SAFETY OF PERSONNEL IN HANDLING MARINE FUELS

(Including Hydrogen Sulphide Gas Hazards Associated with Bunker Fuels)

Marine fuels present similar hazards as that of other petroleum products. Flammability remains
the primary risk followed by toxicity. All personnel involved in the bunkering operations
should wear protective clothing and equipment as appropriate. In case of ingestion and/or
absorption, the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) should be consulted.

The Medical First Aid Guide should be referred for details, if required.

Hazards of Hydrogen Sulphide Presence in Bunker (Residual) Fuels

Trends have identified the high possibility for presence of Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) gas in bunker
fuels.
Ship staff should always be aware of the possible presence of Hydrogen Sulphide gas in bunkers and
the hazards associated with it. Suitable precautions need to be taken against H2S gas in order to
mitigate the risks involved.

Before loading bunkers, the ship should communicate with supplier to ascertain whether the fuel to be
loaded is likely to have any H2S content. Some suppliers do include its presence and precautions
within the MSDS sheets. However there are no set limits for the same identified by International
Standards on Marine Fuels, ISO 8712.

The tendency for H2S vapours to be released is not subject to any proven rule and is therefore difficult
to predict. In general 1 ppm in the liquid state can give rise to 50~100 ppm concentration of vapour in
adjoining spaces to the fuel surface. Additionally heating of the fuel and agitation caused by ship’s
movement/loading aggravates the generation of vapours.

H2S gas can also be encountered in associated fuel systems like settling, service and sludge tanks.
Fuel oil separators and filters are unlikely to retain high volumes of H2S gas, although it is conceivable
that concentrations may exceed 200ppm.

All fuel storage and associated tanks are subject to existing entry control and procedures for
enclosed spaces, however in light of the fact that H2S presence cannot be disregarded, utmost
care should be exercised.

Following procedures should be adopted prior to and after bunkering:

Prior loading of fuel in designated tanks atmosphere checks should be carried out and recorded,
preferably 24hrs prior bunkering.

During bunkering, checks should be carried out for H2S gas presence.
The likelihood of the gas generation due to the churning is high. As most of the vessel bunker tanks
designs and locations do not support complete closed loading procedures, hence precautions are
warranted against the exposure of H2S gas to personnel.

After bunkering, gas checks should again be carried out after 24~48 hrs to re-confirm presence of any
H2S gas.
Precautions to be taken if Hydrogen Sulphide Gas is detected in Bunker Fuels
In case H2S gas content of over 5 ppm has been detected in bunker tanks or associated fuel systems
the following precautions should be taken:
1) Risk assessment should be carried out and precautions implemented.
2) Office to be advised of above.
3) If possible, the heating to the tank should be reduced or the liquid level increased.
4) Tanks hatches should be positively closed and secured. Tank vents should be covered with wet
burlap.
5)Access to areas adjoining the tank by ship’s personnel should be restricted.
6)Presence of H2S in the bunker tank should be promulgated to all onboard.
7)Required PPE should be implemented.
8)In consultation with the Office, consider forced ventilation of tank.
9) The transfer, heating and agitation of the fuel within the tank may cause the concentration to re-
appear, although the tank may have been previously ventilated to reduce the concentration to an
acceptable level.
10) Periodic monitoring of the concentration of H2S gas should be continued until the bunker tank is
refilled with a fuel not containing H2S.
For onboard guidance with regards H2S gas, Threshold Limit value (TLV) – Time Weighted Average
(TWA) the limits are defined at 5 ppm.

Table below shows the effects of exposure to Hydrogen Sulphide;