7.3 Shore installations
7.3.1 Berthing
7.3.1.1 The berth operator should ensure that:
- adequate and safe mooring facilities are provided; and
- adequate safe access is provided between the ship and the shore.
7.3.2 Supervision
7.3.2.1 The berth operator should ensure that areas where packages or cargo transport units are kept are properly supervised and packages or cargo transport units are regularly inspected for leakage or damage. Any leaking package or cargo transport units should only be handled under the supervision of a responsible person.
7.3.2.2 The berth operator should ensure that no person, without reasonable cause, opens or otherwise interferes with any freight container, tank-container, portable tank or vehicle containing dangerous cargoes. When a freight container, tank-container, portable tank or vehicle is opened by a person authorized to examine its contents, the berth operator should ensure that the person concerned is aware of the possible hazards arising from the presence of the dangerous cargoes.
7.3.3 Identification, packing, marking, labelling or placarding and certification
7.3.3.1 The berth operator should ensure that dangerous cargoes entering his premises have been duly certified or declared by the cargo interests as being properly identified, packed, marked, labelled or placarded so as to comply with the appropriate provisions of the IMDG Code or, alternatively, with appropriate national or international legal requirements applicable to the relevant mode of transport.
7.3.4 Safe handling and segregation
7.3.4.1 A berth operator transporting or handling dangerous cargoes should appoint at least one responsible person who has adequate knowledge of the national or international legal requirements concerning the transport and handling of dangerous cargoes, including the segregation of incompatible cargoes.
7.3.5 Emergency procedures
7.3.5.1 The berth operator should ensure that appropriate emergency arrangements are made and brought to the attention of all concerned. These arrangements should include:
- the provision of appropriate emergency alarm operating points;
- procedures for notification of an incident or emergency to the appropriate emergency services within and outside the port area;
- procedures for notification of an incident or emergency to the port authority and port area users both on land and water;
- the provision of emergency equipment appropriate to the hazards of the dangerous cargoes to be handled;
- co-ordinated arrangements for the release of a ship in the case of an emergency; and
- arrangements to ensure adequate access/egress at all times.
7.3.5.2 The berth operator should consider the necessity of arrangements for a safe and quick emergency escape, taking into account the nature of the dangerous cargoes and any special conditions.
7.3.6 Emergency information
7.3.6.1 The berth operator should ensure that a list of all dangerous cargoes in the warehouses, sheds or other areas, including the quantities, and if appropriate Proper Shipping Names, correct technical names (if applicable), UN numbers, classes or, when assigned, the division of the goods, including for class 1, the compatibility group letter, subsidiary hazard classes (if assigned), packing group (where assigned) and exact location is held readily available for the emergency services.
7.3.6.1 Notifications in accordance with 7.1.2.1 could be used for preparing the comprehensive record of all dangerous cargoes present in the port area at any given time (see also Guidance to 7.1.4.2).
7.3.6.2 The berth operator should ensure that the responsible person for a warehouse, shed or area, where dangerous cargoes are handled, is as far as possible aware of the status of occupancy with the dangerous cargoes in his area and is available in case of emergencies.
7.3.6.3 The berth operator should ensure that the person responsible for cargo handling operations involving dangerous cargoes has the necessary information on measures to be taken to deal with incidents involving dangerous cargoes and that it is available for use in emergencies.
7.3.6.4 To ensure the availability of the information referred to in 7.3.6.1 to 7.3.6.3, electronic or other automatic data processing or transmission techniques should be used.
7.3.6.4 Dangerous substances data sheets are normally available from manufacturers of chemicals. Electronic databases with emergency response information are also available and should be used when direct access to the data can be ensured.
7.3.6.5 The berth operator should ensure that the port or berth emergency response procedures and port or berth emergency telephone numbers are placed at prominent locations within or at warehouses, sheds or areas where dangerous cargoes are transported or handled.
7.3.6.6 The berth operator should ensure that fire-fighting and pollution-combating equipment and installations are clearly marked as such and notices drawing attention to them are clearly visible at all appropriate locations.
7.3.6.7 The berth operator should inform the master of any ship carrying or handling dangerous cargoes of the emergency procedures in force and the services available at the berth.
