Beside the potential danger of capsizing, the characteristics of log cargoes may also have other risk to the vessel. Recently, there have been several crew injury/death cases related to the Log Cargoes. The log cargoes are apt to decomposition whilst transportation. The decomposition of log cargoes will result in a reduction of oxygen in vicinity. We would like to draw your attention on the potential dangers of log cargoes, especially the log cargoes stowed in the cargo hold.
In one case, a ship’s officer lost consciousness while he was climbing into the ship’s hold and fell from the ladder onto the logs below. The crew member who tried to save him also passed out, fell and died. It was later discovered that the sailors were killed by a lack of oxygen and the presence of toxic gases caused by the organic decomposition of logs. The Oxygen level in the hold was, estimated to be around 1% ~ 3%, low enough to cause unconsciousness in seconds.
The above case indicated that, the crew was lacked of knowledge of the dangers of carrying logs, and improper training to deal with emergencies. The vessel was not well preparation to the logs carriage. The aforementioned situations are attributable causes to the accident.
We suggest our Clients to be cautious and carefully to the carriage of log cargoes. If clients are in any doubt, please contact us or the relevant P&I Clubs for advice.
See attached file : ALCO Circular 20110018 Cautionary on the Potential Dangers of Log Cargoes.pdf
警愓木材货物的潜在危险
木材货物的运输除了可能产生倾覆的危险外, 木材本身的特性亦有可能对船舶产生其它的危险。木材货物于运输途中容易发生腐化，木材腐化时会消耗周边的氧气。近来发生了多起与木材运输有关的船员伤亡案件。我司敬请客户注意木材货物运输的潜在危险, 尤其是当木材储放于船舱时。
其中一宗不幸的事故情况是，一名大副进入船舱当即失去知觉并由扶梯跌落至舱中的木材上，而试图营救的船员也同样失去知觉、跌倒，当场死亡。事后发现，该两名船员是由于缺氧及吸入木材腐化过程中产生的有毒气体而导致死亡的。估计当时船舱内氧气浓度介乎1％～3％之间，这种氧气浓度足以在数秒钟内使人失去知觉。
从近期的案例显示, 前述事故可归因于船员缺乏对木材货物运输风险的相关知识，同时对危机情況处理的训练不足，船舶本身亦未就木材货物运输做好相应准备等。
我们建议客户注意木材货物运输过程中可能潜在的危险。如果您有任何关于木材运输的问题，请与我司或相关保赔协会联系。
详细信息请参阅附件。
