- All documentation regarding the ‘dangerous goods’ should be in order and include the Container Packing Certificate, the Shipper’s Declaration and relevant Emergency Information.
- All cargo operations should be supervised by a responsible officer who will be in possession of operational and emergency information.
- No unauthorized person, or persons, intoxicated or under the influence of drugs should be allowed near to hazardous cargoes.
- The compartment or deck area should be dry and clear, suitable for the stowage of the cargo.
- Where cargo-handling equipment is to be used, such equipment should be inspected to be seen to be in good order before use.
- Dangerous goods should not be handled under adverse weather conditions.
- All packaging, labelling and segregation of the goods are carried out as per the IMDG Code.
- Tanks, where applicable, should not be overfilled.
- Suitable ‘Emergency Equipment’ should be kept readily available for any and every potential hazard associated with the goods.
- Fire wires should be rigged fore and aft of the vessel.
- Packages should be identified and stowed in an appropriate place to protect against accident.
- Safe access to packages must be available in order to protect or move away from immediate hazards.
- Emergency stations with suitable protective clothing should be identified in respect to the location of the cargo.
- Correct signals, i.e. ‘B’ Flag should be displayed during the periods of loading and discharging.
- Stowage positions should be such as to protect the goods from accidental damage due to heating. Combustible materials being stowed away from all sources of ignition.
- Cargoes requiring special ventilation should be positioned to benefit from the designated ventilation system.
- The Port Authority should be informed of all movements of hazardous goods.
- Suitable security should be given to special cargoes like explosives.
- All hazardous parcels should be tallied in and tallied out of the vessel.
- Some packages may require daylight movement. Some operations may also be effected by rain or strong sunlight and appropriate loading schedules should reflect related hazards.
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