Q. What is Ems guide? What does it provide?
Ans. It is emergency response procedures for ships carrying dangerous goods, including the Emergency Schedules (EmS) to be followed in case of incidents involving dangerous substances, materials or articles, or harmful substances, under the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code. The purpose is to provide guidance for dealing with fires and spillages on board ships involving the dangerous goods.
It provides detailed advice for the specific cargo involved by reading the relevant EMERGENCY SCHEDULE(S) (EmS) for the cargo. The schedule for fire is from F-A to F-J. The schedule for spillage is from S-A to S-Z
Q. Is the Ems, ship specific?
Ans. The guidance is for shipboard use where Master and crew have to respond to a fire or a spillage without external assistance. The recommendations are based on chapter II-2 of the 1974 Safety of Life at Sea Convention and IMDG Code. The guidance should be integrated into the contingency plan for shipboard emergencies, which should be specific to the individual ship and should take into account the equipment on board.
Q. Should the reporting done for a possible spillage?
Ans. There are International and national requirements for ships to contact or report to the nearest coastal State when an incident takes place involving the loss or likely loss of packaged dangerous goods. Contacting shore-based experts at an early stage irrespective of how insignificant the incident may seem to be, is recommended.
Q. Can the EmS-Fire and Spillage Schedule be found for a particular UN number from this guide directly?
Ans. Yes, each UN number is allocated to EmS-Fire and Spillage Schedules as shown in the initial part of the Ems guide.
Q. What is the significance of underlined Ems codes?
Ans. Underlined EmS codes (special cases) indicate a substance, material or article for which additional advice is given in the emergency response procedures.
Q. What general guidance is provided in Ems in respect of fire?
Ans. The general guidance is provided under the following heads:
1 State of readiness
Guide emphasizes on the importance of being in the state of readiness.
Preventing a fire from occurring is the most important. A well trained crew is the best defence for bringing the fire under control. Ems guide should be integrated into a Safety Management System (SMS). The fire-fighting procedures within the EmS SCHEDULES are different for “on deck” and “under deck” stowage. The ventilation systems for working and living spaces should be shut off, closed and secured. The safety of fire-fighting personnel is most important. It is also essential to ensure that there is always, an escape route for fire-fighting personnel.
2 Identification of the dangerous good(s) involved
The specific EmS FIRE SCHEDULE(S) for the cargo(es) should be consulted. Some dangerous goods are incompatible with some fire-fighting media and could exacerbate the situation Specific information as to properties of dangerous goods may also be found in the Dangerous Goods List in the IMDG Code. The advice given in the EmS FIRE SCHEDULE should be directly usable based on the stowage information, without time-consuming identification and location of the cargo involved.
3 Cool and suffocate
Only a limited number of chemicals do not need oxygen from the air. Therefore, the aim of firefighting is to exclude oxygen and to cool the cargo(es). Firefighters should be made aware of the hazards of opening doors of an over-heated space or freight container which is suspected of containing cargo on fire.
4 Seek advice
Expert advice should be sought irrespective of how insignificant the fire may seem to be when dealing with dangerous goods fires.
5 Evacuation
Depending on the type of ship and on the volume of dangerous goods it may be necessary to consider abandoning the ship at an early stage. In this case, the Master should be aware of the hazard and should decide whether the ship requires assistance.
6 Firefighting media
Water is the obvious fire-fighting medium at sea and is recommended for most fires involving dangerous goods. However, water is not suitable to extinguish all fires involving dangerous goods. Water spray may also be achieved by using water jets from some distance. This method of producing water spray is generally recommended. It is dangerous to direct a water jet onto the fire at close range because this could result in the spread of burning material. Foam may be useful in some cass. A closed cargo space should be ventilated to clear it of smoke and toxic gases after the fire has been extinguished and the space has cooled. Dry chemicals may be an effective extinguishing medium for fires involving water-reactive substances and metals. Some dangerous goods require a specific dry chemical to extinguish a fire.
