Bonding:
The connecting together of metal parts to ensure electrical continuity.
Cathodic protection:
The prevention of corrosion by electrochemical techniques. On tankers, it may be applied either externally to the hull or internally to the surfaces of tanks. At terminals, it is frequently applied to steel piles and fender panels.
Clingage:
Oil remaining on the walls of a pipe or on the internal surfaces of tanks after the bulk of the oil has been removed.
Cold Work:
Work that cannot create a source of ignition.
Corona:
A diffuse discharge from a single sharp conductor (less than 5 mm in diameter) that slowly releases some of the available energy. Generally, the corona is incapable if igniting a gas like propane or vapours like this given-off by gasoline. Corona may ignite vapours like hydrogen or acetylene, which require much lower energies for ignition.
Earthing /Grounding:
The electrical connection of equipment to the main body of the earth to ensure that it is at earth potential. Onboard ship, the connection is made to the main metallic structure of the ship which is at earth potential because of the conductivity of the sea.
Enclosed space:
A space that has limited openings for entry and exit, unfavourable natural ventilation, and that is not designed for continuous worker occupancy. This includes cargo spaces, double bottoms, fuel tanks, ballast tanks, pump rooms, cofferdams, void spaces, duct keels, inter-barrier spaces, engine crankcases and sewage tanks.
Entry permit:
A document issued by a Responsible Person allowing entry into space or compartment during a specific time interval.
Explosimeter:
An instrument for measuring the composition of hydrocarbon gas/air mixtures, usually giving the result as a percentage of the lower flammable limit (LFL).
Explosion-proof /Flame-proof:
Electrical equipment is defined and certified as explosion-proof when it is enclosed in a case which is capable of withstanding the explosion within it of a hydrocarbon gas/air mixture or other specified flammable gas mixture. It must also prevent the ignition of such a mixture outside the case either by spark or flame from the internal explosion or as a result of the temperature rise of the case following the internal explosion. The equipment must operate at such an external temperature that a surrounding flammable atmosphere will not be ignited.
Explosive range:
The range of hydrocarbon gas concentrations in air between the lower and upper flammable (explosive) limits. Mixtures within this range are capable of being ignited and of burning.
Flame arrester:
A permeable matrix of metal, ceramic or other heat-resisting materials which can cool a deflagration flame, and any following combustion products, below the temperature required for the ignition of the flammable gas on the other side of the arrester.
Flame screen:
A portable or fitted device incorporating one or more corrosion resistant wire woven fabrics of very small mesh which is used for preventing sparks from entering a tank or vent opening or, for a short time, preventing the passage of flame. (Not to be confused with ‘Flame arrester’). Capable of being ignited and of burning. For the purposes of this guide, the terms ‘flammable’ and ‘combustible’ are synonymous.
Flammable range (also referred to as ‘Explosive range’):
The range of hydrocarbon gas concentrations in air between the lower and upper flammable (explosive) limits. Mixtures within this range are capable of being ignited and of burning.
Flashpoint:
The lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off sufficient gas to form a flammable gas mixture near the surface of the liquid. It is measured in a laboratory in standard apparatus using a prescribed procedure.
Flow rate:
The linear velocity of flow of liquid in a pipeline, measured in metres per second (m/s). The determination of the Flow Rates at locations within cargo pipeline systems is essential when handling static accumulator cargoes. (Also see ‘Loading rate’).
Gas free:
A tank, compartment or container is gas free when sufficient fresh air has been introduced into it to lower the level of any flammable, toxic, or inert gas to that required for a specific purpose, e.g. hot work, entry, etc.
Hazardous area:
An area onshore which for the purposes of the installation and use of electrical equipment is regarded as dangerous. Such hazardous areas are graded into hazardous zones depending upon the probability of the presence of a flammable gas mixture.
Hot work:
Work involving sources of ignition or temperatures sufficiently high to cause the ignition of a flammable gas mixture. This includes any work requiring the use of welding, burning or soldering equipment, blow torches, some power driven tools, portable electrical equipment which is not intrinsically safe or contained within an approved explosion-proof housing, and internal combustion engines.
Hot work permit:
A document issued by a responsible person permitting specific hot work to be done during a specific time interval in a defined area.
