Control of Substances Hazardous To Health

Procedure | FVMS-PRO-03180

Approved By
Issue Rev Date Prepared By Reviewed By
Owner

01 01 09 October 2020 Melvin Fernandes Piotr Zawalski Julia Korpak

[Date] [Name] [Name] [Name]

 Table of Contents

Procedure 2

1. Objectives 2

2. Scope 2

3. Responsibilities 2

4. Definitions and Abbreviations 2

5. Procedure 3
5.1 General 3
5.2 Assessment 3
5.3 Using Hazardous Substances 4
5.4 Storage 4

6. Appendix 1 Radioactive Sources 6

6.1 Storage and Handling 6

7. Appendix 2 - Explosives 8

8. Appendix 3 – Lithium Batteries 9

8.1 Introduction 9
8.2 Instruction 9
8.3 Storage 9
8.4 Transport 10
8.5 Personal Protective Equipment 10
8.6 First aid 11
8.7 Exposure to water 11
8.8 Lithium fires 11
8.9 Leaking or vented cells 12
8.10 Overheated cells 12
8.11 Procedure for exploding cells 13
8.12 IMDG Code 13
8.13 Disposal 13

9. Appendix 4 – Chemical Segregation by Chemical Group 15

10. Associated Controlled Documents 1

11. References 1

12. Revision History 1

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Procedure
1. Objectives
To ensure that the risks of working with hazardous substances are assessed and that all
personnel exposed to such a substance understand these hazards and are familiar with the
necessary protection measures and that there is zero release into the sea.

2. Scope
To procedure applies to all persons working for the Company either on board or in the office.

3. Responsibilities
Table 3.1: Responsibilities of given roles for the activities described in this document

Role Responsibility

Has the ultimate responsibility to ensure that this procedure is implemented.

Furthermore, he has the authority to implement any necessary action to enforce this
section. The master in cooperation with the Party Chief shall ensure that all involved crew
Master in instructed in the handling of lithium batteries, including emergency procedures. The
master in cooperation with the Party Chief shall ensure that all the required PPE and other
safety equipment as defined in this Appendix are available for the safe handling of
chemicals.

Safety Officer is responsible for the upkeep of the COSHH register

Must ensure that the chosen substance is the least hazardous substance available for the
task to be undertaken. He must ensure Safety Data Sheet are available for all substances
HoD
in use, sufficient assessment is completed, and that any assessment highlights the
controls that are implemented prior to first use of the substance.

Persons using substances in the course of their work are required to use handle and store
them as described in the assessments and the Safety Data Sheet. Every user is responsible
Users
for knowing the contents of the manufacturer’s instructions and IMDG code if applicable.
Every employee handling lithium batteries shall be familiar with this procedure.

4. Definitions and Abbreviations

Table 4.1: Definitions

Hazardous
Toxic and other noxious substances including toxic or noxious biological materials
Substances

Bulk quantities of short circuited cells may produce high temperatures which may cause loss
Short Circuit
of seal, leakage and / or cell explosion

Lithium
Battery Cells that have been subject to extreme conditions
Incident

A special type of fire extinguisher for fires involving combustible metals. When Lithium
Class D is onboard this should be “Copper based” or “Lith-X” without any addition of water to
Extinguisher the extinguishing agent. The compound acts as a smothering agent and acts as
a heat sink. Copper-based extinguishing media can cling to vertical surfaces

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 Table 4.2: Abbreviations

COSHH Control of Substances Hazardous to Health;

CLP Classification, Labelling and Packaging of substances and mixtures

SDS Safety Data Sheet

Ficha de informações de segurança de produtos químicos. (in this procedure further

FISPQ
called Safety Data Sheet)

PPE Personal Protective Equipment

IMDG Code International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code

5. Procedure

5.1 General
When handling materials that might be harmful to health, employees must always be alert to
prevent accidents and injuries.

Safety data sheets and COSHH assessments must be available at the storage site of the
substances. Only small qualities may be carried and stored near the work site and then the
safety data sheet and COSHH assessment must be available. A complete set of Safety Data
Sheets and COSHH assessments shall be stored on the bridge and in the COSHH Locker .

Records of all hazardous substances shall be available on board and all the Safety data Sheet
shall be in the working language of the vessel.

5.2 Assessment
When hazardous substances are received on board the vessel, the chief engineer or safety
officer shall verify if the substances are accompanied with the correct Safety Data Sheet in the
vessels working language. When the Safety Data Sheet for the chemical substance is not
available on board the product details should be entered into Chemwatch to see if the Safety
Data Sheet is present within the database. If it is not available in the database, the Safety
Data Sheet can be be manually uploaded. In case the Safety Data Sheet is not available at all,
the product shall be put into quarantine until the Safety Data Sheet is available.

