The origin of lighters can be traced back to Britain in 1917, initially designed merely to meet the needs of smokers on the front lines of World War I. Today, lighters have become an indispensable tool in our daily lives. As the world’s largest manufacturer of lighters, our country produces nearly 70% of the global total sales volume. In recent years, the annual export volume of lighters from our country has stabilized at around 5 billion units.
The gas used in lighters is primarily flammable gas. Early models often used kerosene, while now butane, propane, and liquefied petroleum gas are more common. As the ambient temperature rises, the internal pressure of the lighter also increases. Combined with direct sunlight, friction, compression, or collision, this can easily lead to an explosion.
I. Definition and Types of Lighters
A lighter is an appliance charged with no more than 10g of butane or other flammable gas or liquid, which can be refilled or has no refill system, can withstand a certain pressure, and is equipped with a fuel release and ignition device. It is generally used for lighting cigarettes but can also be used for other ignition purposes.
Lighters can be classified into gas lighters (Gas lighter – products charged with liquefied hydrocarbon fuel), fluid lighters (Fluid lighter – lighters with an exposed wick), post-mixing burner lighters (Postmixing burner lighter – lighters where fuel and air mix at the ignition point), pre-mixing burner lighters (Premixing burner lighter – lighters where fuel and air are mixed before ignition), and disposable lighters (Disposable lighter – lighters that cannot be refilled), among others.
II. Transport Requirements
(I) Proper Shipping Name and Number
According to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, lighters are classified as Class 2.1 Flammable Gas dangerous goods. The proper shipping name is “LIGHTERS or LIGHTER REFILLS containing flammable gas”, with the United Nations number UN 1057.
It should be noted that when transporting lighters or lighter refills containing flammable gas, they must also meet the requirements of Special Provision 201.
As shown in Figure 2, lighters and lighter refills should be equipped with protective devices to prevent accidental leakage, and the capacity of liquefied gas must not exceed 85% of the container’s volume at 15°C. Furthermore, the container and its closure device must be able to withstand twice the pressure. The net quantity of liquefied petroleum gas in a lighter should be ≤10 g, and in a lighter refill, it should be ≤65 g. If the quantity of liquefied petroleum gas in a lighter exceeds 10 g, or in a lighter refill exceeds 65 g, it should be classified under other entries in the IMDG Code, as detailed below.
(II) Packaging Requirements
Export lighter manufacturers must apply for cargo inspection and a use identification certificate for export dangerous goods packaging (i.e., a dangerous goods package certificate) when exporting lighters. After obtaining the certificate, relevant materials must be submitted when applying for the dangerous goods transport declaration. Packaging suitable for lighters must meet special packaging provisions: use rigid outer packaging that meets the test requirements for Packaging Group II. These outer packages must be designed, constructed, and arranged to effectively prevent movement of the contents, accidental ignition of the contents, and accidental leakage of flammable gas or liquid.
(III) Stowage and Segregation
The stowage category for lighters is B. They are permitted for on-deck or under-deck stowage on cargo ships and passenger ships carrying a limited number of passengers. Passenger ships exceeding the specified number of passengers are only permitted on-deck stowage. During stowage, stowage code SW2 (Away from living quarters) must be observed.
(IV) Emergency Response Requirements
According to the IMDG Code EmS Guide (Emergency Response Procedures for Ships Carrying Dangerous Goods), the emergency response code for lighters in transport is “F-D, S-U”, as detailed below:
In case of fire: For cargo on fire on deck, use multiple water spray jets if possible; do not attempt to extinguish a gas flame. For cargo on fire under deck, stop ventilation and close hatches; use the fixed fire-extinguishing system in the cargo space or copious quantities of water spray to extinguish the fire. For cargo exposed to fire, if feasible, remove or jettison packages that may be on fire; if not feasible, cool the cargo with water for several hours, as heated or ruptured containers may rapidly project, creating a hazard.
In case of spillage: Immediately begin handling from upwind, prevent gas dispersion, and eliminate ignition sources. Crew must wear protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus. For spillage on deck: if a small amount, allow the gas to dissipate naturally and clean up; if a large amount, keep the bridge and living quarters upwind, use water spray to disperse the gas, and for liquefied gas, project water from a distance to accelerate evaporation. For spillage under deck: for a small amount, do not enter the space, ensure ventilation to promote gas evaporation, maintain cleanliness, contact experts, and test for gas hazards before entry; for a large amount, similarly prohibit entry, ensure ventilation, stay upwind, use water spray to disperse gas or prevent ignition of flammable gas, contact experts, test for hazards before entry, and strictly prohibit entry for those not equipped with self-contained breathing apparatus.
Warning
Although small, lighters have a significant impact on maritime transport safety. Their transport safety is directly related to the stability of the maritime shipping safety situation. A slight carelessness in any transport link may lead to serious consequences. Shippers must remember not to falsely declare, conceal, or hide lighters in general cargo to save costs or reduce trouble. Regardless of the quantity, they must be properly packaged, correctly declared, reasonably stowed, and handled with scientific emergency response procedures.
To help everyone better remember the key points of safe lighter transport, here is a rhyme:
Lighters hide risks, maritime safety must not be forgotten.
Flammable gas carries danger, standard procedures require careful thought.
Gas filling has limits, specific classification must be pondered.
Packaging must be sturdy and secure, preventing leakage and shaking.
Stowage and segregation have requirements, keep away from living quarters, don’t place randomly.
Fire handling requires methods, on deck and under deck are not the same.
In case of spillage, don’t panic, handle from upwind to prevent danger.
Crew protection must be thorough, strict execution keeps hearts calm.
Everyone united in following the rules ensures safe and secure maritime transport.