Hydrocarbon gas:
A gas composed entirely of hydrocarbons.
Inert condition:
A condition in which the oxygen content throughout the atmosphere of a tank has been reduced to 8 per cent or less by volume by the addition of inert gas.
Inert gas:
A gas or a mixture of gases, such as flue gas, containing insufficient oxygen to support the combustion of hydrocarbons.
Inert gas plant:
All equipment fitted to supply, cool, clean, pressurise, monitor and control the delivery of inert gas to the cargo tank systems.
Inert gas system (IGS):
An inert gas plant and inert gas distribution system together with means for preventing backflow of cargo gases to the machinery spaces, fixed and portable measuring instruments and control devices.
Inerting:
The introduction of inert gas into a tank with the object of attaining the inert condition.
Insulating flange:
A flanged joint incorporating an insulating gasket, sleeves and washers to prevent electrical continuity between ship and shore.
Interface detector:
An electrical instrument for detecting the boundary between oil and water.
Intrinsically safe:
An electrical circuit or part of a circuit is intrinsically safe if any spark or thermal effect produced normally (i.e. by breaking or closing the circuit) or accidentally (e.g. by a short circuit or earth fault) is incapable, under prescribed test conditions, of igniting a prescribed gas mixture.
Loading over the top (also known as ‘Loading overall’):
The loading of cargo or ballast through an open-ended pipe or using an open-ended hose entering a tank through a hatch or other deck opening, resulting in the free fall of liquid.
Loading rate:
The volumetric measure of liquid loaded within a given period, usually expressed as cubic metres per hour (m3/hr) or barrels per hour (bbls/hr).
Lower flammable limit (LFL):
The concentration of hydrocarbon gas in air, below which there is insufficient hydrocarbon to support and propagate combustion. Sometimes referred to as a lower explosive limit (LEL).
Manifold:
The flanged pipe assembly mounted onboard ship to which the presentation flange of the marine loading arm or spool piece connects.
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
A document identifying the substance and all its constituents, providing the recipient with all necessary information to safely manage the substance.
The format and content of an MSDS for MARPOL Annex I cargoes and Marine Fuel Oils is prescribed in IMO Resolution MSC.150 (77).
Mercaptans:
A group of naturally occurring sulphur containing organic chemicals. They are present in some crude oils and in pentane plus cargoes. They have a strong odour.
Naked lights:
Open flames or fires, lighted cigarettes, cigars, pipes or similar smoking materials, any other unconfined sources of ignition, electrical and other equipment liable to cause sparking while in use, unprotected light bulbs or any surface with a temperature that is equal to or higher than the minimum ignition temperature of the products handled in the operation.
Non-volatile petroleum:
Petroleum having a flashpoint of 60ºC or above, as determined by the closed cup method of test.
Odour threshold:
The lowest concentration of vapour in the air which can be detected by smell.
Oxygen analyser/meter:
An instrument for determining the percentage of oxygen in a sample of the atmosphere drawn from a tank, pipe or compartment.
Pellister:
An electrical sensor unit fitted in a flammable gas detector for measuring hydrocarbon vapours and air mixtures within the flammable range.
Permit to work:
A document issued by a responsible person which allows work to be performed in compliance with the vessel’s SMS
Permit to work system:
A document system for controlling activities that expose the ship, personnel and the environment to hazard. The system will provide risk assessment techniques and apply them to the varying levels of risk that may be experienced. The system should conform to a recognised industry guideline.
Phase of oil:
Oil is considered to have three phases in which it can exist depending on the grade of oil and its temperature. The three phases are the solid phase, the liquid phase and the vapour phase. The
phases do not exist in isolation and operators must manage the carriage of oil with an understanding of the combinations of the phases of oil in the cargo being carried.
Pour point:
The lowest temperature at which a petroleum oil will remain fluid.
Pressure surge:
A sudden increase in the pressure of the liquid in a pipeline brought about by an abrupt change in flow rate.
Pressure/vacuum relief valve (P/V valve):
A device which provides for the flow of the small volumes of vapour, air or inert gas mixtures caused by thermal variations in a cargo tank.
Purging:
The introduction of inert gas into a tank already in the inert condition with the object of:
-further reducing the existing oxygen content; and/or
-reducing the existing hydrocarbon gas content to a level below which combustion cannot be supported if the air is subsequently introduced into the tank.
