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Removed Handrails—When handrails are
removed to load cargo or for other reasons, the
working area should be roped off to prevent
personnel from falling over the side.
Ladders—Ladders in the square of the hatch
should not be used when cargo is being lowered
or hoisted in the hold. Much care must be
exercised when using these ladders. Particularly
when hatchboards from several decks have been
removed. Stairway-type ladders should be used
when they are available.
Slippery Decks—Oil, grease, ice, or any slippery
material on the deck or pier should be removed
immediately or covered with sand, cinders,
sawdust, or other suitable antislip material.
Improper Lighting—When concealment is
unimportant floodlights should be provided at
night on the weather deck, overside, and in cargo
holds. Flashlights should be available for
emergencies. When entering unlighted
compartments, personnel should carry portable
safety lights.
Asphyxia and Poisoning—During some cargo
handling or related operations, asphyxia or
poisoning may result from: (1) lack of oxygen,
(2) poisonous gases or fumes, or (3) exposing
skin or eyes to or swallowing petroleum
products. (Some vapors may be swallowed
without the knowledge of the victim.) An
individual showing signs of asphyxia or
poisoning should receive immediate medical
attention and the cargo officer should be
notified. The space should be inspected before
work is continued.
Lifting Cases—There is a right and a wrong way
Figure 13-31.-Manual lifting.
of picking up heavy cases of material. The
correct method of lifting heavy objects is
illustrated in figure 13-31. Individuals stand
close to the load, with their feet slightly apart and
solidly placed. With knees bent, they grasp the
object firmly and lift it by straightening their
legs, keeping the back as vertical as possible.
When lifting from an elevated position, keep the
object close to the body.
The square of the hatch should be kept clear and
free of debris. Place a solid, level floor of dunnage on
top of stowed cargo, when it is needed, to provide sound
footing for hold workers or a safe landing area for cargo
coming in. Persons in the hold must stand clear of the
hatch when a draft is overhead—cargo being hoisted
from or lowered into the hold. The hold crew should
take cover either fore or aft of the square of the hatch.
When a draft is lowered into a hold, it should be
stopped approximately 1 foot above its intended
landing spot. After the draft has been stopped, the hold
crew should then come from under the deck and guide
the draft to the desired landing area Slings or bridles
are easily removed from drafts by four crewmen
working in pairs. The slings or bridles should be
steadied before being hoisted out of the hold. If they
are permitted to swing widely during hoisting, they may
become entangled in hull fittings or cargo and cause
damage to the equipment or cargo or injury to
personnel.
You can safely handle small cases on a horizontal
conveyor described earlier. For some cargo, you may
even substitute finished lumber or waxed dunnage for
conveyors. If waking space permits, pallet trucks,
pallet jacks, handtrucks, or dollies may be used to move
cargo to the storage location.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
If you are in charge of a working party or
cargo-handling crew, their safety and proper cargo
handling are your responsibility. To prevent injuries to
personnel and damage to cargo and ship, all safety
precautions must be observed and enforced. Danger is
ever present during the handling of any cargo aboard
ship.
Through minor accidents or improper handling,
cargo-handling equipment or the cargo itself may
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