IMO: Safety of personnel during container securing
The IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) has issued revised recommendations on the safety of personnel involved in the securing of containers following concerns raised at MSC 70 and discussed further at MSC 84 in May 2008.
MSC Circular 1263: Revised recommendations on safety of personnel during container securing operations, concentrates on the promotion of safety led design features being incorporated into a vessels build stage and include;
-
Hatchless holds
-
Flexible boxship arrangements
-
Deck cell guides
-
Lashing frames
-
Lashing platform
These features are considered by the Committee more likely to result in a reduction in the number of accidents than having to rely on operating practices after the ship has entered service.
The circular further urges containership owners and designers to develop container securing systems that eliminate the need for container top work, accessing other equally hazardous areas and the handling of heavy and unwieldy securing equipment.
A new annex to the IMO publication ‘Cargo Stowage and Securing’ has been developed by the Dangerous Goods, Solid Cargoes and Containers (DSC) Sub-Committee which once published, will give guidance on providing a safe working platform for securing containers.