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CHAPTER 2

HEALTH & SAFETY


Table of contents

INTRODUCTION

Section I: Roles & Responsibilities

Section II: Law & Regulations

Section III: Types of Operations

Section IV: Port Area Hazards & Controls

Section V: X-ray Scanners

Section VI: Examining Containers

Section VII: Clothing & Equipment

Section VIII: Risk Assessment

Section X: Forms/procedures

Annex

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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY
INTRODUCTION

Health and Safety are very important issues in the daily work. Knowing the
possible risks and taking the appropriate action to reduce them should take a
place within the daily work.

This chapter will cover health & safety in all areas including dockside, quays,
container parks and examination sheds where you as custom officer are likely to
be working within the Port. Container parks and examination sheds outside of
the port area are also covered in this chapter.
The rules and regulations referring to health & safety differ per country. That is
the reason that there are now specific rules are mentioned in this chapter. Please
go to your own health & safety officers for specific information.

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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY
Section I

Roles & responsibilities

Responsibilities for Health & Safety can be divided into individual, operator
and managerial. These are laid down in law and failure to meet these
responsibilities may leave an individual liable to criminal prosecution and/or
civil action.

Individual
As an individual you have a legal responsibility for your own and others safety
at work. In general you can satisfy these legal requirements by adhering to laid
down procedures, such procedures include:

◊ co-operating with any instruction given by the Department


with regard to health and safety

◊ Departmental Good Practice Guides

◊ manufacturers’ instructions (for tools and equipment)

◊ safe working practices

◊ proper use, care and maintenance of Personal Protective


Equipment (PPE), and to wear any provided

Operator
Any person using or operating any tool or item of equipment must have
received all of the relevant training and must adhere to manufacturer’ and
departmental operating instructions. It is the individual’s responsibility to
ensure that tools and equipment are inspected before use, are used properly, that
faulty tools are not used and that any faults are reported as soon as possible.

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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY
Managerial
Managerial responsibilities are additional to those of the individual and
operator, legally these additional responsibilities apply to anyone who has a
managerial role and in general apply to the following areas:

◊ planning for safe working practice particularly when new


working practices or equipment is introduced

◊ identifying hazards and assessing the risk

◊ identifying and implementing appropriate controls

◊ monitoring and reviewing the controls

◊ ensuring that staff have sufficient training, information and


supervision to carry out their work safely

Managers also have a departmental responsibility to ensure that all accidents


and dangerous occurrences are properly reported, to carry out investigations
into such incidents, and to take steps to avoid any recurrence.

Duties and Responsibilities

Team Member
It is an Individuals responsibility to work safely - do not place yourself or
others at risk by any act or omission.

Do not undertake any task if you have not undergone appropriate training.
Advise your team leader of any training needs.

Do follow any Health & Safety instructions you are given.

Do follow Good Practice Guides.

Do use proper tools and equipment in any task.

Do not use any tools or equipment other than properly approved and supplied.

Do not use any equipment that you have not been trained to use.
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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY
Do make sure you are trained to use any equipment properly

Do ensure that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) issued to you is


appropriate. If it is supplied for a particular purpose you MUST use it. Keep
PPE clean and well maintained and replace as necessary. Dirty gloves, overalls,
High Visibility clothing etc. are hazards, do not use them.

Do report accidents and dangerous occurrences and near misses. Make sure that
you know the procedures for doing this.

Do study the District Risk Assessment, and be aware of any controls.

Do make sure that you know the duties and responsibilities of your managers.

Do raise any new potential risks with your manager or colleagues

Remember that a container port area is a very dangerous place and you should
ensure that you never work alone.

Team Leaders
Do carry out H&S assessments of all tasks, or ensure that a competent person
does this. Seek advice if you are not sure.

Do ensure that any task you undertake or direct has been assessed for Health &
Safety risks.

Do ensure that any staff working under your direction are properly equipped
and trained for the task.

Do ensure that safe working practices/Good Practice Guides are adhered to.

