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Saturday, October 13, 2012

RESIDUAL FUEL OIL GENERAL INFORMATION

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RESIDUAL FUEL OILS

NATURE OF HAZARDS

FLAMMABLE - It may produce light hydrocarbons in the tanks headspaces such that vapour may be near to or within the flammable range.
MARINE POLLUTANT- Hazardous to the marine environment.
TOXIC - The gas generated may be an irritant of the lungs and may cause asphyxia. Irritating to skin and eyes.
SCALDING - May be handled hot in excess of  60ºC/140ºF.

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

STORAGE & HANDLING TEMPERATURES: Conform to nominated temperature. Avoid excessive local heating.
FILLING & VENTING: Ensure that flame screens/traps are in good condition and that there are no sources in area surrounding the venting system. When filling/discharging empty or nearly empty tanks, ensure heating coils are shut down or heating reduced to minimum (the fuel oil contacting hot, exposed heating coils may lead to a flammable atmosphere being rapidly generated).
HEADSPACE CLASSIFICATION: All residual fuel oil tank must be considered as “hazardous” and applicable precautions taken.
HAZARD REDUCTION: Monitor the flammability of tanks headspaces regularly. If a measured value exceeds 50% of LFL, take action to reduce the vapour concentration by purging the headspace with inert gas or low pressure air, as applicable. Gases must be vented to a safe area with no ignition sources in the vicinity of the outlet. In tankers fitted with Inert Gas Systems, The tanks headspaces must be maintained in an inert condition.
ULLAGING & SAMPLING: Take all appropriate precautions to avoid the hazards associated with static electrical charges.

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