good practice guide ch 2 health and safety

8/6/2019 Good Practice Guide Ch 2 Health and Safety

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CHAPTER 2

HEALTH & SAFETY


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EUROPEAN COMMISSION - CUSTOMS 2002 1

GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY

Table of contents

INTRODUCTION

Section I: Roles & Responsibilities

Section II: Law & Regulations

Section III: Types of Operations

Section IV: Port AreaHazards & Controls

Section V: X-ray Scanners

Section VI: Examining Containers

Section VII: Clothing & Equipment

Section VIII: Risk Assessment

Section X: Forms/procedures

Annex


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INTRODUCTION

Health and Safety are very important issues in the daily work. Knowing the

possible risks and taking the appropriate action to reduce them should take a

place within the daily work.

This chapter will cover health & safety in all areas including dockside, quays,

container parks and examination sheds where you as custom officer are likely to

be working within the Port. Container parks and examination sheds outside of

the port area are also covered in this chapter.

The rules and regulations referring to health & safety differ per country. That is

the reason that there are now specific rules are mentioned in this chapter. Please

go to your own health & safety officers for specific information.


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Section I

Roles & responsibilities

Responsibilities for Health & Safety can be divided into individual, operator

and managerial. These are laid down in law and failure to meet these

responsibilities may leave an individual liable to criminal prosecution and/or

civil action.

Individual

As an individual you have a legal responsibility for your own and others safety

at work. In general you can satisfy these legal requirements by adhering to laid

down procedures, such procedures include:

co-operating with any instruction given by the Departmentwith regard to health and safety

Departmental Good Practice Guides

manufacturers instructions (for tools and equipment)

safe working practices

proper use, care and maintenance of Personal ProtectiveEquipment (PPE), and to wear any provided

OperatorAny person using or operating any tool or item of equipment must have

received all of the relevant training and must adhere to manufacturer and

departmental operating instructions. It is the individuals responsibility to

ensure that tools and equipment are inspected before use, are used properly, that

faulty tools are not used and that any faults are reported as soon as possible.


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Managerial

Managerial responsibilities are additional to those of the individual and

operator, legally these additional responsibilities apply to anyone who has a

managerial role and in general apply to the following areas:

planning for safe working practice particularly when newworking practices or equipment is introduced

identifying hazards and assessing the risk

identifying and implementing appropriate controls

monitoring and reviewing the controls

ensuring that staff have sufficient training, information andsupervision to carry out their work safely

Managers also have a departmental responsibility to ensure that all accidents

and dangerous occurrences are properly reported, to carry out investigations

into such incidents, and to take steps to avoid any recurrence.

Duties and Responsibilities

Team Member

It is an Individuals responsibility to work safely - do not place yourself or

others at risk by any act or omission.

Do not undertake any task if you have not undergone appropriate training.

Advise your team leader of any training needs.

Do follow any Health & Safety instructions you are given.

Do follow Good Practice Guides.

Do use proper tools and equipment in any task.

Do not use any tools or equipment other than properly approved and supplied.

Do not use any equipment that you have not been trained to use.


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Do make sure you are trained to use any equipment properly

Do ensure that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) issued to you is

appropriate. If it is supplied for a particular purpose youMUSTuse it. KeepPPE clean and well maintained and replace as necessary. Dirty gloves, overalls,

High Visibility clothing etc. are hazards, do notuse them.

Do report accidents and dangerous occurrences and near misses. Make sure that

you know the procedures for doing this.

Do study the District Risk Assessment, and be aware of any controls.

Do make sure that you know the duties and responsibilities of your managers.

Do raise any new potential risks with your manager or colleagues

Remember that a container port area is a very dangerous place and you should

ensure that younever work alone.

Team Leaders

Do carry out H&S assessments of all tasks, or ensure that a competent person

does this. Seek advice if you are not sure.

Do ensure that any task you undertake or direct has been assessed for Health &

Safety risks.

