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DEFINITIONS
Acute Toxic Effect The effect on man of a single exposure of short duration to high concentrations of toxic compound or toxic vapour. "Alcohol Type" Foam A fire-fighting foam effective against many water soluble cargoes. It is also effective against many non-eater soluble cargoes. Anaesthesia A total loss of feeling and consciousness or the loss of power or feeling over a limited area of skin. Anaesthetics Chemicals which produce anaesthesia. Approved Equipment Equipment of a design that has been tested and approved by an appropriate authority should have certified the particular equipment as safe for use in a specified hazardous atmosphere. Asphyxia The condition arising when the blood is deprived of an adequate supply of oxygen, so that loss of consciousness may follow. Asphyxiant A gas or vapour which, when inhaled, leads to asphyxia. Auto-Ignition Temperature (Autogenous Ignition Temperature) The lowest temperature to which a solid, liquid or gas requires to be raised to cause self-sustained combustion without initiation by a spark or flame. Boiling Point Some liquids which are mixtures, or which contain impurities, boil over a range of temperatures known as the boiling range. When this occurs, the range will be stated on the relevant data sheet. The low temperature is that at which the liquid starts to boil. Bonding (electrical) The connecting together of metal parts to ensure electrical continuity.
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Cargo Handling The loading, discharging and transferring of bulk liquid cargo Catalyst A substance that starts a reaction or changes its speed without being itself chemically changed. A catalyst which reduces the speed of a reaction is known as a negative catalyst. Certified Gas-Free Certified gas-free means that a tank, compartment or container has been tested using an approved testing instrument and proved to be sufficiently free, at the time of the test, of toxic or explosive gases for a specified purpose, such as hot work, by an authorised person (usually a chemist from shore) and that a certificate to this effect has been issued. If an authorised person is not available the test should be carried out by the Master or his appointed deputy and the certificate will take the form of an entry in the tanker's log book. Chemical Absorption Detector An instrument used for the detection of gases or vapours which works on the principle of discolouring chemical agent in the apparatus. Chronic Toxic Effect The cumulative effect on man of prolonged exposures to low concentrations, or of intermittent exposures to higher concentrations, of a toxic compound or toxic vapour. Closed Gauging System (Closed Ullaging) A system whereby the contents of a tank can be measured by means of a device which penetrates the tank, but which is part of a closed system and keeps tank contents from being released. Examples are the float-type systems, electronic probe, magnetic probe and protected sight glass.

Combustible Gas Indicator An instrument for detecting a combustible gas/air mixture and usually measuring its concentration in terms of the Lower Flammable Limit (LFL). No single instrument is reliable for all combustible vapours.
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Corrosive Liquids Liquids which corrode normal constructional materials at an excessive rate. Usually they also cause serious damage to human tissue and to the eyes. Coefficient of Cubical Expansion The fractional increase in volume for a 1C, rise in temperature. The increase is 5/9 of this for a 1F rise. Critical Pressure The minimum pressure required to liquefy a gas at the critical temperature (which see). Critical Temperature The temperature above which a gas cannot be liquefied by pressure alone. Cyanosis A bluish discolouration of the skin, particularly about the face and extremities, which usually occurs when the blood is not properly oxygenated by the lungs, and manifests itself particularly in the area of the mouth and ears. Endothermic Referring to a process which is accompanied by absorption of heat. Exothermic Referring to a process which is accompanied by evolution of heat. Explosion Proof An explosion proof enclosure is one which will withstand, without injury, any explosion of the prescribed flammable gas that may occur within it under practical conditions of operation within the rating of the apparatus (and recognised overloads, if any, associated therewith), and will prevent the transmission of flame such as will ignite the prescribed flammable gas which may be present in the surrounding atmosphere. Filling Density (for liquefied gases) The "filling density" is defined as the percent ratio of the weight of the liquid gas in a tank to the weight of water the tank will hold at 15.56C (60F). Filling Ratio (for liquids)
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The volume of a tank, expressed as a percentage of the total volume, which can be safely filled, having regard to the possible expansion of liquid. Flame Arrester A device used in gas vent lines to arrest the passage of flame in enclosed spaces. Flammable Capable of being ignited and burning in air. The term "flammable gas" is used to mean a vapour/air mixture within the flammable range. Flammable Limits See Flammable Range. Flammable Range The limits of the flammable (explosive) range, that is, the range between the minimum and maximum concentrations of vapour in air which forms flammable (explosive) mixtures. Usually abbreviated to LFL (Lower Flammable Limit) and UFL (Upper Flammable Limit). These are synonymous with "Lower Explosive Limit" (LEL) and "Upper Explosive Limit" (UEL). Flash Point The lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off sufficient vapour to form a flammable mixture with air near the surface of the liquid or within the apparatus used. This is determined by laboratory testing in a prescribed apparatus. Closed cup values, when available, are quoted on the data sheets. Foam A froth used for fire fighting.

