Warning over crab meal fire hazard

   The U.K. P&I Club said a recent incident in which containers of crab shell meal caught fire due to self-combustion has highlighted safety issues with the substance, which is used as both a component in feed and for fertilizer.
   “Crab shell meal is not classified as a dangerous cargo such as fish meal, but both have similar characteristics in that they are susceptible to self combustion if stowed in direct sunlight or near heat sources on the ship,” the insurer said.
   The UK Club said in the absence of regulations governing the safe carriage of crab shell meal, it recommends that it is handled, stowed and shipped similar to the requirements of Fish Meal (UN2216) within in the IMSBC Code (Page 171, 2010 Edition).
   The insurer said smoke started coming from a container of crab shell flake and meal which “was loaded in Halifax, Canada, and was destined for Japan. The smoke was detected between Los Angeles and Oakland and the container was off-loaded in Oakland and taken to a secured spot in the yard. The cargo was dumped out of the container and hosed down by the fire department.”
   Officials think the fact that the meal was stored in direct sunlight lead to the fire.