Do ensure that any staff working under your direction are properly equipped

and trained for the task.

Do ensure that safe working practices/Good Practice Guides are adhered to.

Do make sure that tools and equipment areALWAYS inspected before use

Do ensure that any faulty tools or equipment are not used, and that faults are

reported.

Do arrange for proper PPE, tools, and equipment to be provided for staff and

ensure that they receive the appropriate training before using them.

Do arrange maintenance, replacements, repairs and re-training as required.


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Do ensure that all accidents, dangerous occurrences and near misses are

properly reported. Carry out preliminary investigations, take appropriate action

and recommend further action not in your control.

Do liase with outside bodies (Dock Company, shipping companies etc.) on

Health and Safety matters.

Do ensure that Safe Systems of Work are adhered to in all tasks and in the use

of any tools and equipment.

Do co-operate with safety reps.

Do observe your team to ensure they are following safe systems of work.


ensure that you never ask your staff to work alone.

Functional Manager

Do ensure proper training and equipment is provided for district tasks, and

maintenance is carried out as required.

Do ensure District Risk Assessments are monitored, reviewed and evaluated.

Do provide assurance on health and safety systems

Do ensure that there is adequate training and deployment of qualified First

Aiders.

Do encourage Health and Safety awareness among staff.

Do liase with other departmental staff on H&S matters.

Do ensure maintenance of adequate and relevant records i.e. assessments,

training, incidents etc.


ensure that you never ask your staff to work alone.


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Resources Available for Help and Advice

EXTERNAL

Park/Quay Controller or Shed Foreman:Transit Sheds are not necessarily located within the Dock, they can also be

found at remote locations i.e. industrial estates.

Custom officers should make initial contact with the controller requesting the

sight of a container, the request is based on risk information or a tip-off etc.

The Controller will then contact Custom when the container is ready for

examination. The controller should be approached on arrival to ensure that they

know you are there for evacuation purposes or to ensure that forklift drivers are

aware of your presence. Custom officers should prepare the contents of thecontainer for examination, but sometimes Custom officers checks the seals on

the container first

Port Emergency Services:

The Port Emergency Services should only be notified if the cargo is suspicious

or dangerous, i.e. it is leaking when you open it, or if there is a harmful

substance around an area which needs to be handled during a search i.e. Caustic

Soda packed around cigarettes.

INTERNAL

Health and Safety Advisers (NB: each country will have its own system)

Health and Safety Advisers is a group of advisers who can be contacted for

Health & Safety advice. Your Health & Safety matters are resolved locally, but

if you need further advice you can call, if available, a helpline.

During a physical check it is possible that you encounter certain goods that can

be a danger for Health & Safety.

A few examples:

Firearms and Explosives.

If a firearm or parts of a firearm, explosives etc. are detected, you should

preserve the scene and seek advice.

You must always consider your Health & Safety and that of anyone else first,

whilst at the same time preserving forensic integrity if this is possible.


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CITES.

If live plants and/or animals are discovered you should act promptly as there

may be a high mortality rate for any species taken from its natural habitat and

the stress of travel can be an added factor. You shouldalways think about yourown and your colleagues Health and Safety. There may be the danger of

disease or the risk of sustaining a venomous bite or sting, even the container

used to house the creature/plant that you are examining may pose a Health and

Safety risk!

Environmentally dangerous goods.

These goods are sometimes hard to recognise. If you find any goods that smell

bad, are labelled as dangerous etc., barrels etc. witch are not declared and no

labels, can be very dangerous. You should preserve the scene and seek advice ofa specialist.

You must always consider your Health & Safety and that of anyone else first.

Radiation.

If there is any sign of radiation, you should preserve the scene and seek advice

of a specialist.

You must always consider your Health & Safety and that of anyone else first.


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Resources Available for Help and Advice

Useful Contacts Name Telephone No. Address

Park/QuayController orShed ForemanReport to above regarding

any duties to be undertaken.

