EmS and MFAG
When ships are far from land, the crew must independently manage
most problems that arise. In case dangerous goods are involved in
an accident or incident of any kind, it is recommended that two
"instruction books”"be kept available onboard for reference:
EmS (Emergency Procedures for Ships Carrying Dangerous Goods) and
MFAG (Medical First Aid Guide).
EmS contains procedures for the actions that
can be taken if there is a fire or spill of dangerous goods. It
contains general procedures applicable to an entire substance class
as well as procedures specific to certain products. Examples of the
information found in the specific "emergency schedules" are
necessary protective equipment and the types of extinguishing
agents that can be used to put out fires involving dangerous
goods.
A new EmS has been drafted and was published with the 31st
version of the IMDG Code. The new EmS is divided into EmS for fires
and EmS for spills. As before, there will be EmS numbers for every
UN number in column 15 of the Dangerous Goods List. EmS
number does not have to be specified in the Dagerous Goods
Declaration.
The consignor may also judge that the EmS procedures should be
supplemented for a specific substance, but the basic rule
(according to Swedish regulations) is that the EmS number is
adequate as emergency procedures.
MFAG was revised in conjunction with
publication of the 30th version of the IMDG Code. As a result,
MFAG table numbers do not have to be stated on the
Dangerous Goods Declaration. MFAG consists of a flow chart which
shows what actions should be taken, based on the situation and
symptoms, when a person has been exposed to dangerous goods of some
kind. However, it is important that the crew has been trained to
use MFAG in advance so that it will work in an emergency.
The crew can also get in touch with a doctor via Radio Medical
to get assistance treating an injured person onboard.
The Swedish Transport Agency's regulations on transport of
dangerous goods in packaged form also state what medicines and
medical devices must be found onboard when dangerous goods are
being transported.
In emergencies, it is important to utilise all
information available in the IMDG Code, EmS and MFAG (as
well as the IMSBC, IBC or IGC Codes with regard to bulk
cargoes).