4.7 THE PUMPROOM

The pumproom inspection and maintenance program should include all the essential equipment in the pumproom. Particular attention should be given to:
• Pumproom wiring and junction boxes - all pumproom wiring must be undamaged and firmly secured. All junction boxes are explosion-proof type whose covers, gaskets and fastenings must be in best possible condition. Internal junction connectors must be of EXD type and no repairs should be made without proper connectors. All bulkhead penetrations to the engine room or adjacent compartments must be through approved glands, fully and properly packed with flame proof packing material. Damaged pumproom electrical wiring or junction boxes should be disconnected at the source until correct repairs can be made.
• Lighting - all pumproom lighting should be operational, with all interlocks, globes and covers in place. The explosion-proof rating of pumproom lighting fixtures is only valid when they are complete in all respects, including gaskets and all fastenings.
• Emergency stops - should be function checked during the loaded passage to verify that each is fully operational.
• Telephone - verify correct function and circuit integrity.
• Bilge alarm(s) - must be function checked to verify that the sensors will actuate the necessary alarms when immersed.
• Fire suppression system - verify integrity of all actuating connections. Open and service access covers to actuator handles. Inspect CO-2 or foam outlets to verify that they are undamaged and clear of obstructions.
• Main cargo and stripping pump instrumentation - such as tachometers, pressure gauges and temperature sensors should be checked for proper function and calibrated as necessary. High-pressure and high-temperature pump stops should be tested to prove proper operation. Any electrical connections removed to conduct function tests must be properly reconnected after the test.
• Vent fan and motor - should be opened and inspected including electrical connections, mounting bolts, bearings and shaft couplings. Check the fan blades/cage for cracks or broken welds.
• Cargo pumps - seals, drive shaft bulkhead penetrations, strainers, gauge and sensor fittings should be carefully examined. Any seal leaks indicate the need for seals replacement.
• Pump steam line insulation — should be carefully inspected for physically damaged insulation, or for oil soaked insulation. Either should be immediately removed and replaced. Pumproom insulation should be painted with an oil and water tight coating. The insulation must protect all steam lines in the pumproom from direct contact with leaked or sprayed oil.
• Valves - examine valves for stains on the bonnet which would indicate packing gland leaks. Tighten or repack valves as necessary. If valves are suspected of leaking, set up a low-pressure test to prove that valve is tight. Replace leaking valves or report it to the shore engineering group.
Some owners have developed a special test procedure for sea chest valves. This procedure should be completed regularly and the results entered in the vessel's log (see section 2.18).
• Ballast pump - check seals and drive shaft bulkhead penetration. Verify accuracy of tachometer, suction pressure and discharge pressure gauges.
• Rescue lift - examine all parts of the emergency pumproom lift. Exercise the lift from top to bottom of the pumproom under load at least once each voyage.

Many tanker casualties begin with a fire or explosion in the pumproom. It is essential that this potentially dangerous space be kept in the best possible operating condition. Entry into the pumproom for inspection or maintenance work requires initial and periodic testing for hydrocarbon vapours and (if sour crudes have been carried) H2S gas.
Particular care is required if the entry is to repair a leak which may have produced hydrocarbon vapour. In this case, the complete confined space entry procedure must be employed (section 2.15).

When the pumproom has been found to contain high concentrations of vapour:
• Secure power to all fixed equipment in the pumproom if the gas concentration of above 40% LEL.
• Apply foam to the bilges to reduce vapour generation.
• Enter the pumproom only with compressed air breathing apparatus.
• A full rescue team must be assembled and dressed to provide immediate rescue for any personnel entering the pumproom (see Section 2.15.7).