Port EmergencyServices -Control Officelocalnumbers - Fire, Ambulance,

Dangerous Goods, Police

etc.

Health & SafetyAdviser

Firearms andExplosivesofficers

CITES LiaisonOfficer

RadiationProtection Officerand Supervisors

Port Health

H&S Executive

Other Contacts


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Section II

Law & regulations

You will need to be aware of the departmental guidance that you will be

working to on a daily basis. You should familiarise yourself with the good

practice guide Health & Safety. If there is further departmental guidance

available should you require it, you should discuss where to find further

information with your trainer/teamleader/mentor.

Section III

Types of operations

As part of training you should be taken on a tour to your local port, this will

give you an idea about the type of areas that you will need to be aware of in

your daily duties at the Port. Before you embark on your tour please read the

following guide to the general operations that are carried out on a Port. You

should be aware that there are many different health and safety issues around

each area and the various types of cargo. You should also note that whilst you

are on the tour you MUST remain withyour trainer/mentor and adhere to allHealth & Safety instructions.

Quays

Various types of bulk cargo including containers and pallets, are

discharged and moved to and from ships. Some Ports have Quays, which

deal with loose cargo such as scrap metal or grain. The grain is pumped

from the ship directly into silos permanently located on the Quayside,where scrap metal is being moved there is a danger of loose particles

falling from the grabber.


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Parks

Operations involved in the parks include the storage and movement of;

containers which are; pending clearance (import and export), waiting to

be loaded onto a ship, waiting to be produced for exam or waiting for de-vanning. Other operations include the storage and movement of trailers,

some ports have parks, which deal with the storage and movement of

timber.

Sheds

Operations carried out in the sheds include the examination and de-

vanning of containers, some Ports have cold store facilities for examining

frozen or fresh foodstuffs. Pallets are also examined and used in the de-vanning procedures. Examinations carried out in the sheds may also

involve the movement of various types of equipment.

Your trainer or mentor should provide you with a map which shows the Quays,

Parks and Shed areas highlighted, you will need to take your copy of the map

with you to familiarise yourself with the layout of your local Port/Dock.


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All Access Points and Blind Spots

fast moving traffic across path

poor or restricted visibility

noisy

Container Stacks and Lines

to be avoided if possible only go under supervision

restricted visibility

lots of moving traffic

operators restricted visibility

Straddle Carriers


speed and size

noisy

Rail Lines

lots of traffic


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Lorry Lines

moving traffic

reversing


Maffi and Skeleton Parks

busy moving traffic


Forklifts

fast

carrying loads so restricted visibility

can be quiet (electric)

insecure cargo - danger of falling

Straddle Parking Areas

busy

noisy


drivers finishing their shift (not normal areas to go into)

can be very slippery

General Hazards

uneven surfaces

wet / slippery surfaces

trailing ropes

obstructions


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Controls

Following on from the previous part of this section, where you were asked to

highlight the hazards and risks, you will now be asked to supply the controls

which you can use to minimise the risks to each of the following hazards:

moving traffic

poor or restricted visibility

noise.

List the controls that you think might be appropriate to each of the hazards on

the following page. Write your answers in the space provided.

Hazards Control

Moving traffic

adhere to approved routes and parking areas.

keep to safe walkways

adhere to all normal driving laws and follow portprocedures.

always report your presence if appropriate.

use safe walkways wherever possible

observe and use proper sight and sound signals e.g.

flashing lights and bells.

awareness of limitations of vehicle types (speed, visibility,manoeuvring).

be alert at all times.


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Poor or restricted visibility

all of the above controls for moving traffic.

always wear hi-visibility clothing.

be aware of specific hazards in all of the followingconditions - night, fog, rain, snow and take all necessary

precautions

make sure you know the area and route that you will betaking.

Noise make sure you wear the appropriate ear protection

make sure that you learn important sound signals e.g. acrane moving


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Section V

X-Ray scannersThe use of X-ray scanners is getting more coming.