7.3.7 Fire precautions
7.3.7.1 The berth operator should ensure that:
- all parts of the berth and any ship moored to it are at all times accessible to emergency services;
- audible or visual alarms for emergency use are installed in the area or other means of rapid communication with emergency services are available;
- the berth is fitted with an international ship/shore connection that complies with the requirements of regulation II/2/10.2.1.7 to supply water to the ship’s fire-fighting equipment for ships of 500 gross tonnage and upwards regardless of the year of build;
- all areas used for the handling of dangerous cargoes are kept clean and tidy;
- before dangerous cargoes are handled, the master of a ship is informed of the location of the nearest means of summoning emergency services; and
- the lighting and other electrical equipment in areas where dangerous cargoes are present on the berth is of a type safe for use in a flammable or explosive atmosphere.
7.3.7.1.6 Attention is drawn to the relevant recommendations published by the International Electrotechnical Commission.
7.3.7.2 The berth operator should ensure that:
- places where smoking is prohibited are designated; and
- notices in a pictogram form prohibiting smoking are clearly visible at all locations and at a safe distance from places where smoking would constitute a hazard.
7.3.7.3 The berth operator should ensure that equipment used in an area or space where a flammable or explosive atmosphere may exist or develop, is of a type safe for use in a flammable or explosive atmosphere and used in such a manner that no fire or explosion can be caused.
7.3.7.3 When considering the dangers of fire and explosion that may result from the carriage of dangerous cargoes, it should be appreciated that nominally empty holds and cargo transport units may still contain residues and flammable or explosive vapours and may remain hazardous.
7.3.7.4 The berth operator should ensure that only portable electrical equipment of a type safe for use in a flammable atmosphere is used in an area or space in which a flammable atmosphere may occur.
7.3.7.4 Attention is drawn to the relevant recommendations published by the International Electrotechnical Commission.
7.3.7.5 The berth operator should ensure that electrical equipment on a wandering lead is not used in areas or spaces where a flammable atmosphere may occur.
7.3.8 Fire fighting
7.3.8.1 The berth operator should ensure that adequate and properly tested fire-fighting equipment and facilities are provided and readily available in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory authority in areas where dangerous cargoes are transported or handled.
7.3.8.2 The berth operator should ensure that personnel involved in the handling or transport of dangerous cargoes are trained and practised in the use of fire-fighting equipment in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory authority.
7.3.9 Environmental precautions
7.3.9.1 The berth operator should ensure that dangerous cargoes are only handled in areas which comply with the requirements of the regulatory authority.
7.3.9.2 The berth operator should ensure that any damaged package, unit load or cargo transport unit containing dangerous cargoes is dealt with in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory authority and is not transported or handled unless the dangerous cargoes have been properly repacked and are in all respects fit and safe for further transport and handling.
7.3.9.3 The berth operator should ensure that, if necessary, any damaged package, unit load or cargo transport unit containing dangerous cargoes is removed to a designated area for such cargoes.
7.3.9.3 An example of a facility is given in the Guidance to 3.4.4.1.
To avoid accidental release of dangerous cargoes into the environment, it is of utmost importance that only well qualified and trained personnel, with adequate knowledge of the risks emanating from the dangerous cargoes involved, deal with dangerous cargoes accidents, so as to ensure correct and safe handling procedures.
Safe reserve packagings (e.g., oversize drums) as well as absorbing or binding agents, cleaning equipment and equipment limiting the spread of liquids (e.g., drain covers, oil booms) should be readily available.
Personnel should be trained regularly in the correct and safe use of equipment.
7.3.10 Pollution combating
7.3.10.1 The berth operator should ensure that adequate equipment is available to minimize the damage in case of a spillage of dangerous cargoes.
7.3.10.1 Equipment should include oil booms, drain covers, absorbing and neutralizing agents, as well as cleaning materials and portable collection basins.
7.3.10.2 The berth operator should ensure that personnel involved in the transport and handling of dangerous cargoes are trained and practised in the use of pollution combating equipment and facilities in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory authority.