7 Dangerous goods exposed to fire
Where possible, packages should be removed from the vicinity of the fire. In general, heated material will expand, thus needing more volume and creating pressure in the package. It should be remembered that leakage of dangerous goods can be very dangerous for the crew and for the ship. Fire and explosion can rupture nearby packages or tanks, creating a spillage. Many toxic gases are odourless and colourless. A number of liquids will produce toxic vapours if exposed to heat.
8 Personal protection
Many vapours and gases of dangerous goods produced by a fire are hazardous to health. In the case of fire, the use of a firefighter’s outfit and self-contained breathing apparatus is essential. Masters are reminded that personnel will need regular training in the use of self-contained breathing apparatus and that special attention should be given to ensure that face masks fit satisfactorily at all times. Fire-fighting outfits are not chemical suits. Chemical protective clothing is designed to protect against specific properties of chemicals. There will be no such thing as a single type chemical protective suit on board. Chemical protective clothing is not resistant to fire or heat.
9 First aid and actions after termination of fire fighting
Any contamination with hazardous material should be immediately removed from the skin and then washed, for example with copious quantities of water. After extinguishing the fire, all emergency team personnel should ensure that all contamination of equipment and protective clothing is removed and washed immediately.
10 Special notes on classes of dangerous goods
Ems provides specific guidance in respect of fires of different classes. E.g., in the event of a class 1 fire, everything should be done to prevent the spread of the fire to containers which contain class 1 goods. If it is not possible to prevent the spread of the fire, all personnel should immediately withdraw from the area. Many explosives will burn to the point of an explosion. The Master’s main concern will be whether or not there is likely to be a mass explosion. Such an explosion could damage the ship. If goods of division 1.1 or division 1.5 are involved, this likelihood will exist. The time between fire reaching the explosives and the subsequent mass explosion will be of the order of a few seconds to minutes. The Master should ascertain how large a quantity of such explosives is involved. A few kilograms are unlikely to sink the ship, but above this, a clear risk to the safety of the crew and the stability of the ship should be considered. Explosives of divisions 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, and 1.6 are unlikely to explode en masse. Irrespective of the division of the explosives, any firefighting should take place from behind substantial cover. The use of the largest possible quantity of water in the shortest possible time is the only means of attempting to prevent a rise in temperature that could affect the chemical stability of the explosives.
Similar guidance is given in respect of fire to other classes also.
Q. What guidance is provided in respect of initial approach to a fire incidence?
Ans. Safety first is of paramount importance. Following may be a general initial approach:
- Any contact with dangerous substances is avoided.
- Fire, smoke, fumes and vapours. Are kept away.
- The fire alarm is sounded and fire-fighting procedures are started.
- The bridge and living quarters are kept upwind if possible.
- Stowage position of cargo that is burning or evolving smoke is located.
- Cargo is identified.
- The UN Numbers and the EmS FIRE SCHEDULE of the dangerous goods involved are found.
- The measures of the EmS FIRE SCHEDULE applicable are found and followed.
- Other dangerous goods which may potentially be involved in the fire are found and the relevant EmS FIRE SCHEDULE identified.
- Suitable protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus are worn.
- The Medical First Aid Guide (MFAG) used to fullest extent.
- The designated person of the company responsible for the operation of the ship or a rescue co-ordination centre is contacted to obtain expert advice on dangerous goods emergency response measures.
- Precaution: Contamination of the skin with dangerous goods should be removed and washed immediately.
Q. What general guidance is provided in Ems in respect of spillage?
Ans. The general guidance is provided under the following heads:
1 Guide emphasizes on the importance of being in the state of readiness.
The magnitude of the effects of an incident depends upon the type, amount and the location (on deck or in enclosed spaces). Spillages could create additional hazards to those indicated by classification and labeling. The crew training and familiarity with the general contingency plan is important. Guide should be integrated into the ship’s Safety Management System.
