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Gard Guidance Masters

2.11.2.4 PIPES AND MANHOLE COVERS

Sounding or air pipes running through the holds should be checked to ensure that they are sound and intact. Manhole covers that have been opened, should be pressure tested after closing to ensure that they are tightly closed. Manhole covers must be tight and, where necessary, covered with tarpaulins, burlap or polyethylene foil.

Special checks are required for small holes and cracks in pipework. In particular, checks for leaks at flanges, especially on pipes serving bunker tanks as leaking fumes can contaminate the cargoes.

If repairs to pipeworks have been carried out, these pipes should be the subject of a pressure test.