Freight container safety

HSE is responsible for issuing approvals for firms who oversee the construction and maintenance standards of freight containers in GB, in accordance with the requirements of the Freight Container (Safety Convention) Regulations 1984.

Potential hazards when working with containers include:

• Structural failure during loading/unloading due to overloading or lack of maintenance
• Falling from container tops and container lashing stations
• Being crushed between containers during manoeuvring of containers on board ship
• Being hit by a moving vehicle during removal/fitting of twistlocks at the quayside
• Being crushed when securing trailers on ro-ro ships
• Getting struck by container doors where the container has been over stuffed
• Getting crushed/struck by the falling end of a flatrack
• Exposure to harmful chemicals when entering containers loaded with hazardous chemicals or that have been fumigated
• Being struck by knocked or blown off stacks
• Back injury during stuffing/unstuffing of containers

All of these can be avoided by proper planning and training.

Port Skills and Safety (PSS) has produced a ‘Health & Safety in Ports’ guidance document entitled SIP003 – Guidance on Container Handling.

Priced guidance is also available from the International Cargo Handling Co-ordination Association Ltd, which can be ordered online; by email info@ichcainternational.co.uk or by post to ICHCA Ltd, Suite 2, 85 Western Road, Romford, Essex RM1 3LS. A full list of all their publications (currently 44) is available on the web site.

Should you need any advice or guidance on freight containers, you can e-mail us at: docks@hse.gsi.gov.uk

Further information

• Publications and guidance - Freight containers