2 Personal protection
There can be likelihood of the development of an explosive, flammable or toxic atmosphere. Full protective clothing resistant to the effects should be worn. Wearing self-contained breathing apparatus is essential to protect against inhalation of toxic gases. It is a requirement of SOLAS that four sets of full protective clothing resistant to chemical attack should be provided in addition to firefighters’ outfits.
3 General Response
Working spaces and living quarters should be protected by water spray wherever possible. Ventilation systems for living quarters and working spaces should be shut off, closed and secured to reduce the possibility of smoke, dust, fumes and gases from entering these areas. Before entering cargo holds or compartments, the emergency personnel should determine the oxygen content. Only trained personnel should use SCBA, which should be well maintained.
4 Identification of the dangerous goods involved
It is essential to identify the dangerous good(s) involved In the spillage in order that the specific EmS SPILLAGE SCHEDULE(S) for the cargo(es) may be consulted and appropriate action taken. Specific information as to properties of dangerous goods may also be found in the Dangerous Goods List in the IMDG Code. Emergency preparedness should form part of the ship’s Safety Management System as required by the ISM Code
5 Rescue
One of the first concerns after evaluating the situation of the incident is finding and rescuing victims. It might be necessary to rescue persons from elevated places or confined spaces or those who are pinned under wreckage. Appropriate equipment will need to be available, and prior training is essential for such circumstances.
6 Isolation
The objective of isolation is to limit the number of personnel exposed to the spilled material. This may be achieved by simply roping or taping off dangerous areas. Consider sealing off ventilation, air conditioning and other openings
7 Response
At sea, human and other resources are limited. So in most cases involving spillage of dangerous goods, the most effective response will probably be to wash the substance overboard or jettison it.
8 Seek advice
Always expert ADVICE is sought when dealing with dangerous goods spills. Such ADVICE could be given by: .1 ship operating companies.2 emergency information centres; .3 specialized agencies; .4 professional responders; .5 port State authorities; .6 coastguard; .7 fire brigades; and .8 manufacturers of the products.
9 Materials to be used
Water is the obvious medium to be used when dealing with a spillage on board a ship. However, certain dangerous goods react violently with water, producing flammable and toxic vapours. Inert material should be used for spillages where it would be dangerous to use water. The inert material should be dry. Sawdust should not be used as it is liable to be ignited by ignition sources or in contact with a number of substances. Cement may be used as an inert material for barricading.
10 Action after spillage has been dealt with
After the spillage has been dealt with, the emergency team personnel should ensure that any contamination of equipment and protective clothing is removed and washed immediately. All equipment should be restored and re-stowed for further use. Contaminated material should be properly disposed of or be cleaned.
11 First aid
Information on medical first aid is provided in the IMO/WHO/ILO Medical First Aid Guide for Use in Accidents Involving Dangerous Goods (MFAG).
12 Special notes on specific dangerous goods of different classes
Properly packaged explosives are unlikely to detonate unless exposed to a fire or source of ignition. Within the divisions of this class, there are differences in explosive power. From a mariner’s standpoint, the volumes of explosives concerned are of primary importance for the safety of the ship. However, even small volumes of spilled material may ignite and injure individual crew, members. In general, spilled explosive substances are less hazardous when kept wet. Likewise, the guide also provides useful guidance for the goods of other classes.
Q. What are the initial steps you will take in respect of spillage of dangerous goods?
Ans. The following must be avoided:
- any contact with dangerous substances.
- walking through spilled liquids or dust (solids).
- vapours or gases.
Alarm is sounded in time.
The bridge and living quarters are kept upwind if possible.
Full protective clothing resistant to chemical attack and self-contained breathing apparatus are worn.
The stowage position of leaking cargoes are located and cargo identified.
The UN numbers and the EmS SPILLAGE SCHEDULE of dangerous goods involved are obtained.
The measures of the EmS SPILLAGE SCHEDULE applicable are identified and followed.
The Medical First Aid Guide (MFAG) is used without any delay.
The designated person of the company responsible for the operation of the ship is contacted to obtain expert advice on dangerous goods emergency response measures.
