Discourage the wearing of rings, gauntlet-type
precautions must be observed and enforced. Danger is
ever present during the handling of any cargo aboard
gloves, and trousers with legs so long that they
ship.
are tripping hazards.
Through minor accidents or improper handling,
Ensure that your crew wears safety shoes and
cargo-handling equipment or the cargo itself may
helmets while handling cargo.
become potentially dangerous or unusable without
Do not permit the use of holders in the square of
showing visible evidence of damage. If in doubt
the hatch when the hoist is moving.
concerning damage to cargo or safety of equipment,
report it to your immediate superior or the cargo
Ensure your crew's alertness. Have the hold crew
officer.
take occasional breaks topside for fresh air if
necessary.
Inspection and maintenance of the pier or wharf
are primarily the responsibility of the shore station.
Know where to obtain suitable anti-slip material
However, such defects as bad flooring should be
if the need should arise.
reported. In some cases, temporary repairs must be
Know what to do in case of injuries.
made to make cargo operations safe.
People may try to use faulty or incorrect
Know the location of fire axes, hose, and other
cargo-handling equipment and injure themselves or
firefighting equipment.
others. Many accidents are caused by pure
Know how to remove personnel quickly from the
carelessness. The human factor is always present in
hold should a fire develop or they require
accidents, but it can be partially overcome by
medical attention.
Thorough training in the use of cargo handling
Observe your crew and ensure that they work in a
equipment
safe manner.
Instruction in safety
Do not block passageways or openings (doors,
--Safety precautions to observe
hatches, etc.) with cargo, hatch beams, or other
material, without permission from the responsible
--Penalties for violations of prescribed safety
head of department. If a passage must be blocked off,
measures
do it in a manner that will enable personnel to regain
Alert supervision
quick access.
The need for speed in emergency situations or
T h e f o l l ow i n g i s a g u i d e y o u m a y u s e i n
during underway replenishment may outweigh the
discharging your responsibility as a supervisor.
value of some safety precautions that would ordinarily
Tell and demonstrate how to work safely.
be taken. However, do not suspend a safety practice
unless the degree of urgency warrants it. In all
Never permit personnel to stand or work under
decisions affecting safety, during usual or unusual
suspended sling loads.
conditions, there is no substitute for good judgment
Tell and demonstrate how to grip slings and
and experience.
bridles.
SAFE CARGO-HANDLING PRACTICES
See that personnel stand out of the bight, and
All cargo handlers should observe the following
clear of the throw of the block and hook when
list of safety precautions.
using a bull line to move cargo.
Wear safety shoes and helmets.
Show personnel how to break down or build piles
of Sling loads and safely break out and stow
Do not wear rings.
cargo.
Use the accommodation ladder or brow for
Show your crew how to lift properly.
boarding or leaving the ship.
See that your crew does not enter dark places
Use the ladders in the square of the hatch only
(holds, decks, or compartments) without a light.
when hoist is not in motion.
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