when saturated.
Hazard
This cargo may liquefy if shipped at a moisture content in excess of its transportable moisture limit (TML). See sections 7 and 8 of IMSBC Code. Oxygen depletion and an increase in carbon dioxide in cargo and adjacent spaces. Risk of dust explosion when loading. Caution should be exercised when walking or landing heavy machinery on the surface of uncompressed peat moss. Dust may cause eye, nose and respiratory irritation. This cargo is non-combustible or has a low fire risk.
Stowage and Segregation
No special requirements.
Hold Cleanliness
Clean and dry as relevant to the hazards of the cargo.
Weather Precautions
Prior to loading, this cargo shall be stockpiled under cover to effect drainage for reduction of moisture content. 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 to be loaded, shall be closed.
Loading
Trim in accordance with the relevant provisions required under sections 4 and 5 of IMSBC Code. Peat moss having a moisture content of more than 80% by weight shall only be carried on a ship complying with the requirements in 7.3.2 of IMSBC Code.
Precautions
Bilge wells shall be clean, dry and covered as appropriate, to prevent ingress of the cargo. Appropriate precautions shall be taken to protect machinery and accommodation spaces from the dust of the cargo. Bilge wells of the cargo spaces shall be protected from ingress of the cargo. Due consideration shall be given to protect equipment from the dust of the cargo. Persons who may be exposed to the dust of the cargo shall wear goggles or other equivalent dust eye-protection and dust filter masks. Those persons shall wear protective clothing, as necessary. All personnel of the ship carrying this cargo and all personnel involved in handling of this cargo shall be cautioned that washing hands before eating or smoking and prompt treatment of cuts and scrapes are necessary in case of contact with this cargo or its dust. Entry of personnel into cargo spaces shall not be permitted until tests have been carried out and it has been established that the oxygen content has been restored to a normal level.*
Ventilation
Surface ventilation only, either natural or mechanical, shall be conducted, as necessary, during the voyage for this cargo.
Carriage
No special requirements.
Discharge
No special requirements.
Clean-up
No special requirements.
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