In Brazil, a similar sheet is used, named FISPQ. At all times there shall be sheets on board in
the working language of the vessel.

If an item not being identified directly as a hazardous substance and has the potential to
cause harm if inhaled, ingested, come into contact with or is absorbed through the eyes or
skin, then also a COSHH assessment must be carried out using the Chemwatch program.

The Head of department for the area where the substance is to be used must carry out a
COSHH assessment based on the contents of the Safety Data Sheet in conjunction with the
knowledge of the work to be carried out and working environment.

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 For all chemicals carried onboard the vessel, a COSHH assessment shall be available. This
assessment will be recorded on the COSHH Assessment form available within the Chemwatch
program.

Implement Controls

Once the assessment process has been completed, it is essential that all identified controls
are implemented before use of the substance for the first time.

On all subsequent usage of the substance a check should be made to ensure the controls are
still in place.

If any of the controls cannot be successfully implemented then the substance must not be
used and placed in quarantine.

5.3 Using Hazardous Substances

Before using a hazardous substance, the Safety Data Sheet and COSHH assessment must be
fully understood. The area must be properly ventilated. Check if the necessary fire
extinguishers and spill containment kit are available close to the worksite. Check that the
appropriate first aid materials are available. If protective gloves have been used, the user
needs to be trained on how to take them off without contamination of the skin.

Usage

The proper PPE as stated on the Safety Data Sheet shall be worn during the handling of the
hazardous substances. Make sure the PPE is in good condition. Do not eat, drink or smoke
while using hazardous substances. When finished using the hazardous substances clean your
hands and the PPE used.

Use of Hazardous substances

All instructions found at the packaging, Safety Data Sheet and COSHH assessments regarding
the handling of the substance shall be followed. Both the Risk- and Safety sentences should
be studied carefully.

Spills

Before tackling spills make sure to wear the correct PPE. Clean the spill straight away and
dispose of the substance in the appropriate way. Report any spill. Carry out practices for
cleaning up spills safely.

5.4 Storage
Not all hazardous substances can be stored together, and some hazardous substances may
require special storage requirements or react with one another releasing hazardous gasses or
fumes or create dangerous situations such as explosions. See Appendix 4 Chemical
Segregation by Chemical Group for storage guidance.

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 The Safety Data Sheet describes the emergency storage and handling of the chemical. A
package or container may not be faulty or show signs of leakage. If signs of leakage are
present effort should be made to repackage the container. To repackage a container only a
clean empty replacement container may be used. If a clean, empty container is not available
OR if repackaging cannot be done in a safe manner the package should be isolated and
discarded at the first shore reception facility available.

Hazardous substances shall be stored on spill trays which can hold sufficient capacity of the
substances in case of a spill.

All hazardous substances on board shall be labelled with a CLP label and with contents.

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6. Appendix 1 Radioactive Sources
Radioactive sources are seldom used on Fugro vessels except by specific request of a Client.
When they are employed the following procedure shall apply during operations involving the
storage, handling, use and transport of radioactive sources.

The Contract Company's Representative supplying the service involving the use of radioactive
sources shall:

- provide a safety handbook conforming to the National Regulations in force for the area
or operation;

- provide an emergency procedure handbook; detailing what measures shall be taken if a

radiation hazard exists;

- provide written advice for the Master with respect to personnel evacuation, bearing in
mind that radiation is emitted three dimensional, and can permeate decks;

- be qualified to act as the Radiation Protection Advisor and shall make himself known to
the Master upon arrival on the vessel;

- be responsible for ensuring that all safety precautions are observed and that no
personnel other than Qualified Persons are exposed to radiation levels in excess of the
maximum permitted dose as defined in the government regulations in force;

- before engaging in any work involving the use of radioactive source, obtain permission
via the Permit to Work system. He shall inform the Master of the scope of work and when
he would wish the work to start;

- before starting any operation involving the use of radioactive sources, ensure that the
following items of equipment are available;

- monitor all operations involving the use of radioactive substances to ensure the safety
requirements are being adhered to;

- be responsible for supervising the movement of radioactive sources from the transport
container to the permanent storage area;

- maintain records of all sources held on the vessel and copies of relevant transport
documentation;

- measure the radiation levels in storage areas daily.

