This is an example of the safe system of work in use in a typical port. Old Port is a multi-modal port mainly dealing with roll-on-roll-off traffic but also bulk fruit from the Caribbean and West Africa. It covers both general operations and specific duties.
GENERAL
The following points relate to health and safety concerns identified as a result of the latest health and safety risk assessments. This document covers the outdoor operations.
CLOTHING
- High-visibility jackets must be worn at all times within the outdoor freight clearance areas (including examination bays and sealing lanes). This is a health and safety requirement.
- Worn or faded high-visibility jackets must be replaced.
- Shoes with worn tread must be replaced.
- Care should be taken to ensure that jewellery (rings, ear-rings, etc.) and items of clothing (ties) are removed during examination or sealing duties if there is a danger that they could be snagged up in packaging, etc.
- Hard hats must be worn should you need to enter a vehicle with limited head-room.
- Hard hats must be worn when working in a designated hard hat area (e.g. bulk cargo area).
SAFE WALKWAYS
- Safe walkways are provided to ensure the safety of pedestrians. They should be used if staff need to walk in the freight clearance area.
TRAFFIC
- There are currently no safe walkways in the car park area. Care should be taken when crossing this area and accessing the office.
- Drivers must abide by the traffic signs or obey the instructions of the Port Traffic Marshals or police (especially within the Ro-Ro Terminal).
- At the Ro-Ro Terminal pedestrians should be aware that port traffic has priority at pedestrian crossings and drivers will not necessarily stop to allow you to cross.
EXAMINATION AND SEALING OPERATIONS
SMOKING
- Smoking is prohibited in all areas except designated smoking areas.
THE ENVIRONMENT
- Examinations and sealing operations must be carried out within the designated areas only.
- Staff must never direct traffic into, out of, or within the examination or sealing areas. Traffic congestion must be reported to the Port Service Agency or Port Terminal Control. Accumulations of rubbish or debris and fuel spillages must be reported to the Port Service Agency or Port Terminal Control.
- Be alert when fork-lift trucks or machinery are in operation. If such activity poses a danger you must ask the driver/operator to stop work until you have finished carrying out your duties.
- Examination and sealing operations must be carried out only when vehicle engines are immobilised and the driver is out of his cab. Always stand well clear of moving traffic.
SEALING LANES — USE OF BARRIERS
- Barriers have been installed in the middle of the sealing lanes.
Their purpose is:
- to reduce the risk of approaching heavy goods vehicles hitting anyone already involved in the process of sealing a vehicle;
- to prevent other traffic from driving through the lanes.
At the busiest periods traffic will be moving slowly and will most likely be stacked close together which may make use of the barriers impractical. At these times and when the barriers are out of use, follow other precautions outlined in the safe system of work.
At less busy periods traffic will be inclined to move faster and may, therefore, be less controlled. At these times the lanes must be shut off with barriers while work takes place. Care should be taken to ensure fingers are not trapped when operating the barriers. Staff should also take care when lowering the barriers (e.g. avoid hitting anyone else).
MANUAL HANDLING
- All staff must observe the ‘Manual Handling Training’ advice on lifting items.
- The Port Service Agency must be used to offload goods and present them for examination.
- Staff must not climb over goods, carry heavy boxes or open cartons or crates.
- Never open trailers as goods inside may topple out.
- Never assist drivers with vehicle repairs.
DANGEROUS/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
- You must consider what hazards a substance may pose before carrying out the examination. If you are in doubt, do not proceed with the examination.
- Never inhale or taste goods during examinations.
STAFF ATTENDANCE AT EXAMINATIONS
- Never carry out examinations without somebody else being present (e.g. Port Service Agency representative, shipping agent or colleague).
- New members of staff must be accompanied by a more experienced colleague.
- Two members of staff must attend cargo inspections at the:
- bulk cargo area;
- freezer room;
- chilled store.
FREEZER ROOM AT THE RO-RO TERMINAL
- The Old Port Instructions must be complied with.
- Anybody entering the freezer room must be physically fit.
- Protective clothing must be worn at all times.
- You must never go into the freezer room alone.
- Never work in the room for more than 50 minutes at a time (after 50 minutes a 15-minute break must be taken).
- The Port Service Agency must be notified of all freezer room activity.
- The floor might be slippery. Care must be taken when walking in the examination area.
- The freezer room must be free of debris or stored goods. Report any problems to Old Port Terminal Control.
