Entry to freight containers may be for security purposes; for customs and excise checks and to stuff/destuff the container. The two primary hazards are:
Simple precautions to prevent being struck by doors:
Fumigants are highly toxic. Cargoes most likely to have been fumigated include foodstuffs, leather goods, handicrafts, textiles, timber or cane furniture, luxury vehicles and cargo in timber cases or on timber pallets from China.
Containers transported under fumigation are required to be labelled and declared in accordance with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code. However, absence of marking cannot be taken to mean fumigants are not present. Containers marked as having been ventilated after fumigation may also contain fumigant that was absorbed by the cargo and released during transit.
Any container suspected of containing fumigant should be:
More detailed guidance is available in the following ICHCA safety pamphlets:
