MSC 85/26/Add.

2
ANNEX 3
Page 244
PITCH PRILL
DESCRIPTION
Pitch Prill is made from tar produced during the coking of coal. It is black with a distinctive
odour. It is extruded into its characteristic pencil shape to make handling easier.
Cargo softens between 40C to 50C. Melting point: 105C to 107C.
CHARACTERISTICS
ANGLE OF REPOSE

BULK DENSITY (kg/m3)

STOWAGE FACTOR (m3/t)

Not applicable

500 to 800

1.25 to 2.0

SIZE

CLASS

GROUP

9 mm diameter and
up to 0.7 cm long

MHB

HAZARDS
Melts when heated. Combustible, burns with a dense black smoke. Dust may cause skin and eye
irritation. Normally this cargo has a low fire-risk. However powder of the cargo is easy to ignite
and may cause fire and explosion. Special care should be taken for preventing fire during
loading or discharging.
STOWAGE & SEGREGATION
Segregation as required for class 4.1 materials.
HOLD CLEANLINESS
No special requirements.
WEATHER PRECAUTIONS
Refer to the appendix to this schedule.
LOADING
Trim in accordance with the relevant provisions required under sections 4 and 5 of the Code.
This cargo shall not be stowed in a cargo space adjacent to heated tanks to avoid softening and
melting of the cargo.
PRECAUTIONS
Refer to the appendix to this schedule.
VENTILATION
Surface ventilation only, either natural or mechanical, shall be conducted, as necessary, during
the voyage for this cargo.

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MSC 85/26/Add.2
ANNEX 3
Page 245
CARRIAGE
After the completion of loading of this cargo, the hatches of the cargo spaces shall be sealed.
Condensation in the cargo spaces carrying this cargo shall be checked regularly during voyage.
DISCHARGE
Adequate measures shall be taken to prevent dust generation.
CLEAN-UP
No special requirements.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
SPECIAL EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT TO BE CARRIED
Protective clothing, gloves, boots, overalls, and headgear.
Self-contained breathing apparatus, spray nozzles.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Wear protective clothing and self contained breathing apparatus.
EMERGENCY ACTION IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE
Batten down: use ships fixed fire-fighting installation if available.
Exclusion of air may be sufficient to control fire.
MEDICAL FIRST AID
Refer to the Medical First Aid Guide (MFAG), as amended.

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MSC 85/26/Add.2
ANNEX 3
Page 246
APPENDIX
PITCH PRILL
General precautions:
1.

Personnel engaged in loading shall be supplied with gloves, dust masks, approved
protective clothing and goggles.

2.

Eyewashes and sun screen creams shall be readily available.

3.

Number of personnel in area of loading shall be kept to a minimum. Personnel in area of

loading shall be aware of all the hazards involved.

4.

Personnel engaged in the handling of this cargo shall wash well and keep out of the sun
for a few days, after the cargo handling.

5.

The hatch shall be closed after loading or discharge has ceased and the ship shall be
washed out to remove all dust.

6.

Due consideration shall be paid on suspending the cargo handling when wind is blowing
dust.

7.

After completion of discharging this cargo, the deck shall be cleaned up to remove all
spillages.

8.

Ventilation of the accommodation spaces shall be closed and the air conditioning systems
for the accommodation spaces shall be on re-cycle mode when this cargo is being handled
either loading or discharging.

9.

The cargo dust is easily ignited and may cause fire and explosion. Special care shall be
taken to prevent fire during loading and discharging the cargo.

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