Page 30 - Towards better compaction v0.5

Towards Better Compaction

Oxidation

Oxidation can occur in some shipments of chips resulting in a depletion of oxygen and increase in
carbon dioxide in the cargo hold and adjacent spaces (including stairways). Oxidation is a result of
microbiological action and can be present as soon as 36 hours after initial loading. Exposure to
heightened levels of carbon dioxide or depleted oxygen levels (especially in confined spaces) can
result in unconsciousness and death.

Case Study
Two crew members from the wood chip carrier ‘Green World’” died in the Indonesian port of Merak
(01/02/2019) after losing consciousness following the opening of a hold hatch.

Engulfment and entrapment

Engulfment occurs when someone is partially or fully enveloped by soil, woodchips or other
materials. The potential for engulfment occurs when a void (hole) develops under the surface of the
woodchips. If you are walking on the woodchips above this void, you could fall through and be
engulfed and trapped by the woodchips. Crush injuries or suffocation can result and, immediate
rescue by trained personnel is essential.

While waiting for the emergency services, if safe to do so, you can provide support to prevent
further engulfment, try to relieve the pressure on the casualty’s body, provide water or fluid,
provide shelter from the weather and provide first aid and transport to hospital if they can free
themselves.

Engulfment is more likely to happen at the edges of the hold as these areas have the greatest
potential for air pockets. The only way to completely remove the risk of engulfment is to avoid
walking on the loaded woodchips and not entering the hold at any time.

Fire

Woodchips with a moisture content of more than 15% have a low risk of fire. The fire risk increases
as the moisture content decreases. Woodchips are continually decomposing and can generate high
temperatures which, in a worst-case scenario, can spontaneously combust (ignite without any
outside sources).

Residual saw dust can dry out very quickly and provide fuel for fires. For this reason, smoking and
other ignition sources are strictly prohibited around woodchip loading operations, conveyors and
woodchip stockpiles.

Report all fires immediately following site and vessel reporting requirements and act as directed.

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