6.1 Storage and Handling

Radioactive substances must be stored in suitable protective containers, clearly marked, and
should be stored as far away from the living accommodations and hazardous areas as
possible.

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 These containers shall be fitted with a buoy and rope of sufficient length for recovery in case
the need arises to jettison the substance.

No radioactive substances shall be used or handled unless all reasonable precautions and
protection have been made. When radioactive substances are stored on the vessel, the
relevant location should be shown on the hazardous areas plan.

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7. Appendix 2 - Explosives
Explosives associated with the special purpose of the ship should be stored in one of the
following categories of magazines:

- Integral magazines - those forming an integral part of the ship;

- Independent magazines - that are non-integral, portable magazines with a capacity of

3m3 or greater;

- Magazine boxes - that are non-integral, portable magazines with a capacity of less than
3m3.

Independent magazines and magazine boxes should be located on a weather deck in a

location protected from direct impact of the sea. The location should provide sufficient
protection against warm air or hazardous vapours being emitted from galleys, pump-rooms,
etc. Due regard should be paid to the possible risk of subjecting certain explosives to radio
emissions.

Independent magazines should be provided with efficient natural ventilation fitted with flame
screen. In integral and in independent magazines a sprinkler system should be installed with
an application rate of 24 l/m2 per minute.

Equivalent means may be accepted by the Administration. The controls should be clearly
marked as to their function.

Independent magazines should be of weather tight metal construction. The interior should
be insulated with a non-combustible insulation providing an A-15 standard. The electrical
terminals on independent magazines for connection to the ship’s electrical system should be
of watertight construction and should bear a label plate denoting the power requirement of
the magazine. Independent magazines should bear a label plate stating light weight and
maximum allowable weight of explosives.

Magazine boxes should be located on a weather deck at least 0.1 m from the deck and any
deckhouse and in a position suitable for jettisoning the contents.

Magazine boxes should be of watertight metal construction having a body and lid thickness
of not less than 3 mm.

Where the box may be exposed to direct sun, sun shields should be provided.

Magazines should be provided with a means whereby they may be securely locked to prevent
unauthorized access. Racks, stanchions, battens, or other devices should be installed to
provide safe stowage of explosives in their approved shipping containers with a minimum of
dunnage. Decks of magazines should be covered with a permanent non-slip, non-spark
covering.

Detonators should be stowed separately from the other explosives.

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8. Appendix 3 – Lithium Batteries

8.1 Introduction
Lithium-thionyl chloride batteries are widely used throughout the Company and the
following document is to provide guidance on how to limit the risk of an incident with lithium
batteries to a level as low as reasonably achievable on vessels managed by the Company.

This appendix describes lithium batteries in general and shall be read in conjunction with the
manufacturer’s instructions for specific hazards and guidance.

8.2 Instruction
8.2.1 General

Short-circuits, overheating, mechanical damage and exposure to water can start chemical
reactions and high currents inside the lithium battery. Not guarding against these conditions
may result in extremely hazardous conditions.

Hazards associated are:

 Leaking or venting cells

 Lithium fires

 Overheating

 Exploding cells

Chemical reactions in the battery can cause noxious gases to be released;

 Thionyl chloride (SOCl2)

 Sulphur dioxide (SO2)

 Hydrogen chloride (HCl)

 Chlorine (Cl2)

A battery cell that reaches the critical temperature of 180 ºC will explode.

For all incidents occurred with lithium batteries an incident report shall be made up.

8.3 Storage
Storage of lithium batteries shall be in their original plastic containers. The area shall be cool
and dry, condensation on cells or batteries must be prevented. The temperature should be as
cool as possible to maximise shelf-life. The room shall be properly ventilated and clearly
identified as lithium battery storage.

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 Furthermore, the area shall be away from combustible materials. Depleted batteries shall be
stored separate from new batteries. The storage area must be easily accessible and doors
shall not be obstructed.

Subsequently a designated class D fire extinguisher as well as a respirator shall be present

and ready for use. Persons handling these batteries shall be familiar with the use of this fire
extinguisher. A fire station, with fire hose (water) must also be readily available outside the
storage location or the storage area must be equipped with a sprinkler system. An eye wash
station shall be in the proximity.

All other prescribed safety equipment shall be stored outside the lithium battery storage
area.

In order to avoid damage to the containers the below must be adhered to;

 Original battery shipping containers must be saved for safe storage of used and
depleted batteries.

 Heavy objects shall never be stacked on top of the boxes containing lithium batteries.
Damage by crushing can lead to internal short circuit resulting in a cell venting or
explosion.