Because health & safety instruction various per type of X-ray scanner type, it is

necessary to check with your local management for specific instruction.

Section VI

Examining containers & trailers

On the following pages you will find some pictures of the containers and

trailers that you may come into daily contact with. Each picture includes a brief

description of its structure, design and intended purpose. You should take

general precautions with any type of container, however as well as general

hazards there are some specific hazards associated with some containers and

trailers.

Fumigated containersBefore you enter a container! Some containers are fumigated with a toxic gas.

This is no part of the cargo but is added to exterminate bugs etc.

Containers under fumigation should carry a hazard warning sign but this is not

always the case.

If there is a hazard warning label on the container you should ask for a

statement that the container is free of gas.

If you discover any sign that a container is or has been under fumigation. Do

not touch or remove any fumigation chemicals and keep well away from

containers when fumigation operations are being carried out.


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The most used gases are:

Sulphuric Fluoride SO2F2

Methyl bromide CH3BR

Phosphorous Hydroxide PH3Formaldehyde H2CO

This is a notice you may find in a container, if you find it, you could be in

danger.


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CONTAINER /TRAILER TYPES SPECIAL HAZARDS / RISKSBULK CONTAINER

Especially for dry bulk cargoes, e.g. malt

Three manholes for filling in the roof of

each container.

FLAT CONTAINER

Especially for heavy loads and over-width cargo.

Strong bottom construction with fixed endwalls

(which allow bracing, lashing and stacking).

HARDTOP CONTAINER

Especially forheavy loads, overheight cargo, loading

from above, e.g. by crane. The hardtop steel

roof can be easily moved by handling gear.

HIGH CUBE CONTAINER

Especially for light, voluminous cargo and

overheight cargo

Risk of collapse if it is not secured

Risk of falling cargo


Manual Handling risk is increased byits height volume


If loaded by top hatches, DO NOT

OPEN THE DOORS


Oxygen depletion from cargo


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INSULATED CONTAINER

Especially for cargo, which needs constant

temperatures above or below freezing point.

Temperature is controlled by ships/terminals

cooling or clip-on-unit.

OPEN TOP CONTAINER

Especially for:

overheight cargo, loading from above, e.g. by

crane loading from door side, e.g. with cargohanging from overhead tackle

PLATFORM

Especially for heavy loads and over-sized cargo.

Strong base construction.

REFRIGERATED CONTAINER

Especially for cargo, which needs constant

temperatures above or below freezing point

cold, wet slippery floor


roof not fixed

often bulk loaded cargo (grain etc.)

risk of falling cargo

Moving machinery parts, inside and out

Cold wet and slippery surface

Interior fittings hooks, racks

Cold cargo

Heavy doors

Exhaust and other fumes Electricity hook up cables, points Diesel tank



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TANK CONTAINER

Especially for liquid chemicals for portable

liquids (e.g. spirits). See Good Practice Guide for

Dangerous Goods labels

VENTILATED CONTAINERS

Especially for Cargo which needs ventilation.

Natural ventilation is ensured by openings in the

top and bottom longitudinal rails. The labyrinthconstruction of these ventilation openings

TRAILER

Especially for transporting cargo. The

sides of the trailer are not rigid. cold, wet, slippery floor

risk of falling cargo

cold, wet slippery floor


The fact that ventilation is required mayindicate that the cargo is hazardous

hazardous cargo

previous cargo may have beenhazardous

toxic fumes


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Controls

Now that you have identified some of the hazards, you should now consider

what procedures or controls you should take in order to minimise the risks.

Please write in the space provided, what you think the control are to the hazardslisted on the following page.

You should compare your answers with the answers provided after this task and

discuss them with your trainer. You should also note that the list given is not

exhaustive.


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Your answer should include the following, however you should be aware that

this list is not exhaustive.

