Wood Pellets Not Containing Any Additives And/Or Binders
WOOD PELLETS NOT CONTAINING ANY ADDITIVES AND/OR BINDERS
Schedule source MSC.539(107), Annex 9, Appendix 1, IMSBC Code Amendment 07-23 · pages 462, 463
Description
The wood pellets covered by this schedule are those not containing any additives and/or binders. These wood pellets are light blond to dark brown in colour; very hard and cannot be easily squashed; have a typical specific density between 1,100 to 1,700 kg/m3. The wood pellets are made of sawdust, planer shavings and other wood waste such as bark coming out of the lumber manufacturing processes. The raw material is fragmented, dried and extruded into pellet form. The raw material is compressed to approximately one-third of its original volume. The finished wood pellets typically have a moisture content of 4% to 8%. Wood pellets are used as a fuel in district heating and electrical power generation as well as a fuel for small space heaters such as stoves and fireplaces. Wood pellets are also used as animal bedding due to the absorption characteristics. Such wood pellets typically have a moisture content of 8% to 10%. For wood pellets containing additives and/or binders see separate schedule.
Hazard
Shipments are subject to oxidation leading to depletion of oxygen and increase of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide in cargo and communicating spaces (also see Weather precautions). Swelling if exposed to moisture. Wood pellets may ferment over time if moisture content is over 15%, leading to generation of asphyxiating and flammable gases but gas concentrations do not reach flammable levels. This cargo has a low fire risk. Handling of wood pellets may cause dust to develop. Risk of explosion at high dust concentration.
Stowage and Segregation
Segregate as for class 4.1 materials.
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 to be loaded, shall be closed. There is a high risk of renewed oxygen depletion and carbon monoxide formation in previously ventilated adjacent spaces after closure of the hatch covers.
Loading
Trim in accordance with the relevant provisions required under sections 4 and 5 of IMSBC Code.
Precautions
Entry of personnel into cargo and adjacent confined spaces shall not be permitted until tests have been carried out and it has been established that the oxygen content and carbon monoxide levels have been restored to the following levels: oxygen 21% and carbon monoxide < 100 ppm.* If these conditions are not met, additional ventilation shall be applied to the cargo hold or adjacent confined spaces and re-measuring shall be conducted after a suitable interval. An oxygen and carbon monoxide meter shall be worn and activated by all crew when entering cargo and adjacent enclosed spaces.
Ventilation
Ventilation of enclosed spaces adjacent to a cargo hold before entry may be necessary even if these spaces are apparently sealed from the cargo hold.
Carriage
No special requirements.
Discharge
No special requirements.
Clean-up
No special requirements.
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