The UK P&I Club has received reports of a number of accidents and injuries to crew members resulting from the inadvertent release of highly toxic phosphine gas or the effects of fires and explosions, both caused by the unsafe disposal of residues of aluminium phosphide following the fumigation of cargoes in transit.
International guidance and recommendations on fumigation on board ships is contained in MSC Circulars 1264 and 1396 and the IMSBC Code. These stress that:
- Fumigation in transit should only be carried out at the discretion of the Master
- The Master should be aware of the regulations of the Flag State of Administration having regard to fumigation in transit,
- When phosphine generating formulations (of the type with which this bulletin is concerned) are used, any collected residues may ignite.
The Ship Manager’s ISM Code should include a section dealing with fumigation.
See attached file: Disposal of Aluminium Phosphide residues following fumigation of cargoes in transit.pdf
运输途中货物熏蒸产生的磷化铝残留物的处理
本协会获悉：船舶未对在航货物熏蒸产生的磷化铝残留物进行安全处理，排放的剧毒磷化氢气体，引发了多起火灾和爆炸事故，造成船员人身损伤。
海安会(MSC)第1264号和第1396号通函以及《国际海运固体散货规则》中均载有适用于船上货物熏蒸的国际性指引和建议，其中主要强调如下几点：
- 是否在运输途中进行熏蒸由船长决定；
- 船长应知悉船旗国政府关于运输途中货物熏蒸的规定；
- 如利用磷化氢生成熏蒸剂(即：本公告所述熏蒸剂)，所有的熏蒸残留物均具可燃性。
船舶管理人的《国际船舶安全营运和防止污染管理规则》(简称”ISM规则”)应包含熏蒸方面的规定。
详细信息请参阅附件。