Special hazards Controls

Manual Handling

proper assessment - task, load, working environment,individual capability

minimise need for manual handling

mechanical aids

safe systems of work - planning, layout, etc.

sufficient time/resources for task

use of dock/operator labour where applicable

training (Back Pack etc., Enhanced training asavailable)

proper techniques

PPE

minimise distance and load (planning)

Door opening/closing

use of Dock staff to open/close where applicable

use of door checkstraps

PPE

extension bar for door handle if appropriate

Slippery and unclean floors or surfaces

establish and maintain cleanliness routine

report all spillage, hazards

avoid the area if possible


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Specific Hazards Controls

Poor Stowage

checkstraps for door opening

special assessment/safe system of work

PPE

Adequate heating, lighting and ventilation

maintenance regime, report deficiencies

use of auxiliaries (lights, heaters, fans)

PPE / thermal clothing if appropriate

Physical exam of crates, packages

manual handling - proper techniques

safe surface, proper height/ suitable environment

PPE especially gloves, eye protection

proper use of tools (knives, bars, etc.)

Use of tools

always use the proper tool for the job

only use officially provided tools

familiarity with and understanding of equipment itsuses and limitations

follow manufacturer/supplier instructions

always inspect before use

never use faulty or damaged tools - report and obtainreplacements

proper planning


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Specific Hazards Controls

Working Platforms and Raised Bays

approved access points only

ensure locked/stable

NEVER work underneath

authorised operators only

PPE

be aware of risk of trips/falls

use dock labour if possible

guard against moving traffic/collisions

Fork Lift Movements

know and stick to safe system of work

proper planning

sight & sound signals

warning signs

communication

Space restrictions

proper planning, safe systems of work

remove possible obstructions

PPE


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The following is a list of procedures or controls that you should take to

minimise the risk to any of the general hazards that may be involved the

physical examination of containers or trailers (including underside & top).

DO NOT be tempted to examine a container outside of an approved site

DO NOT walk or climb on the top (unless it is a Tanktainer and a securewalkway is provided)

Use mobile ladders that are provided

Ensure that fixed or overhead facilities are in a safe condition

Beware of loose objects, debris or dust on the top of the container or its cargo,use PPE including eye protection

Remember to use PPE!!

Exterior fittings on reefer units etc. are to be used by trained personnel only

Beware of moving parts and electricity e.g. fans

Remember the proper use of tools

Never work underneath a container unless it is secured on a frame specificallyprovided for the purpose

Never walk or work under container suspended by a straddle carrier or forklift

Be aware of various types of fixture and fittings, especially in reeferse.g. fans, ducts, hooks

Be aware of slippery floors and the cold, check the flooring for security andsafety

Be aware of any residues, even in empty containers

Be aware of sharp, raised, abrasive objects and surfaces

Ensure there is adequate light and ventilation

Carry out as much research as possible to identify the cargo and take thenecessary precautions


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H&S Foodstuffs Examination

Be aware that there are particular hazards and concerns in examining any raw or

processed foodstuffs. Many raw farm products imported to the EU will comefrom Third World countries, where the hygiene and safety regimes are not the

same as those applied in the EU.

Processed, packaged goods, ready for retail sale, should be treated as a final

product, and any packages opened for examination should be properly

destroyed.

Raw, unprocessed goods such as grains and pulses are likely or possibly to have

been treated with insecticides or other chemicals prior to shipment. They may

be infested by insects such as weevils or mites, especially if they have not beentreated, or they may be affected by rot which could induce fungal growth.

You may also come across bulk importations (tanks, containers etc) of products

destined for the human or animal food industry. These tanks are likely to be

sealed, and breakage of the seal may render the product condemned or

commercially worthless. In such circumstances the Department may be liable

for substantial compensation claims.

