In the course of offshore operations, cargo in transit and its sea fastening arrangements are likely to be subjected to forces acting in three axis. Such forces can be the result of shock loadings during transfer operations or vessel motions in a seaway, particularly during bad weather.
Goods being transported by other means will also experience significant forces as a result of vehicle motions or rough handling during transit. Whilst being carried on moving vehicles, goods and their securing arrangements may also be subjected to exceptional loads during emergency situations.
These forces can result in violent, unexpected movements of the goods both at the time an incident occurs or when the package or CCU is subsequently opened. Goods must therefore be adequately secured against potential movement within their individual packages. In turn, where the packages are loaded into a CCU they must likewise be correctly stowed and secured.
Further guidance can be found in Dangerous Goods in Cargo Transport Units HSG 78.
Failure to recognise and comply with these requirements can result in severe injury to personnel and material damage.
9.6.1 All packaging must be suitable. It must prevent any of the contents moving or escaping under adverse weather conditions and rough handling. Examples of packing are in Appendix 5.
9.6.2 When packing goods, metal to metal contact should be avoided where possible, to minimise movement during transit. Where appropriate, a risk assessment should be carried out.
9.6.3 Management arrangements in the organisation must ensure that the people who do the work are properly trained. Training should cover:
i. Demonstrable understanding of this document.
ii. Compatibility of packaged goods.
iii. Dangerous goods awareness.
iv. Weights of packages and load distribution.
v. Securing, bracing and dunnage.
vi. The correct unit for the material being packed.
vii. Manual handling risks.
9.6.4 The duties of the packer include the following areas:
i. All packages must be suitable, properly labelled and in satisfactory condition.
ii. Packages must be stowed safely and properly secured in the CCU. Checks must be made on the weights of the packages to ensure a safe load distribution and to prevent the maximum permitted gross weight of the CCU being exceeded.
iii. Placard the CCU with the destination label.
iv. When suspended, lift must be level in both axes, <3% of length/breadth (equivalent to 6” in 20’, 18” in 50’).
v. Affix any relevant hazard placards and labels when hazardous goods are carried.
vi. Always load heavier cargo low in the container, with lighter goods on top.
For ease of removal, heavier items should be loaded at the front of closed containers. Particularly heavy items should be shipped in open top units, ie half heights.
vii. If necessary, use packing between items in CCU.
viii. Ensure CCU contents are lashed or wedged securely, to avoid movement in transit.
ix. Use cargo restraining nets in all closed CCUs. Ensure that nets are the correct size and type for the CCU and that the fixing points and nets are in good condition.
x. Check the container door(s) are closed, dogs (cams/claws) top and bottom are fully engaged and the closing mechanism secured so that it cannot inadvertently come open during handling and transport.
xi. Ensure that no equipment is loaded above the height of an open CCU without a risk assessment. This is to prevent snagging, damage to contents and potential dropped objects. The use of a net, tarpaulin, wooden battens or roofbars is recommended to mitigate the risk of snagging.
xii. Tape must never be used to secure loose items which could constitute a potential dropped object hazard. Loose items should be containerised and protective packaging should be secured using a certified lashing product (refer to manufacturer’s instructions for correct use of lashing product).
Written information concerning loading and the potential hazards must be prepared. This must be made available to the next person handling the CCU.
9.6.5 Selection of Lashing Equipment for Packing CCUs
During transport, forces such as acceleration, braking, centrifugal and vertical forces act on the load. A prerequisite for safe transport is a suitable CCU with the appropriate structure and necessary load lashing devices. The task of load lashing is to secure the load against the effect of these forces to prevent slipping, tipping or falling.
Lashing arrangements must be made up using certified materials. Wooden dunnage or similar material must only be used in conjunction with such certified products.
Total certified capacity of the lashing arrangements should be greater than the weight of the items being secured. Lashings should be equally distributed across the item.
9.6.6 Wheeled Cargo
All wheeled cargo, irrespective of weight or dimensions, should be secured sufficiently for shipping by effectively taking the wheels out of commission, ie raised on timber. It is unlikely that conventional lashing would be sufficient for this task.
9.6.7 Packages
General packing provisions are as follows:
i. Polystyrene chip packing and hessian sacks should not be used due to environmental and safety reasons. The product should be packed using bubble wrap.
ii. Nylon sacks used to send heavy items by air should be packed into cardboard boxes.
iii. Items weighing more than 25kg should be labelled as “heavy” for manual handling reasons. Attention is drawn to Step Change recommendations regarding the use of coloured weight tape to identify handling risks.
iv. All sharp and protruding objects should be removed.