Understanding the dangers on dock


The Port of Felixstowe is one of those that has been involved in the development of the new Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing (CSS Code) at IMO, and it has also had input into the Lloyd's Register guidelines.

"Greater effort is required by some shipping lines to understand the dangers stevedores face in carrying out this heavy manual task," says Paul Davey, head of corporate affairs at Hutchison Ports (UK).
"The risks include the general condition of some vessels, rusting walkways and access hatches left open. In some cases, lashing gantries are not wide enough to safely handle lashing bars, or lashing gear is left lying around on gantries and not stowed away. Lashing gear is not suitable in some cases and in a poor state of repair on some vessels."

Felixstowe is committed to working to improve the layout of vessels to make them safer for its employees, says Mr Davey. "This includes improving fall protection and ensuring better access to certain lashing areas.

"As a port, we continue to focus on extensive training for all stevedores and ongoing monitoring of tasks. Our safety managers visit vessels on a regular basis and will be called upon whenever there is any doubt. Our normal working procedure is that lashing is a two-man task - and in some cases, specialist equipment will be used, such as frames, spikes and extensions

Comments