Do make sure that tools and equipment are ALWAYS inspected before use

Do ensure that any faulty tools or equipment are not used, and that faults are
reported.

Do arrange for proper PPE, tools, and equipment to be provided for staff and
ensure that they receive the appropriate training before using them.

Do arrange maintenance, replacements, repairs and re-training as required.

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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY
Do ensure that all accidents, dangerous occurrences and near misses are
properly reported. Carry out preliminary investigations, take appropriate action
and recommend further action not in your control.

Do liase with outside bodies (Dock Company, shipping companies etc.) on


Health and Safety matters.

Do ensure that Safe Systems of Work are adhered to in all tasks and in the use
of any tools and equipment.

Do co-operate with safety reps.

Do observe your team to ensure they are following safe systems of work.

Remember that a container port area is a very dangerous place and you should
ensure that you never ask your staff to work alone.

Functional Manager
Do ensure proper training and equipment is provided for district tasks, and
maintenance is carried out as required.

Do ensure District Risk Assessments are monitored, reviewed and evaluated.

Do provide assurance on health and safety systems

Do ensure that there is adequate training and deployment of qualified First


Aiders.

Do encourage Health and Safety awareness among staff.

Do liase with other departmental staff on H&S matters.

Do ensure maintenance of adequate and relevant records i.e. assessments,


training, incidents etc.

Remember that a container port area is a very dangerous place and you should
ensure that you never ask your staff to work alone.

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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY
Resources Available for Help and Advice

EXTERNAL
Park/Quay Controller or Shed Foreman:
Transit Sheds are not necessarily located within the Dock, they can also be
found at remote locations i.e. industrial estates.

Custom officers should make initial contact with the controller requesting the
sight of a container, the request is based on risk information or a tip-off etc.
The Controller will then contact Custom when the container is ready for
examination. The controller should be approached on arrival to ensure that they
know you are there for evacuation purposes or to ensure that forklift drivers are
aware of your presence. Custom officers should prepare the contents of the
container for examination, but sometimes Custom officers checks the seals on
the container first

Port Emergency Services:


The Port Emergency Services should only be notified if the cargo is suspicious
or dangerous, i.e. it is leaking when you open it, or if there is a harmful
substance around an area which needs to be handled during a search i.e. Caustic
Soda packed around cigarettes.

INTERNAL
Health and Safety Advisers (NB: each country will have its own system)
Health and Safety Advisers is a group of advisers who can be contacted for
Health & Safety advice. Your Health & Safety matters are resolved locally, but
if you need further advice you can call, if available, a helpline.

During a physical check it is possible that you encounter certain goods that can
be a danger for Health & Safety.

A few examples:

Firearms and Explosives.


If a firearm or parts of a firearm, explosives etc. are detected, you should
preserve the scene and seek advice.
You must always consider your Health & Safety and that of anyone else first,
whilst at the same time preserving forensic integrity if this is possible.

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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY
CITES.
If live plants and/or animals are discovered you should act promptly as there
may be a high mortality rate for any species taken from its natural habitat and
the stress of travel can be an added factor. You should always think about your
own and your colleagues Health and Safety. There may be the danger of
disease or the risk of sustaining a venomous bite or sting, even the container
used to house the creature/plant that you are examining may pose a Health and
Safety risk!

Environmentally dangerous goods.


These goods are sometimes hard to recognise. If you find any goods that smell
bad, are labelled as dangerous etc., barrels etc. witch are not declared and no
labels, can be very dangerous. You should preserve the scene and seek advice of
a specialist.
You must always consider your Health & Safety and that of anyone else first.

Radiation.
If there is any sign of radiation, you should preserve the scene and seek advice
of a specialist.
You must always consider your Health & Safety and that of anyone else first.