7.3.11 Reporting of incidents
7.3.11.1 The berth operator, within his area of responsibility, should ensure that, if an incident occurs during the handling of dangerous cargoes which may endanger the safety or security of persons, of ships within the port, of the port or of any other property, or the environment, the person having charge of the handling immediately causes the operation to be stopped, if it is safe to do so, and prevents it being resumed until appropriate safety measures have been taken. The berth operator should require every member of his personnel to report, to the person having charge of the operation, any such incident they see to occur during the handling of dangerous cargoes.
7.3.11.1 To ensure a prompt and effective response, treatment of injured personnel and mitigation of damage, it is essential that a concise and accurate description of the incident is available to the emergency response centre as quickly as possible. This description should include such details as shown in the Guidance to 7.1.7.1.
The information contained in the notification referred to in 7.1.2.1 or kept in the places mentioned in 7.3.6 and in the Guidance to 7.1.4.2 may be of assistance.
7.3.11.2 The berth operator should ensure that any incident involving dangerous cargoes which may endanger the safety or security of persons, or of ships within the port or of the port or of any other property or the environment is reported immediately to the port authority.
7.3.11.3 The berth operator should ensure that any damaged or leaking package, unit load or cargo transport unit containing dangerous cargoes is reported immediately to the port authority and that suitable remedial action is taken in accordance with 6.1.6.2.
7.3.12 Inspections
7.3.12.1 The berth operator, where appropriate, should:
- check documents and certificates concerning the safe transport, handling, packing and stowage of dangerous cargoes in the port area at the time of receipt;
- check, where practicable, packages, unit loads and cargo transport units containing dangerous cargoes to verify that they are marked, labelled or placarded in accordance with the provisions of the IMDG Code and the appropriate national or international legal requirements applicable for the mode of transport and that unnecessary labels, placards and marks have been removed and that the cargo transport units have been loaded, packed and secured in accordance with
the IMO/ILO/UN ECE Guidelines for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTUs);
- check freight containers, tank-containers, portable tanks and vehicles containing dangerous cargoes to ensure that they have a current safety approval plate in accordance with the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC), 1972, as amended, when applicable, or have been approved in accordance with the relevant provisions of the IMDG Code or by a certification or approval system of an appropriate authority; and
- check, by external examination, the physical condition of each freight container, tank-container, portable tank or vehicle containing dangerous cargoes for obvious damage affecting its strength or packaging integrity and for the presence of any sign of leakage of contents.
7.3.12.2 The berth operator should make such checks regularly to ensure implementation of the safety precautions in the port area and the safety of transport.
7.3.12.3 If any of the checks mentioned above reveal deficiencies which may affect the safe transport or handling of dangerous cargoes the berth operator should immediately advise all parties concerned and request them to rectify all deficiencies prior to any further transport or handling of dangerous cargoes.
7.3.12.4 The berth operator should ensure that every necessary support will be given to the port authority or any other person or institution entitled to carry out inspections when they intend to carry out an inspection of dangerous cargoes.
7.3.13 Hot work and other repair or maintenance work
7.3.13.1 The berth operator should ensure that no repair or maintenance work resulting in non-availability of the emergency/fire equipment required by these Recommendations is carried out at the berth without prior permission of the port authority.
7.3.13.2 The berth operator and the company carrying out the repairs, after having consulted the master of a ship, where appropriate, should ensure that they are in possession of a permit to proceed issued by the port authority before any repair or maintenance work involving hot work, or any other such work which may lead to a hazard because of the presence of dangerous cargoes, is carried out.
7.3.13.2 The requirement for a permit and advance notice of the intended period of hot work or non-availability of equipment enables all emergency response institutions, such as the fire brigade, to be given adequate notice so they can voice objections and advise additional precautionary measures.
In special cases, such as hot work in holds of tankers or in or nearby enclosed spaces, a thorough inspection of the area should be conducted by specialists who can determine whether specific safety measures are required.
7.3.13.3 Minimum safety requirements for carrying out hot work are set out in annex 4.
7.3.14 Entry into confined or enclosed spaces
7.3.14.1 The berth operator should ensure that no person enters any enclosed space such as, for example, a cargo space, cargo tank, void space around such tank, cargo handling space, or other confined or enclosed space which has contained or may contain dangerous vapour or oxygen depleting cargoes, unless the space is free of dangerous vapour and not deficient in oxygen, and is certified to that effect by a responsible person trained in the use of the relevant equipment and sufficiently knowledgeable to interpret correctly the results obtained. The responsible person should record the measurements taken.