The Contamination of the skin with any dangerous goods should be cleaned off.
Q. How will you find the EMS schedule for a particular product say UN 2545?
Ans. The applicable schedule may be found from the table provided in Ems guide. It can also be found from column 15 of DGL in part 2 of IMDG code.
Ems for HAFNIUM POWDER, DRY, UN 2545 is F-G & S-M. The relevant tables are:
Q. What is spillage schedule for toxic substance, when it is spilled on deck?
Ans. The spillage on deck of small or large amount is addressed in the schedule S-A as shown below:
Q. What is the three steps approach of MFAG?
Ans. For the convenience of users, and to ensure rapid access to the recommendations in an emergency, this guide is divided into sections which are grouped to facilitate a three-step approach.
Note: The list of chemicals is limited to those few chemical’s requiring special treatment. The list is given both in alphabetical and numerical order (UN No.) in appendix 15 to this Guide.
Q. What is the flow chart provided under emergency action?
Ans. A diagnostic flow chart is provided depending on the symptoms as shown below:
Q. Name some tables listed in MFAG.
Ans. There are 20 tables provided. Some of the tables are:
Rescue………………………………………………………………………..
CPR (Cardio-pulmonary resusatation)……………………………….
Oxygen administration and controlled ventilation………………
Chemical-induced disturbances of consciousness……………….
Chemical induced convulsions (seizures, fits)……………………..
Toxic mental confusion…………………………………………………..
Eye exposure to chemicals………………………………………………
Skin exposure to chemicals……………………………………………..
Inhalation of chemicals…………………………………………………..
Ingestion of chemicals……………………………………………………
Shock…………………………………………………………………………..
Acute kidney failure………………………………………………………..
Pain relief……………………………………………………………………..
Chemical-induced bleeding……………………………………………..
Chemical induced jaundice………………………………………………
Hydrofluoric acid and hydrogen fluoride…………………………….
Q. How many appendices are provided?
Ans. There are 15 appendices. Some of these are:
Appendix 1 Rescue including:
Integrated response……………………………………………………
Emergency response plan……………………………………………
Arrival at the scene………………………………………….…………
Establishment of an exclusion or hot zone…………………….., etc.
Appendix 2 – CPR (Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation)……………………including
Assessment of breathing………………………………………………
Assessment of heart function………………………………………..
Breathing, heart is beating, unconscious…………………………
Not breathing but heart is beating…………………………………
Breathing and heart have stopped……………………………….…
Some other appendices are:
Appendix 5 – Chemical-induced convulsions (seizures, fits)……
Appendix 6 – Toxic mental confusion………………………………….
Appendix 7 – Eye exposure to chemicals……………………………..
Appendix 8 – Skin exposure to chemicals…………………………….
Appendix 9 – Inhalation of chemicals………………………………….
Appendix 11 – Shock………………………………………………………..
Appendix 12 – Acute kidney failure…………………………………….
Appendix 13 – Fluid replacement ………………………………………
Appendix 14 – List of medicines and equipment……………………
Appendix 15 – List of substances with a list with…………………..
UN Number sortation…………………………………………………………
Alphabetic sortation…………………………………………………………..
Q. How are the tables and appendices complement each other?
Ans. Table 1 is Rescue dealt in brief, whereas Appendix 1 is rescue giving detailed procedures to be followed, medicines to be used and further action. Similarly, table 2 is CPR. The appendix 2 is CPR again in more details. The MFAG is consulted in guide flow chart and sequence, where a particular appendix details are linked to respective table. Thus, they duly complement each other.
Q. With a suitable example explain how the flow chart, tables and appendices are related.
Ans. Suppose a person is unconscious or injured etc in or near an enclosed space. Following the flow chart, the question from step one is whether the person needs to be rescued from polluted atmosphere. If the answer is yes the guide asks the user to go to table 1, from here the specific instructions regarding rescue will be found in appendix 1, that is rescue. If the answer to first question is no then the next question is if the breathing is stopped. Thereafter, depending on the answer the advance is made.
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