4.1.1 Injuries to dockworkers on board visiting
ships account for the majority of accidents that occur within container
ports, with the most common activity that involves such injuries being
the lashing/unlashing of deck containers. Ships' crew engaged in securing
operations face similar dangers.
4.1.2 During the design and construction of containerships
the provision of a safe place of work for lashing personnel is essential.
4.1.3 Container shipowners and designers are reminded
of the dangers associated with container securing operations and urged
to develop and use container securing systems which are safe by design.
The aim should be to eliminate or at least minimize the need for:
4.1.4 It should be borne in mind that providing
safe working conditions for securing containers deals with matters
relating to design, operation, and maintenance, and that the problems
on large containerships are not the same as on smaller ones.
4.2
Revised recommendations
on safety of personnel during container securing operations (MSC.1/Circ.1263)
Shipowners, ship designers and Administrations should take
into account the recommendations on safe design of securing arrangements
contained in these guidelines, and in the Recommendations on safety
of personnel during container securing operations (MSC.1/Circ.1263).
4.3
Cargo Safe Access Plan
(CSAP)
4.3.1 The Guidelines for the preparation
of the Cargo Securing Manual (MSC/Circ.745) requires ships which are specifically designed and fitted
for the purpose of carrying containers to have an approved Cargo Safe
Access Plan (CSAP) on board, for all areas where containers are secured.
4.3.2 Stakeholders, including, but not limited
to shipowners, ship designers, ship builders, administrations, classification
societies and lashing equipment manufacturers, should be involved
at an early stage in the design of securing arrangements on containerships
and in the development of the CSAP.
4.3.3 The CSAP should be developed at the design
stage in accordance with chapter 5 of the annex to MSC.1/Circ.1353.
4.3.4 Designers should incorporate the recommendations
of this annex into the CSAP so that safe working conditions can be
maintained during all anticipated configurations of container stowage.
4.4
Training and familiarization
4.4.1 Personnel engaged in cargo securing operations
should be trained in the lashing and unlashing of containers as necessary
to carry out their duties in a safe manner. This should include the
different types of lashing equipment that are expected to be used.
4.4.2 Personnel engaged in cargo securing operations
should be trained in the identification and handling of bad order
or defective securing gear in accordance with each ship's procedures
to ensure damaged gear is segregated for repair and maintenance or
disposal.
4.4.3 Personnel engaged in cargo securing operations
should be trained to develop the knowledge and mental and physical
manual handling skills that they require to do their job safely and
efficiently, and to develop general safety awareness to recognize
and avoid potential dangers.
4.4.4 Personnel should be trained in safe systems
of work. Where personnel are involved in working at heights, they
should be trained in the use of relevant equipment. Where practical,
the use of fall protection equipment should take precedence over fall
arrest systems.
4.4.5 Personnel who are required to handle thermal
cables and/or connect and disconnect temperature control units should
be given training in recognizing defective cables, receptacles and
plugs.
4.4.6 Personnel engaged in containership cargo
operations should be familiarized with the ship's unique characteristics
and potential hazards arising from such operations necessary to carry
out their duties.