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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY
Resources Available for Help and Advice
Useful Contacts Name Telephone No. Address

Park/Quay
Controller or
Shed Foreman
Report to above regarding
any duties to be undertaken.
Port Emergency
Services -
Control Office local
numbers - Fire, Ambulance,
Dangerous Goods, Police
etc.
Health & Safety
Adviser

Firearms and
Explosives
officers

CITES Liaison
Officer

Radiation
Protection Officer
and Supervisors

Port Health

H&S Executive

Other Contacts

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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY
Section II

Law & regulations


You will need to be aware of the departmental guidance that you will be
working to on a daily basis. You should familiarise yourself with the good
practice guide Health & Safety. If there is further departmental guidance
available should you require it, you should discuss where to find further
information with your trainer/teamleader/mentor.

Section III

Types of operations
As part of training you should be taken on a tour to your local port, this will
give you an idea about the type of areas that you will need to be aware of in
your daily duties at the Port. Before you embark on your tour please read the
following guide to the general operations that are carried out on a Port. You
should be aware that there are many different health and safety issues around
each area and the various types of cargo. You should also note that whilst you
are on the tour you MUST remain with your trainer/mentor and adhere to all
Health & Safety instructions.

Quays

Various types of bulk cargo including containers and pallets, are


discharged and moved to and from ships. Some Ports have Quays, which
deal with loose cargo such as scrap metal or grain. The grain is pumped
from the ship directly into silo’s permanently located on the Quayside,
where scrap metal is being moved there is a danger of loose particles
falling from the ‘grabber’.

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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY
Parks

Operations involved in the parks include the storage and movement of;
containers which are; pending clearance (import and export), waiting to
be loaded onto a ship, waiting to be produced for exam or waiting for de-
vanning. Other operations include the storage and movement of trailers,
some ports have parks, which deal with the storage and movement of
timber.

Sheds

Operations carried out in the sheds include the examination and de-
vanning of containers, some Ports have cold store facilities for examining
frozen or fresh foodstuffs. Pallets are also examined and used in the de-
vanning procedures. Examinations carried out in the sheds may also
involve the movement of various types of equipment.

Your trainer or mentor should provide you with a map which shows the Quays,
Parks and Shed areas highlighted, you will need to take your copy of the map
with you to familiarise yourself with the layout of your local Port/Dock.

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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY
Section IV

Port area hazards & controls


Throughout this module the terms ‘hazard’ and ‘risk’ will be used, the
definition for each of these terms are as follows:

Hazard anything with the potential to cause harm or damage

Risk the potential for a hazard to cause you harm if it is ignored or


inadequate precautions are taken

On returning from the tour you good mark the map, with highlighter pens,
showing where each of the hazards from the following list are located.

You should discuss the tour and map with your trainer/mentor, to find out if any
hazards have been missed. You should note that this list is not exhaustive,
depending on your own Port/Dock, there may be other hazards not listed
here.

Quayside Gantry Cranes

◊ the drivers visibility may be poor or restricted

◊ there may be a lot of movement around these cranes

◊ drop areas for the containers being off loaded

Hatches
◊ temporarily stored on quayside, may be unlit and unmarked

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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY
All Access Points and Blind Spots

◊ fast moving traffic across path

◊ poor or restricted visibility

◊ noisy

Container Stacks and Lines

◊ to be avoided if possible only go under supervision

◊ restricted visibility

◊ lots of moving traffic

◊ operators restricted visibility

Straddle Carriers

◊ restricted visibility

◊ speed and size

◊ noisy
Rail Lines

◊ lots of traffic

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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY
Turning Points

◊ rubber tyre gantry very restricted visibility

Turning Areas

◊ speed

◊ not necessarily done in specified areas - watch out for this in all
areas of the port

All Vehicles
◊ fast moving traffic
◊ noisy

◊ drivers restricted visibility

Dangerous Goods Areas


◊ should be clearly marked hazardous cargo

◊ should be restricted access

Exit Points

◊ fast moving traffic


◊ restricted visibility
◊ noisy and busy
Examining Bays
◊ reversing traffic
◊ straddle movements
◊ container examination
◊ forklifts

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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY
Lorry Lines
◊ moving traffic
◊ reversing
◊ restricted visibility

