Our Experienced Maritime Injury Lawyers Share What You Need to Know to Stay Safe and Protect Your Rights if There’s Coal on Your Ship
Coal is an essential energy source in the United States and around the world. Each year, more than one billion tons of coal are transported by sea. That makes you – a maritime worker transporting coal cargo– an essential worker, and you deserve to make a fair recovery if you get sick or injured by combustible gasses or dangerous chemicals. Below, our experienced maritime injury lawyers explain what you need to know about transporting coal by sea and how to protect your rights if you’re sick or injured.
Toxic Flammable Gases and Other Coal Cargo Risks
The specific dangers you face depend partly on the form of coal being transported. Coal is classified into different ranks determined by the degree of geological coalification. Different coal ranks emit different gases.
However, regardless of the coal classification, precautions should be taken when loading and transporting coal to avoid risks such as:
Methane
Coal may emit methane, which can be flammable or explosive. Methane accumulates in the top layer of the coal cargo storage and may leak into other areas of the ship if the cargo area is not gas-tight.
Carbon Monoxide
Sometimes, coal self-heats and can spontaneously combust. Spontaneous combustion of coal can increase carbon monoxide levels. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and toxic gas.
Oxygen Depletion
Coal can deplete oxygen and lead to increased levels of carbon dioxide. Excessive carbon dioxide exposure may lead to headaches, drowsiness, confusion, high blood pressure, heart issues, and suffocation.
Coal combustion can also release sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and other toxic gases.
International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Regulations
Since coal can be so dangerous to transport, the IMSBC Code explains the precautions that should be taken to protect maritime workers from coal cargo dangers.
Coal is typically classified as IMSBC Group A and B. These classifications are defined as follows:
- Group A. Cargo, which may liquefy if shipped at a moisture content exceeding the transportable moisture limit (TML), is put into Group A. The cargo declaration must include documentation on moisture content (MC) and TML for Group A cargoes.
- Group B. Cargo, which possesses chemical hazards, is in Group B. Coal can be classified as Group B only under specific conditions.
The latest IMSBC Code also categorizes coal as potentially:
- Combustible (CB)
- Self-heating (SH)
- Evolving flammable gas when wet (WF)
- Corrosive (CR)
Cargo Declaration
The cargo declaration must comply with the IMSBC Code requirements. It should state whether coal can emit methane or self-heat and include recommended safe handling procedures.
Loading Precautions
Several precautions should be taken during loading. It’s essential to:
- Clean and dry cargo spaces and bilge wells
- Ensure fire and liquid-resistant boundaries
- Monitor gas levels in adjacent spaces
- Ensure electrical safety in cargo holds
- Avoid stowage adjacent to hot areas
- Follow segregation requirements for dangerous goods
- Properly trim cargo to prevent oxygen circulation
- Prohibit smoking and naked flames near cargo areas
- Conduct a risk assessment for hot work
Temperature should be measured before and during loading. Coal cargoes with temperatures above 55°C should be rejected.
Cargo Monitoring During Voyage
Regular temperature, gas concentration, and bilge pH measurements should be taken. Readings should be taken at least daily. Detailed records of all measurements should be maintained.
Generally, ventilation management is recommended to prevent explosions. The regulations require surface ventilation for the first 24 hours after departure. Subsequent ventilation should be based on gas concentration levels.
Additionally, regular tests of bilge pH should occur during the voyage, and the bilge should be frequently pumped out if a corrosion risk is detected.
What to Do if Coal Cargo Causes Your Maritime Injury or Illness
If you've gotten sick or hurt because of coal cargo exposure, it's crucial to take the following steps to protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek immediate medical attention. Your health is the top priority. Report your symptoms to the ship's medical officer and get medical treatment as soon as possible.
- Document the incident. Write down all details about the incident, including date, time, location, and circumstances. Take photos or videos of the area where the injury occurred if possible.
- Report the injury. Notify your supervisor or the ship's captain about your injury or illness. Make sure an official incident report is filed.
- Identify witnesses. If any crew members witnessed the incident or can attest to the unsafe conditions, note their names and contact information.
- Continue medical treatment. Follow all medical advice and attend all follow-up appointments. Keep records of all medical treatments, diagnoses, and expenses.
- Do not sign any documents. Avoid signing any statements or waivers from your employer or their insurance company without legal advice.
- Contact a maritime injury lawyer. Reach out to an experienced maritime injury attorney as soon as possible. Our experienced maritime lawyers can guide you through the legal process and help protect your rights.
Remember, as a seaman, you have rights under maritime law, including the Jones Act, which may entitle you to compensation for your injuries. An experienced maritime injury lawyer can help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
