DENMARK ISSUES WARNING ON CALCIUM HYPOCHLORITE
The Danish Maritime Authority has issued a warning to carriers to take
better care when handling shipments of calcium hypochlorite.
The chemical has been cited as the cause of several recent fires aboard
containerships. Calcium hypochlorite is commonly used in household cleaners and
disinfectants for swimming pools.
According to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, calcium
hypochlorite may cause fires when in contact with combustible material, organic substances
or ammonium compounds.
Hazardous materials specialists suspect that calcium hypochlorite may
pose a fire hazard when temperatures reach 35 degrees Celsius or above. These temperatures
may be reached in tropical climates if the containers are stowed in ship holds.
Calcium hypochlorite fires are known to be explosive and difficult to
extinguish.