Unloading and loading of Ro-Ro ships

Basic precautions to prevent injury include:

• Preventing unauthorised entry of vehicles and pedestrians into the terminal
• Enforcement of speed limits
• Segregation of vehicles and pedestrians
• Adequate marshalling of passenger carrying vehicles
• Provision of safe routes from car decks to passenger accommodation
• Maintain clear approach to Ro-Ro ramp
• Only those involved in loading/unloading allowed onto ramp
• If pedestrian access must be via the ramp, provide safe means of access e.g. raised walkway
• Ramp kept clear of obstacles
• Good co-ordination between ship/shore to main ramp at safe level/gradient
• Clear rules controlling movement of vehicles on/off the ship
• Procedures for abnormal loads
• Lashing teams
  • Wear protective clothing
  • Work in teams or in sight of each other
  • Stand where visible to loading vehicles
  • Use whistle stop and clear, standardised hand signals
  • Trained and competent in lashing procedures
• Clear safety procedures for using ships cargo lifts
• Safe systems of work for Sot-Ro – especially regarding safe use of large lift trucks
• Control vehicle fume
  • Ensure ships fans running before loading/unloading begins
  • Minimise number of engines running at one time
  • Maintain company controlled vehicles in accordance with manufacturers guidelines

Further guidance can be found in:

• ICHCA Safety Pamphlet no 10 ‘Safe working at Ro-Ro terminals
• ILO industry code of practice ‘Safely and health in ports’