Key data
| Stowage factor | 1.30–1.55 m³/t (typical 1.40)45.9–54.7 ft³/t (typical 49.4) |
|---|---|
| Form | Bagged |
| IMSBC group | n/a Not classified under the IMSBC Code (e.g. breakbulk or bagged goods). |
| Broken stowage | 10% |
ft³/t values are per metric tonne (1 m³/t ≈ 35.31 ft³/t). Stowage factors are indicative — see note below.
Description
Bagged flour is milled cereal shipped as a food product in paper or woven bags. The effective stowage factor around 1.40 m3/t reflects the bags and the broken stowage. It is a clean food cargo whose handling is shaped by two things: its sensitivity to moisture and taint, and the explosive nature of fine flour dust.
Stowage & loading
Bags are stowed on dunnage in clean, dry, odour-free holds, with a stable stow and torn bags set aside. Flour dust escaping from bags is a real explosion hazard, so dust is controlled and ignition sources excluded during handling, and wet-weather loading is managed because wetting ruins the cargo.
Hazards & handling
Fine flour dust forms an explosive cloud, so ignition control during loading and discharge is essential. The flour is hygroscopic and cakes or spoils if wetted, taints readily, and is prone to infestation. Bag breakage spreads dust and product, compounding both the explosion risk and the housekeeping burden.
Carriage & discharge
Ventilation is managed to keep the cargo dry and limit sweat, and the stow is monitored for moisture and any sign of heating or spoilage. Discharge is by sling, net or fork, with damaged bags segregated and dust controlled, and holds cleaned thoroughly of flour residue afterwards.
Key hazards
- Explosive flour dust during handling, requiring strict ignition control
- Hygroscopic caking and spoilage if wetted
- Taint sensitivity, infestation and bag breakage
Loading precautions
- Present clean, dry, odour-free holds and dunnage the stow
- Control flour dust and exclude ignition sources during handling
- Set aside torn bags and manage wet-weather handling
Stowage factors are indicative and vary with grade, origin, moisture and packing. Always verify against the shipper's cargo declaration and the applicable IMSBC Code schedule before fixing or loading. This is general information, not professional or safety advice.