Reid vapour pressure (RVP):
The vapour pressure of a liquid determined in a standard manner in the Reid apparatus at a temperature of 37.8ºC and with a ratio of gas to the liquid volume of 4:1. Used for comparison purposes only.
Relaxation time:
The time is taken for a static charge to relax or dissipate from a liquid. This time is typically one-half minute for static accumulator liquids.
Settling time:
The time it takes for tank contents to stop moving once the filling has stopped. The movement can be because of thermal currents, solids and/or water settling or of gas bubbles rising. Typically this time is 30 minutes.
Sounding pipe:
A pipe extending from the top of the tank to the bottom through which the contents of the tank can be measured. The pipe is usually perforated to ensure the level of liquid in the pipe is the same as the level of liquid in the body of the tank and to prevent the possibility of spillages. The pipe should be electrically bonded to the ship’s structure at the deck and at its lower end.
Sour crude oil:
Crude oil containing appreciable amounts of hydrogen sulphide and/or mercaptans.
Spontaneous combustion:
The ignition of material brought about by a heat producing (exothermic) chemical reaction within the material itself without exposure to an external source of ignition.
Spread loading:
The practice of loading a number of tanks simultaneously to reduce the velocity of the cargo in the pipelines serving individual tanks to avoid static electricity generation when loading static accumulator cargoes.
Static accumulator oil:
An oil with an electrical conductivity less than 50 picoSiemens/metre (pS/m), so that it is capable of retaining a significant electrostatic charge.
Static electricity:
The electricity produced by dissimilar materials through physical contact and separation.
Static non-accumulator oil:
An oil with an electrical conductivity greater than 50 picoSiemens/metre (pS/m), which renders it incapable of retaining a significant electrostatic charge.
Stripping:
The final operation in draining liquid from a tank or pipeline.
Surge pressure:
A sudden increase in the pressure of the liquid in a pipeline brought about by an abrupt change in flow rate. eg. through starting or stopping of a pump, a rapid closure or opening of a value or a reduction of pipeline diameter. The pressure surge may cause a rupture of piping and an extensive oil spill.
Tank cleaning:
The process of removing hydrocarbon vapours, liquid or residue from tanks. Usually carried out so that tanks can be entered for inspection or hot work.
Threshold Limit Value (TLV):
Airborne concentrations of substances under which it is believed that nearly all workers may be exposed day after day with no adverse effect.
Topping off:
The operation of completing the loading of a tank to a required ullage.
Topping up:
The introduction of inert gas into a tank which is already in the inert condition with the object of raising the tank pressure to prevent any ingress of air.
Toxicity:
The degree to which a substance or mixture of substances can harm humans or animals.
‘Acute toxicity’ involves harmful effects to an organism through a single short term exposure.
‘Chronic toxicity’ is the ability of a substance or mixture of substances to cause harmful effects over an extended period, usually upon repeated or continuous exposure, sometimes lasting for the entire life of the exposed organism.
True vapour pressure (TVP):
The true vapour pressure of a liquid is the absolute pressure exerted by the gas produced by evaporation from a liquid when gas and liquid are in equilibrium at the prevailing temperature.
Ullage:
The space above the liquid in a tank, conventionally measured as the distance from the calibration point to the liquid surface.
Upper flammable limit (UFL):
The concentration of hydrocarbon gas in the air above which there is insufficient oxygen to support and propagate combustion. Sometimes referred to as the upper explosive limit (UEL).
Vapour:
A gas below its critical temperature.
Vapour emission control system (VECS):
An arrangement of piping and equipment used to control vapour emissions during tanker operations, including ship and shore vapour collection systems, monitoring and control devices and vapour processing arrangements.
Vapour lock system:
Equipment fitted to a tank to enable the measuring and sampling of cargoes without the release of vapour/inert gas pressure.
Volatile petroleum:
Petroleum, having a flashpoint below 60ºC as determined by the closed cup method of testing.
Water fog:
A suspension in the atmosphere of very fine droplets of water usually delivered at high pressure through a fog nozzle for use in fire fighting.
Water spray:
A suspension in the atmosphere of water divided into coarse drops by delivery through a special nozzle for use in fire fighting.