 Excessive quantities of cells shall never be allowed to accumulate in a storage area.

8.4 Transport
Cells should be transported in plastic trays set on push carts. This will reduce the chances of
cells being dropped on the floor causing shorting or other physical damage.

8.5 Personal Protective Equipment

Fire
Fireman’s suit Self-contained breathing
apparatus
Noxious Gases
Full Face Mask with minimum Rubber (chemical) Gloves PPE of rubber or plastic
BE filter
Defect Battery
Full Face Mask with minimum Rubber (chemical) Gloves PPE of rubber or plastic
BE filter Lab coat (chemically
resistant) or
chemically resistant apron
Standard PPE
Safety Goggles Full face shield Other PPE as required by the PPE
procedure

Contaminated clothes shall be changed and cleaned or disposed of as soon as possible.

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 Other safety equipment Purpose
Thermal Resistant Gloves (Welding Gloves) Handling battery cells
Extended non-conductive pliers or tongs Handling battery cells
Sodium carbonate (baking soda) or Neutralises electrolyte from leaking cells
alternatively Chalk, Lime or Vermiculite
Class D – copper based fire extinguisher Extinguishing material
Infrared Temperature Probe Monitoring temperature of a hot cell
Steel lockable drum Storage of disposed cells
200 ltr sand To cushion the cells in the steel drum /
container

*Safety equipment shall be based on risk assessment and may be vessel or equipment
specific. All equipment will be stored outside the lithium storage area

8.6 First aid

First aid measures shall be applied immediately if crew has been exposed to electrolyte or
noxious gases. Immediate medical attention must be organised.

Elaborate first aid measures are described in the Safety Data Sheet of the equipment. An up
to date safety data sheet shall be present on board.

8.7 Exposure to water

Exposure to water can start chemical reactions and high currents inside the battery. This can
generate noxious gases and/or danger of explosions. The chemical reactions will continue
without additional supply of oxygen.

Water ingression will cause an increase in battery temperature which will lead to danger of
explosion. Water ingression also may lead to the creation and build-up of noxious gasses
such as the highly inflammable and explosive oxy-hydrogen gas.

8.8 Lithium fires

Based on the manufacturer’s instructions of the equipment a risk assessment shall be made
on board on how to approach a lithium fire. This risk assessment will be made prior to
bringing the lithium containing equipment onboard.

If necessary, head the ship in such a direction to carry fumes/gasses away from the
accommodation and other air intakes.

Lithium fires burn in excess of 650°C. So long as the fire has not progressed to the point that
the lithium metal contained within the batteries is exposed, the batteries may be cooled with
copious amounts of cold water or immersed, thereby limiting the fire/explosions to as few
battery cells as possible. The water should only be applied with a fire-hose as portable
extinguishers will not contain sufficient quantity to cool a fire of this nature; Applying water
directly onto a battery may produce oxy-hydrogen gas, by electrolysis producing hydrogen.
The gas mixture is very inflammable and potentially explosive. However, if the water cooling

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 takes place out on deck or in a well-ventilated area, the concentration of oxy-hydrogen gas
will not become a hazard. During water application caution is advised as burning pieces of
lithium may be ejected from the fire.

If the fire has reached the lithium battery cores, as evidenced by flames of a deep red colour,
it will not be possible to extinguish the fire using water or water-based foam, but only using a
class D fire extinguisher.

Portable class D fire extinguishers should be considered a last resort for fighting a lithium
battery fire as they require emergency responders to be in very close proximity to the fire. It
is important to address the lithium fire first and secondary fires later. NEVER use ABC, CO2 or
halon type extinguishers on lithium metal fires.

After all material has apparently burned and cooled, carefully turn over the remaining residue
and be prepared to extinguish again, should re-ignition occur. Carefully place the residue in a
steel drum using a long-handled shovel, and cover with excess extinguishing agent. The
residue may contain unreacted lithium, therefore limit exposure to moisture. This can be
accomplished by covering the residue with mineral oil.

A lithium fire shall be exercised yearly during a fire drill. Both shifts shall be familiar with the
instructions of how to extinguish a lithium fire. For specific instructions, the manufacturer’s
instructions shall always be consulted.

8.9 Leaking or vented cells

When the battery housing is damaged, small amounts of electrolyte may leak.

Evacuate all unnecessary people from the area. Leaking or vented cells should be isolated
from personnel and equipment. If possible the area should be vented to the outside.

