PETROLEUM CARGOES

Timaru Herald, Issue 170296, 14 August 1920, Page 5

PETROLEUM CARGOES

• NEW REGULATIONS. STRINGENT PRECAUTIONS. New regulations regarding the shipment and landing of petroleum have been gazetted. Petroleum is defined as including practically anything that gives off an inflammable vapour at less temperature than 110 F. Vessels in port with more than 2000 gallons. must fly a red flag by day and show a red light by night, and have large danger notices. No petroleum must be shipped or landed between sunset and sunrise, or until the holds have been ventilated, or all appliances are free of leaks, and iu no case shall wire rope or wire slings be used.

No master shall allow petroleum to be loaded until the forward and aft bulkheads have been proved to be airtight. It is compulsory for petroleum carrying ships to be equipped with electric light, but six months' grace is to be allowed before this becomes operative.

Regarding general precautions, much attention is directed to leaky receptacles. Every worker mustreport the presence of a leak under pain of a £5 penalty: No person must enter a place where petroleum is, or was, unless it has been ventilated, _ with a lantern or naked light. It will he an offence for any person to ship, petroleum or for any master to receive it on board, if the oil is escaping Or likely to escape from any tin. Locomotives are not permitted to be fired on the ■wharf or landing where petroleum is being handled and shall not be allowed on the same wharf as the petroleum unless they are fitted with spark-ar-resters.