Preventing risks of employees falling

• Ensure that connections are secure

  Ensure that connections for embarkation, transport and disembarkation are safe. Examples of appropriate measures include:

  • Set up safety nets along the quay on each si­de of the connection routes to ships. The safety net should extend approximately two metres along the quay.
  • Do not block fixed connections to cargo holds unnecessarily. Keep them open to the greatest exent possible.

• Make sure that the deck is accessible.

  It is important that hatch covers and other similar ship's equipment do not hinder accessibility on deck. The distance between set-aside hatch covers and the hatch opening should be at least 1 metre. If this is not possible, it may be necessary to place the hatch covers on land.

• Prevent falling risks when working with containers

  When working with load securing equipment on stacked containers, it is important to minimise the risk of employees falling. If the shipowner uses semi-automatic or automatic twist locks, most of the work can be carried out from the shore side.

  If the shipowner uses manual twist locks, it is advisable that work on container roofs is carried out from a work basket that is attached to the container yoke of the harbour crane.

Preventing risks of employees being injured by falling objects

• Regard the entire quay as a risk area

  Objects do not always fall straight down. A dropped cargo boom with hoist lines and cleats can sweep across a large area, for example if a ship has a list or if the cleats guide the dropped cargo boom. The whole of the adjacent quayside can thus be a risk area.

  The area below a ramp is particularly risky, if, for example, vehicles on the ramp accidentally roll or goods fall out of a vehicle.

• Cover bundles of timber when loading and unloading

  Loading and unloading bundles of timber involves risks. Prevent the risks, for example by ensuring that bundles of timber are covered and that any holes are marked on the cover.

• Use safety nets when section loading

  Section loading or similar work carries a risk that objects or equipment can fall. Prevent the risks, for example with a safety net or similar. Secure the safety net at the bottom, so that no objects fall between the net and the stowed cargo.

• Remove stones and ice from load carriers and vehicles

  Ensure that drivers are able to remove stones and ice from load carriers and vehicles. It is a good idea to arrange a work station where the drivers can stop to check the vehicles and take measures in a safe way.

• Load load carriers correctly

  Make sure it is possible to ensure the weight of the load carrier before lifting. Load carriers can be weighed as soon as they arrive at the harbour.

  If the operator of the lifting device cannot read the crane scale from the operating position, an extra person may be needed to read the weight and communicate it to the operator.

Preventing risks with vehicles

• Separate pedestrians and vehicles

  Try to separate pedestrians and vehicles, and different types of vehicles, from each other. This reduces the risk of employees on foot being struck by vehicles and of different types of vehicle colliding.

  If separation is not possible, it is appropriate, for example, to

  • have sufficiently wide driving lanes
  • keep driving lanes clear, so that ambulances and other em¬ergency vehicles, for example, can get through
  • arrange special walking and driving routes with markings showing what these are for
  • one-way traffic
  • set up barriers, traffic mirrors and warning signs
  • have a traffic warden where necessary
  • fence off the harbour area and control who can enter.

• Ensure that vehicles cannot start rolling or be unable to brake

  • Vehicles and railway wagons should be both braked and chocked or otherwise secured to prevent them from rolling unintentionally.
  • Warn those affected by a move. Often, a traffic warden with this responsibility may be needed.

• Ensure that lighting is adequate

  Powerful lighting, over 100 lux, is often needed, especially where passenger and vehicle traffic is mixed, for example at ramps in ferry or ro-ro mode.

  • Luminaires may need to be dimmed at the edge of the quay to avoid dazzling seafarers. Dim the luminaires above 90° from the vertical. Also adjust the direction, height and type of light source to reduce the risk of glare.
  • Special lighting on motorised equipment may be needed if the normal general lighting is obscured and this cannot be remedied. Special lighting may also be needed for work in containers, railway wagons and cargo holds.

• Stop other work if necessary

  Some lifting, especially with the ship's own lifting devices, can cause movement of the ship, so that it may be necessary to suspend other work on board or take other protective measures, such as blocking off dangerous areas.

• Ensure that the ship is stable

  Check the ship's stability continuously during unloading and loading, especially for side-loading vessels. Poor stability can cause the ship to list. The risk of collapse increases with increased listing, but there can be risks even with a list of less than 2°, when stacking bundles of timber for example.

  Appropriate measures:

  • When stacking: first put transom stays in place so that the ship is loaded down and thus as stable as possible. Then start setting up along the ship.
  • Place the packages with their longest side across the ship.