Gas-free certification is a very important service that ascertains the safety of a vessel and its crew after fumigation of cargo holds, hatches, or containers. Fumigation is performed to destroy pests such as stored-product insects, rodents, and other pests in cargo or storage areas.
Fumigants are hazardous to human health if the fumigated area is not properly ventilated. The cargo hole or container needs to be ventilated after fumigation to ensure that toxic gases like methyl bromide or phosphine are completely removed. Once the area of fumigation is safe, a gas-free certificate is issued, which means it is ready for entry into the area by personnel. This is an important certificate from the point of view of health and safety at work, whereby crew members must not be exposed to harmful chemicals in their attempt to keep cargo intact. Quite often, gas-free certification may be required of vessels prior to being allowed to leave a port or enter a new harbor.
This is an important certificate from the point of view of health and safety at work, whereby crew members must not be exposed to harmful chemicals in their attempt to keep cargo intact. Quite often, gas-free certification may be required of vessels prior to being allowed to leave a port or enter a new harbor.
