Safe Handling, Loading, Unloading, and Personnel Training
From quay to hold
Safe handling covers the whole chain: checking documents, inspecting packages and units, loading in the correct sequence, securing, and unloading without damage. Personnel must be trained in the hazards of the goods they handle, the meaning of labels and placards, safe handling procedures, and emergency response. Training must be documented and refreshed. Loading and unloading require attention to segregation, compatibility, and the condition of the unit. The master and responsible officer must be satisfied that the cargo is properly described and packed before it is loaded.
Traps candidates fall into
- Assuming training is a one-off; it must be documented and kept current.
- Overlooking the inspection of packages and units before loading.
- Forgetting that unloading carries the same hazards as loading.
- Treating the packing certificate as a substitute for physical inspection.
Worked example
A container arrives with a damaged placard and a leaking drum. The responsible officer stops loading, isolates the unit, checks the documents and packing certificate, and reports the damage before any further handling.