The main objective of this section is to make you familiar with health aspects
related to handling marine fuels and lubricants after completion of this
subject you should be aware of possible health problems due to the use of fuel
oils and lubricants
to ensure health and safety and to avoid environmental pollution and using any
marine fuel or lubricants it is essential that it is used only for the
purpose which it is intended proper safety in hygiene conditions are
observed at all times the products are handled used and disposed of carefully
and sensibly to avoid pollution
emergency actions immediate actions in case of spillage isolate the spillage
area and evacuate people to a safe place do not operate electrical equipment
unless flameproof extinguish all ignition sources treat or refer
casualties is necessary notify appropriate authorities then it's
safe to do so prepare and position firefighting equipment stop the flow of
the product
contain spilled materials and prevent the product entering drains waterways
etc if product does enter drains or surface water local authorities must be
notified immediately recover spilled substance by use of suitable absorbent
materials and no circumstances wash products into drains observe all
applicable product handling guidelines contaminated materials must be disposed
of through recognized channels further actions in case of fire alert emergency
services immediately ensure safe means of escape exists before attempting to
extinguish any fire and observe all standard fire precautions and procedures
then if safe to do so stop product flow use foam dry powder
carbon dioxide or water fog or mist extinguishers never use water jets small
fires may be smothered using sand soil or similar non combustible tanks and
containers exposed to fire can be cooled using water mist or fog but great care
must be taken to prevent the water from spreading the fire to a larger area
avoid breathing smoke confuse use breathing apparatus in the event of a
large-scale spillage appropriate authorities and emergency services must
be notified immediately and aid advice obtained as far as possible the
guidelines given should be followed provided it is safe to do so in the
event of a large-scale spillage appropriate authorities and emergency
services must be notified immediately and aid advice obtained as far as
possible the guidelines given should be followed provided it is safe to do so
some of the hydrocarbons present in marine fuels are sufficiently toxic that
they may constitute a health hazard if they reach a susceptible part of the
human body this could happen by ingestion aspiration inhalation eye
contact skin contact whether or not a product presents a health hazard depends
on three main factors the chemical nature of the product exposure to the
product in terms of route frequency and degree of exposure the susceptibility
with exposed personnel the major potential safety hazards associated with
petroleum products are fire caused by accidental combustion explosion
asphyxiation caused by lack of oxygen in the blood caused by exposure to toxic
gas or vapors or an oxygen deficient atmosphere fire involving petroleum
products should be extinguished with foam dry chemical powder or inert gas
water jets must not be used residual fuels should only be used as fuels in
marine boilers and marine diesel engines