7.3.14.2 Where it is necessary for operational purposes to enter a space which cannot be freed of dangerous vapour within a reasonable time and which, therefore, can not be certified as provided in 7.3.14.1, or it is unlikely that the space will remain free of dangerous vapour, then entry should only be made by persons wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus and any other necessary protective equipment and clothing. The entire operation should be carried out under the direct supervision of a responsible person who should be provided with self-contained breathing apparatus, protective equipment and rescue harness. The breathing apparatus, protective and rescue equipment should not be of a type that could introduce a source of ignition into the space.
7.3.14.3 The berth operator should ensure that entry into a space mentioned in 7.3.14.1 follows carefully established procedures which are contained in international codes and guides.
7.3.15 Fumigation of warehouses, sheds or cargo transport units
7.3.15.1 The berth operator should ensure that fumigation of warehouses, sheds or cargo transport units is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory authority. Reference should be made to the Recommendations on the Safe Use of Pesticides in Ships in the Supplement to the IMDG Code.
7.3.15.2 The berth operator should ensure that fumigation of cargo transport units is carried out only in areas designated by the port authority for this purpose.
7.3.15.3 The berth operator should ensure that fumigated warehouses, sheds or cargo transport units are conspicuously marked, informing anyone approaching them of the hazard involved.
7.3.15.3 Annex 3 of the Recommendations on the Safe Use of Pesticides in Ships shows a warning sign to be used for ships, ships’ compartments, freight containers, barges and cargo transport units under fumigation.
A similar label is shown in annex 2 of the IMO/ILO/UN ECE Guidelines for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTUs).
Figure 5 of these Recommendations shows an example of a pictorial warning sign suitable for cargo sheds, other spaces ashore which are fumigated or about to be fumigated or in which cargo transport units under fumigation are kept.
7.3.15.4 The berth operator should ensure that no person enters a warehouse, shed or cargo transport unit unless it has been properly ventilated, determined gas-free, fumigation warning signs have been removed and a responsible person has determined that it is safe to enter and issued a clearance certificate.
7.3.15.5 A Guide to fumigation operations is set out in annex 7.
7.3.16 Contaminated wastes
7.3.16.1 The berth operator should ensure that wastes contaminated with dangerous cargoes are immediately collected and disposed of in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory authority.
7.3.17 Alcohol and drug abuse
7.3.17.1 The berth operator, within his area of responsibility, should ensure that no person under the influence of alcohol or drugs is allowed to participate in any operation involving the handling of dangerous cargoes. Any such persons should always be kept clear of the immediate areas where dangerous cargoes are being transported or handled.
7.3.18 Weather conditions
7.3.18.1 The berth operator, within his area of responsibility, should not permit dangerous cargoes to be handled in weather conditions which may seriously increase the risk.
7.3.18.1 As an example, no explosives or liquid bulk dangerous cargoes should be handled during thunderstorms nor should unprotected cargoes which react dangerously, when in contact with water, be handled during rain.
7.3.19 Lighting
7.3.19.1 The berth operator, within his area of responsibility, should ensure that areas where dangerous cargoes are handled or where preparations are being made to handle dangerous cargoes and access to such areas are adequately illuminated.
7.3.20 Handling equipment
7.3.20.1 The berth operator, within his area of responsibility, should ensure that all equipment used in the handling of dangerous cargoes is suitable for such use and used only by skilled persons.
7.3.20.2 The berth operator, within his area of responsibility, should ensure that all cargo handling equipment is of an approved type where appropriate, properly maintained and tested in accordance with national and international legal requirements.
7.3.21 Protective equipment
7.3.21.1 The berth operator, within his area of responsibility, should ensure, when necessary, that a sufficient quantity of appropriate protective equipment is available to all personnel involved in the handling of dangerous cargoes.
7.3.21.2 Such equipment should provide adequate protection against the hazards specific to the dangerous cargoes handled and should be of an approved type or made in conformity with an approved standard.