Freezing Point (Melting Point) The temperatures at which the liquid state of a substance is in equilibrium with the solid state, i.e., at a higher temperature the solid will melt and at a lower temperature the liquid will solidify. Freezing point and melting point may not always coincide, but they are sufficiently close to enable the difference between them to be ignored for the purpose of this Guide. (See Super Cooling). Gas
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This term is used to cover all vapour or vapour/air mixtures. Gas Absorption Detector An instrument used for the detection of gases or vapours which works on the principle of discolouring a chemical agent in the apparatus. Gas-Free Gas-free means that a tank, compartment or container has been tested using an appropriate Gas Indicator and found to be sufficiently free, at the time of the test, of toxic or explosive gases for a specified purpose. Gauze Screen (sometimes called Flame Screen) A portable or fitted device incorporating one or more corrosion resistant wire woven fabrics of very small mesh used for preventing sparks from entering on open deck hole, or for A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME preventing the passage of flame, yet permitting the passage of gas. Harmful A general descriptive term for injurious effects on health that may be caused by chemicals. Hazardous Area A hazardous area is one in which vapour may be present continuously or intermittently in sufficient concentrations to create a flammable atmosphere or an atmosphere which is dangerous for personnel. Health Hazard A general descriptive term for the danger to the health of personnel presented by some chemicals. Hot Work Work involving flames or temperatures likely to be sufficiently high to cause ignition of flammable gas. This includes any work involving the use of welding, burning or soldering equipment, blow torches, some power driven tools, nonexplosion proof electrical equipment, sand blasting and equipment with internal combustion engines. Hot Work Permit A document issued by an authorised person permitting specific work for a specified time to be done in defined area employing tools and equipment which could cause ignition of flammable gas. (See Hot Work)
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Incendive Spark A spark of sufficient temperature and energy to ignite a flammable vapour. Inert Gas A gas or vapour which will not support combustion, and will not react with the cargo. Inerting Filling and maintaining the cargo tank and associated piping system with an inert gas. Ingestion The act of introducing a substance into the body via the digestive system. Insulating Flange An insulating device placed between metallic flanges, bolts and washers, to prevent electrical continuity between pipelines, sections of pipelines, hose strings and loading arms, or equipment/apparatus. Intrinsically Safe A circuit or a part of a circuit is intrinsically safe when any spark or thermal effect produced normally (that is, by breaking or closing the circuit) or accidentally (for example, by short circuit or earth fault) is incapable under prescribed test conditions, of causing ignition of a prescribed gas of vapour. Normal operation of the apparatus takes place when the apparatus complies electrically and mechanically with the certified design, except that sparking arising from interruption, earth fault or short circuit is considered to arise in normal operation unless otherwise specified. A fault is a defect or breakdown of any one component or inter-connection of components of an intrinsically safe circuit including any defects or breakdown of other components due to overstressing as a result of the preliminary failure. Irritating Vapour A vapour which will cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and respiratory tract. Such vapour generally are immediately evident. Irritating Liquid A liquid which on direct contact with the eyes or skin will cause, injury, burns or severe irritation.
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Liquefied Gas A chemical which, being a vapour at all normal ambient temperatures, is liquefied for transport either by cooling and refrigeration to a temperature below its boiling point, and/or by pressurization at ambient temperatures. Main Deck The steel deck forming the uppermost continuous watertight deck. Manifold Valves Valves in a tanker's piping system immediately adjacent to the ship/shore connecting flanges. Naked Lights Open flames or fires, exposed incandescent material or any other unconfined source of ignition. Narcosis A condition of profound insensibility, resembling sleep, in which the unconscious person can only be roused with great difficulty but is not entirely indifferent to sensory stimuli. Narcotics Substances which produce narcosis.

Odour Threshold The smallest concentration of gas or vapour, expressed in parts per million (ppm) by volume in air, that most people can detect by smell. Open Gauging A system which does nothing to minimise or present the escape of vapour from tanks when the contents are being measured. Oral Administration The introduction of a substance into the body via the mouth. Oxidising Agent An element or compound that is capable of adding oxygen or removing hydrogen; or one that is capable of removing one or more electrons from an atom or group of
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atoms. Restricted Gauging System (also known as Restricted Ullage System) A system employing a device which penetrates the tank and which, when in use, permits a small quantity of cargo vapour or liquid to be exposed to the atmosphere. When not in use the device is completely closed. The design should ensure that no dangerous escape of tank contents (liquid or spray) can take place in opening the device. Safety Relief Valve A valve fitted on a pressure vessel to relieve over-pressure. Self Reaction The tendency of a chemical to react with itself, usually resulting in polymerisation or decomposition. Self-reaction may be promoted by contamination with small amounts of other materials. Scale Deposit or encrustation which may form on metal as a result of electronic or chemical action. Shore Authority The body responsible for the operation of a shore installation or shore equipment associated with the handling of chemical cargoes.