Prior to handling the temperature of the cells should be checked with a remote sensing
device such as an infrared temperature probe. If the cells are at ambient temperature, they
should be handled with rubber gloves or nonconductive pliers or tongs and placed in plastic
bags containing sodium carbonate. Do not touch liquid with bare hands. Spilled electrolyte
should be absorbed with chalk (CaCO3) or lime (CaO) powder or Vermiculite and placed

in plastic bags for disposal.

Electrolyte traces may be wiped off dryly using household paper. Wear rubber gloves and
rinse with water afterwards.

8.10 Overheated cells

Overheating can start chemical reactions and high currents inside the battery. This can
generate noxious gases and/or danger of explosions. The chemical reactions will continue
without additional supply of oxygen.

Evacuate all unnecessary people from the area as soon as a hot cell is detected.

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 The temperature of the cell should be monitored with a remote sensing device such as an
infrared temperature probe. The area should remain evacuated until the cell has cooled to
room temperature and is stable. When the cell has returned to room temperature it can be
handled by an operator wearing protective equipment with nonconductive pliers or tongs
and placed in plastic bags containing sodium carbonate for disposal.

For specific instructions, the manufacturer’s instructions shall be consulted

8.11 Procedure for exploding cells

In the event of a lithium battery explosion, a room could fill quickly with dense white smoke
which could cause severe irritation to the respiratory tract, eyes, and skin. An explosion
involving a cell would also add purple I2 vapours to the air. All precautions must be taken to
limit exposure to these fumes.

If a cell explodes all personnel should be evacuated from the area. The area should be vented
to the outside until the pungent odour is no longer detectable. If the expelled material is on
fire, fire fighting procedures shall be followed. The exploded cell might be hot. After the
residue has cooled, it can be absorbed with sodium carbonate and placed in plastic bags for
disposal.

Clean the area with copious amounts of a Sodium carbonate /water solution. Disposal
instructions as mentioned in the appropriate manuals shall be carefully adhered to.

8.12 IMDG Code

Lithium batteries are part of the IMDG code.

There are three classifications for lithium batteries:

 Lithium batteries, liquid cathode - UN3090

 Lithium batteries, solid cathode - UN 3090

 Lithium batteries contained in equipment - UN 3091

Class 9 Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles.

Lithium has not been identified as marine pollutant.

8.13 Disposal
8.13.1 General

Lithium batteries shall never be incinerated but shall be discarded according the procedures
mentioned in the manufacturer’s instructions, the Environmental Management Manual and in
accordance with appropriate federal, state and/ or local regulations.

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 This symbol indicates that batteries are not permitted to be disposed of with
household waste but must be collected separately.

8.13.2 Normally used batteries

Used batteries shall be stored in their original shipping containers. A used lithium battery
often contains a significant amount of residual energy. It is the danger of explosion that
presents a problem when disposing a battery. Used batteries must therefore be handled with
the same care as new ones.

8.13.3 Damaged batteries

Damaged batteries shall be packed in a plastic bag preferably also still in their original
container. All bags should be placed in a sealed and labelled drum with Vermiculite or other
non-flammable cushioning material such as sand or Sodium carbonate to cushion the cells.

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9. Appendix 4 – Chemical Segregation by Chemical Group

Source: Guidelines for Offshore Marine Operations

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10. Associated Controlled Documents
 FS-FOR-02204 COSHH Register

11. References
CLP Signs

FVMS-PRO-50060 – Identified Fire Emergencies

Tadiran Batteries GmbH, Lithium Battery Information Sheet, LTN-065-26-o 2012-11-20

www.tadiranbatteries.de

DigiCOURSE, Ltd.

Saft. Material / Product Safety Data Sheet Lithium/Thionyl Chloride (single cells and battery
packs, 02/2011. http://www.saftbatteries.com

Kongsberg, Safety information for transponder and transponder batter, 164733/D revision D
12.01.09. www.kongsberg.com

SOLAS IX, ISM-code 7.1

ISO 9001 :2015 8.1

ISO 14001 :2015 8.1

ISO 45001 :2018 8.1

12. Revision History

Table 12.1: Description of revision to document
Issue Rev Description of changes

01 00 First issue

Amended 5.2 Assessment to include Chemwatch as a tool for COSHH assessment.

Included appendices FVMS-APX-03182 – Chemical Segregation by Chemical Group into
this procedure.
Removed FVMS-APX-03184 – COSHH guidance as it is now included within Chemwatch
01 01 program.
Removed FVMS-FOR-03082 COSHH Assessment.
Included segregation table from Guidelines for Offshore Marine Operations.

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