You should ALWAYS consider examination of unprocessed foodstuffs as

potentially hazardous, for the reasons laid out below;

some may be allergens or respiratory sensitisors

some may be intrinsically poisonous

Some may be infested by;insects,

reptiles,

crop diseases, such as weevils, mites or Colorado Beetle, snakes,

sometimes found in esparto grass, bananas or ergot (damp grain or

pulses)

ethnic foods may be encountered, particularly from someAfrican, Indian or Caribbean areas. BE AWARE that these are

likely to be loaded in recycled boxes and crates, and lacking

uniformity, may be unstable within the container

This list is not exhaustive, and you should enquire about local traffic and trends.


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Custom officers should also be aware that we have a duty to the general public,

the trade and to our employer. When foodstuffs are selected for examination,

care should be taken to avoid any contamination, or cross-contamination. If

necessary, disposable outer clothing should be available. If there is any doubt,err on the side of caution. Seek advice from experienced colleagues, Port Health

etc. before proceeding with examination.


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Section VII

Clothing and equipment

Reducing risks by adhering to health and safety procedures also involves

wearing and maintaining all protective clothing and equipment which is

provided, you should ensure that you use only those items of clothing, tools and

equipment provided by Customs & Excise. You must also make sure that you

comply with the law and regulations involved in using PPE by:

following the instructions given with each item

keeping each item clean and well maintained, usingrecommended cleaning advice

if the use by date has expired,do not use

only using the item as recommended by the manufacturer

using only the items provided, do not use personal items

ensuring the equipment fits you properly

A few examples of special clothing you could use.


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Some examples of tool you could use

The correct equipment makes your job easier to carry out.


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Section VIII

Risk assessment

Prior to each examination a local risk assessment should be undertaken to

decide how the examination should be conducted, or whether the examination

should take place at all. However, It is not the aim of this section to show you

how to complete a risk assessment form.

It gives you an example of a risk assessment.

For example, an empty tank container may have previously contained a

hazardous substance. Before attempting to conduct an examination any risks

should be identified by researching its history to find out what cargo was

previously contained within it. If research is not possible extra caution, using

all possible controls, should be taken prior to the examination.

On the following page you will find an example of a risk assessment form,

however you should be aware that these forms are subject to local variations.

You should ask your health & Safety officer for the, in your area used, specific

risk assessment form and procedure.

Section IX

Health and safety forms

As well as understanding how to identify risks, using controls and safe systems

of working to minimise the risks, you also need to be aware of the procedures

you should use in the unlikely event of an accident or near miss occurring.

The Line Manager/team leader and the individual each have responsibilities for

completing the forms and sending them to the appropriate department.

Ask you own Health & Safety officer or your team leader how the proper

procedure works.


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RISK ASSESSMENT FORM (page 1)

Date of record creation Case Officer

Vessel Container No. Goods Origin

Comments/ Reasons for interest

Health & Safety Assessment

Assessment Officer:

Team

Safety Assessments ExternalIs area around Container/Trailer

FREE OF TRAFFIC YES / NO SECURE YES / NO

ADEQUATELY LIT YES / NO STABLE YES / NO

FREE FROM OVERHEAD

HAZARD

YES / NO ADEQUATELY

VENTILATED

YES / NO

ANY HAZARD LABELS YES / NO Type

Safety Assessment: Internal

Cargo Description:

Cargo Hazard Assessment

BAGS CARTONS PALLETISED

SACKS BARRELS MACHINERY

DRUMS CRATES LOOSE

LOADED

OTHER

Hazards IS LOAD STABLE (UNLIKELY TO MOVE) YES / NO

if no, reason:

Glass Chemicals FRAGILE

Dirty Flammable Heavy

Infested Slippery Wet

Bulky Unwieldy Sharp Corners/

edges

Other

(Page 2)


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IS ALL REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT/CLOTHING ISSUED OR AVAILABLE

YES / NO

IF NO, REASON:

Handling equipment required / desirable / used:

X-ray Van

Forklift TruckOther

Other

Comments / Conclusions:

good practice guide ch 2 health and safety

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