5.2 Cargo information

5.2.1 Information should be on board and available to all concerned, giving the necessary data for the safe carriage of the cargo. Such information should include for each dangerous chemical carried:

(i) A full description of the physical and chemical properties, including reactivity, necessary for the safe containment of the cargo;

(ii) action to be taken in the event of spills or leaks;

(iii) counter measures against accidental personal contact;

(iv) fire-fighting procedures and fire-fighting media; and

(v) procedures for cargo transfer, tank cleaning, gas freeing and ballasting. 5.2.2 If sufficient information necessary for the safe transportation of the cargo is not available, the cargo should be refused.

5.2.3 Cargoes which evolve highly toxic imperceptible vapours should not be transported unless perceptible additives are introduced into the cargo.

5.3 Personnel training

5.3.1 All personnel should be adequately trained in the use of protective equipment and have basic training in the procedures, appropriate to their duties, necessary under emergency conditions.

5.3.2 Personnel involved in cargo operations should be adequately trained in handling procedures.

5.3.3 Officers should be trained in emergency procedures to deal with conditions of leakage, spillage or fire involving the cargo and a sufficient number of them should be instructed and trained in essential first aid for cargoes carried.

5.4 Tank entry

5.4.1 Personnel should not enter cargo tanks void spaces around such tanks, cargo handling spaces, or other enclosed spaces unless :

(i) the compartment is free of toxic vapours and not deficient in oxygen; or (ii) personnel wear breaking apparatus and other necessary protective equipment and the entire operation is under the close supervision of a responsible officer.

5.4.2 Personnel should not enter such spaces when the only hazard is of a purely flammable nature except under the close supervision of a responsible officer.

5.5 Opening in cargo tanks

5.5.1 During handling and carriage of cargoes producing flammable and/or toxic vapours, or when ballasting after the discharge of such cargo, or when loading cargo, cargo tank lids should always be kept closed. With any hazardous cargo, cargo tank lids, ullage and sighting ports, tank washing access covers, should be open only when necessary.

5.6 Additional operational requirements

Additional operational requirements are found in the following paragraphs of the Code: