(2) The technical standards or guidelines should be developed prior to amendments to the Convention, in general.
We are of the opinion that the specification of comprehensive fire extinguishing measures for such cargoes should be clarified prior to amendment to the Convention. After the clarification of the specification of the measures, further consideration is required in regard to the amendment to the Convention, taking the danger of carriage of such cargoes.
To clarify the method for safe carriage of such cargoes, we started an investigation. At first, we investigated the relevant IMO regulations and recommendations. The results are summarized in the next paragraph. Now we are collecting information on the properties of each material. However, it is difficult for us to collect the information on all cargoes listed in table 2 of MSC/Circ.671. Therefore, we would like to invite the member governments and related bodies to consider the issue of safe carriage of such cargoes. Furthermore, it is deemed better to invite other sub-committees, e.g., DSC or SLF, to consider the issue.
Summary of the investigation on relevant IMO regulations and recommendations for safe carriage of such cargoes
(1) Appendix B of Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes
In the table, "Y" means that it is described expressly in each entry of appendix B of the BC Code, and "N" means that it is not described expressly in the entry. It should be noted that "N" does not mean that it is not water soluble nor generating toxic gas.
It is understood that the IMO classes of the cargoes for which a fixed gas fire-extinguishing system is ineffective are 5.1 or 9.
By the EmSs for these cargoes, usage of copious quantity of water and protective clothing is recommended for fire-extinguishing.
(2) Medical first aid guide
This table can be a reference for considering the necessity of protective clothing.
(3) SOLAS II-2
Regulations for carriage of dangerous goods require that the cargo spaces for the carriage of cargoes of class 5.1 and 9 shall be fitted with water supply systems with four nozzles.
(Reg. CR. 19.2.1.1 & CR. 19.2.1.2, see table CR. 19.2)
The relation between the water supply system required by regulation CR. 19 (regulation 54) and the equivalent fire-extinguishing system required by regulation CR. 10 (regulation 53) should be clarified.
