down-stream a few hundred yards and anchored. In the meantime, the quarantine tug-boat arrives with its complete disinfection outfit, initiating rigorous treatment until every part is saturated with mercuric solution. Infected ships endure extraordinary measures to prevent spreading diseases ashore. The immediate segregation of sick and well, along with thorough disinfection, ensures no risks are taken. At the upper station, additional precautions like moist heat application to baggage and ship's apparel are enforced.
As soon as this is completed, all on board are sent ashore for observation while the vessel undergoes further treatment. The tug-boat equipped with a complete outfit generates germicidal gas for displacement of the entire atmosphere within infected ships. A wooden tank in the hold holds bichloride of mercury solution for treating vessels at lower quarantine stations.
The first process involves wetting all available surfaces except cargo, using a 1:1000 water solution of bichloride of mercury and muriate of ammonia. This agent was adopted due to its superior germicidal strength compared to carbolic acid, which had failed in trials. The advantages include being colorless, odorless, non-injurious to fabrics, safe to handle, easily applied, and cheap.
<Callout type="important" title="Key Process">The process of fumigation with sulphurous oxide follows the application of bichloride solution, ensuring complete disinfection.</Callout>
Sulphurous oxide is generated by burning commercial roll sulphur in furnaces connected to a reservoir and exhaust fan. The gas is then conducted into the vessel's hold through pipes, displacing the entire atmosphere within.
<Callout type="warning" title="Safety Hazard">Ensure all openings are battened during fumigation and remain closed for at least eight hours post-treatment.</Callout>
All bedding, ship’s linen, personal items, etc., are removed to a building where they undergo treatment by moist heat in a superheating chamber.
Key Takeaways
- Infected ships must undergo rigorous disinfection to prevent disease spread ashore.
- Bichloride of mercury solution is applied first, followed by sulphurous oxide fumigation.
- All personal items and ship’s linens are treated with moist heat at high temperatures.
Practical Tips
- Use bichloride of mercury solution for its superior germicidal properties over carbolic acid.
- Ensure all openings in the vessel remain sealed during sulphurous oxide fumigation.
Warnings & Risks
- Failure to properly seal off the ship during fumigation can result in incomplete disinfection.
- Improper handling of bichloride of mercury solution may cause damage to certain textile items.
Modern Application
While historical methods like bichloride of mercury and sulphurous oxide fumigation are no longer recommended due to safety concerns, the principles of thorough disinfection remain crucial. Modern alternatives such as chlorine dioxide gas or hydrogen peroxide vapor offer safer yet equally effective solutions for vessel sanitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the first step in disinfecting an infected ship?
The first step involves wetting all available surfaces of the ship with a solution of bichloride of mercury and muriate of ammonia, except cargo.
Q: Why was bichloride of mercury chosen over carbolic acid?
Bichloride of mercury was chosen due to its superior germicidal strength, lack of offensive odor, and lower cost compared to carbolic acid which had failed in trials.
Q: What safety measures are necessary during sulphurous oxide fumigation?
All openings must be battened tightly during the process and remain sealed for at least eight hours post-treatment to ensure complete disinfection.