Chapter 6

Volume 2 Start 6 Contents 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Examples 6.3 Labelling 6.4 Behaviour 6.5 Safety 6.6 Floating packages 6.7 Sunken packages 6.8 Ashore packages 6.9 Sunken craft 6.10 Chemical warfare
 

6.8        Packages washed ashore

Picture source: IMO

Picture source: Hazardous Cargo Bulletin

Figure 6 - 55

Figure 6 - 56

Packages lost at sea may eventually be washed ashore. Upon impact with the shore, they may be damaged and may start leaking, particularly on rocky or stony shorelines. People may come in contact with packages on shore and may be injured by leaking substances. The public should be advised never to approach such packages.

Special care must be taken when inspecting packages washed ashore. The packagings may have been damaged on impact with the shore and may be leaking, contaminating the surrounding area. Inspection of the packages should be carried out by trained experts only.

If the contents is known (e.g. if the labelling is intact), the hazards can readily be assessed. If not, identification of the contents and assessment of the hazards should be obtained before recovery is attempted. If the presence of radioactive material is suspected, measurement of the radiation level should be carried out before any other actions.

It may be possible to use detection equipment in the field to assist in these processes. A chemical laboratory may be necessary to identify samples where this is insufficient.

Drums washed ashore (Figure 6 - 55) should always be contained in salvage drums (Figure 6 - 57) before transportation or further handling.

The requirement for packaging approval for transport of dangerous goods is also valid for cover drums (cf. Section 6.1.2).


Picture source:
Environment Canada

Figure 6 - 57
Salvage drum

Freight containers washed ashore (Figure 6 - 56) should if possible be emptied before any actions to move them. The off-loading (evacuation) must be performed under strict safety precautions.