Solubility The solubility of a substance in water, at a specified temperature, is the maximum weight of substance which will dissolve in a given weight of water, in the presence of undissolved substance. The value is usually expressed as the number of grams of substance dissolving in 100 grams of water. In the case of liquid dissolving in liquid, the term "miscibility" is often used instead of "solubility". Ethanol dissolves in water at ordinary temperatures in all proportions, and is said to be completely miscible. A hydrocarbon and water, on the other hand, are immiscible. Aniline and water are partially miscible. Specific Gravity The ratio of the weight of a substance to the weight of an equal volume of fresh water at a temperature t1 where t1 does not necessarily equal t2.
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Temperature will effect volume, therefore the temperature at which the comparison was made, is stated on each data sheet, after the ratio. e.g. S.G. = 0.982 @ 20C/15C. 20C referring to the temperature of the substance. 15C referring to the temperature of the water. Spontaneous Combustion Ignition of a combustible material is termed "spontaneous" if the inherent characteristics of the material cause a heat producing (exothermic) chemical action and thus ignition without exposure to external fire, spark or abnormal heat. Static Electricity The electrification of dissimilar materials through physical contact and separation. (See also Chapter 11.) Stern Discharge Line A cargo pipeline over the deck to a point terminating at or near the stern of the tanker.

Stripping The final operation in pumping bulk liquid from a tank or pipeline. Polymerisation The phenomenon whereby the molecules of a particular compound can be made to link together into a larger unit containing anything from two to thousands of molecules, the new unit being called a polymer. A compound may thereby change from a free flowing liquid to a viscous one or even to a solid. A great deal of heat may be evolved when this occurs. Polymerisation may occur automatically with no outside influence, or it may occur if the compound is heated, or if a catalyst or impurity is added. Polymerisation may, under some circumstances, be dangerous. Poison A very toxic substance which when absorbed into the human body by ingestion, skin absorption, or inhalation, produces a serious or fatal effect. Notwithstanding the above, corrosive liquids, such as acids which due solely to their corrosive
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nature can be fatal if ingested, should not be classed as poisons in this guide. Pressure/Vacuum Valve (sometimes referred to as P/V Valve, Breather Valve) A dual purpose valve commonly incorporated in the cargo tank venting system of tankers, the operation of which, when appropriately set, automatically prevents excessive pressure or vacuum in the tank or tanks concerned. On a tanker such a valve may be either manually jacked open or by passed when the vent system must handle large gas flows during loading or gas-freeing. Reid Vapour Pressure (R.V.P.) The vapour pressure of a liquid determined by laboratory testing in a standard manner in the Reid Apparatus at a standard temperature of 100F (37.7C) expressed in pounds per square inch absolute and commonly written "R.V.P.....lb". Respiratory Tract The air passages from nose to lungs inclusive

Responsible Officer The Master or any officer to whom the Master may delegate responsibility for any operation or duty. Responsible Terminal Representative of Terminal Representative The shore supervisor in charge of all operators and operations at the terminal associated with the handling of products, or his responsible delegate. Tank Vent System The pipe system and associated valves, installed to prevent over-pressure and excessive vacuum in cargo tanks. Threshold Limit Value (TLV) The TLVs refer to the maximum concentration of gases, vapours, mists or sprays to which it is believed that nearly all persons on board may be repeatedly exposed, day after day, without adverse effect (see 9.4.3). Because of the wide variation in individual susceptibility, exposure of an occasional individual at, or even below, the TLV may, not prevent discomfort or aggravation of a pre-existing condition.
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Topping Off The operation of completing the loading of a tank to a required ullage. Toxic Causing bodily harm that may be severe. Toxic Vapour A vapour which if inhaled causes bodily harm that may be severe. Toxic Liquid A liquid which if ingested or absorbed through the skin causes bodily harm that may be severe. Ullage The depth of free space left in a cargo tank above the liquid level. Vapour One or more of the components of chemical products when in the vapour phase. Vapour Density The relative weight of the vapour compared with the weight of an equal volume of air at standard conditions of temperature and pressure. Thus vapour density of 2.9 means that the vapour is 2.9 times heavier than an equal volume of air, under the same physical conditions. Vapour Pressure The pressure exerted by the vapour above the liquid, at a given temperature. It is expressed absolute pressure. In this guide vapour pressure will usually be quoted for a temperature of 20C, and expressed in terms of millimetres of mercury (mmHg). Venting The process of air vapour release to and from cargo tanks. Viscosity The property of a liquid which determines its resistance to flow. Volatile Liquid A liquid which evaporates readily at ambient temperatures.
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Volatility The tendency for a liquid to vaporize. Water Fog Very fine droplets of water generally delivered at a high pressure through a fog nozzle. Water Spray Water divided into coarse drops by delivery through a special nozzle.

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