Maffi and Skeleton Parks

◊ busy moving traffic

◊ restricted visibility
Forklifts
◊ fast
◊ carrying loads so restricted visibility
◊ can be quiet (electric)
◊ insecure cargo - danger of falling

Straddle Parking Areas

◊ busy

◊ noisy

◊ restricted visibility

◊ drivers finishing their shift (not normal areas to go into)

◊ can be very slippery

General Hazards

◊ uneven surfaces

◊ wet / slippery surfaces

◊ trailing ropes

◊ obstructions

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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY
Controls

Following on from the previous part of this section, where you were asked to
highlight the hazards and risks, you will now be asked to supply the controls
which you can use to minimise the risks to each of the following hazards:

◊ moving traffic

◊ poor or restricted visibility

◊ noise.

List the controls that you think might be appropriate to each of the hazards on
the following page. Write your answers in the space provided.

Hazards Control
Moving traffic

◊ adhere to approved routes and parking areas.

◊ keep to safe walkways

◊ adhere to all normal driving laws and follow port


procedures.

◊ always report your presence if appropriate.

◊ use safe walkways wherever possible

◊ observe and use proper sight and sound signals e.g.


flashing lights and bells.

◊ awareness of limitations of vehicle types (speed, visibility,


manoeuvring).

◊ be alert at all times.

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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY
Poor or restricted visibility

◊ all of the above controls for moving traffic.

◊ always wear hi-visibility clothing.

◊ be aware of specific hazards in all of the following


conditions - night, fog, rain, snow and take all necessary
precautions
◊ make sure you know the area and route that you will be
taking.

Noise
◊ make sure you wear the appropriate ear protection

◊ make sure that you learn important sound signals e.g. a


crane moving

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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY
Section V

X-Ray scanners
The use of X-ray scanners is getting more coming.
Because health & safety instruction various per type of X-ray scanner type, it is
necessary to check with your local management for specific instruction.

Section VI

Examining containers & trailers


On the following pages you will find some pictures of the containers and
trailers that you may come into daily contact with. Each picture includes a brief
description of its structure, design and intended purpose. You should take
general precautions with any type of container, however as well as general
hazards there are some specific hazards associated with some containers and
trailers.

Fumigated containers
Before you enter a container! Some containers are fumigated with a toxic gas.
This is no part of the cargo but is added to exterminate bugs etc.
Containers under fumigation should carry a hazard warning sign but this is not
always the case.
If there is a hazard warning label on the container you should ask for a
statement that the container is free of gas.
If you discover any sign that a container is or has been under fumigation. Do
not touch or remove any fumigation chemicals and keep well away from
containers when fumigation operations are being carried out.

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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY
The most used gases are:

Sulphuric Fluoride SO2F2


Methyl bromide CH3BR
Phosphorous Hydroxide PH3
Formaldehyde H2CO
This is a notice you may find in a container, if you find it, you could be in
danger.

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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY
CONTAINER /TRAILER TYPES SPECIAL HAZARDS / RISKS
BULK CONTAINER
Especially for dry bulk cargoes, e.g. malt
Three manholes for filling in the roof of
each container.
• If loaded by top hatches, DO NOT
OPEN THE DOORS

• Risk of falling cargo

• Oxygen depletion from cargo

FLAT CONTAINER
Especially for heavy loads and over-width cargo.
Strong bottom construction with fixed endwalls
(which allow bracing, lashing and stacking).
• Risk of collapse if it is not secured

• Risk of falling cargo

HARDTOP CONTAINER
Especially for
heavy loads, overheight cargo, loading
from above, e.g. by crane. The hardtop steel
roof can be easily moved by handling gear. • Risk of falling cargo

HIGH CUBE CONTAINER


Especially for light, voluminous cargo and
overheight cargo

• Manual Handling risk is increased by


it’s height volume

• Risk of falling cargo

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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY
INSULATED CONTAINER
Especially for cargo, which needs constant
temperatures above or below freezing point.
Temperature is controlled by ship’s/terminal’s • cold, wet slippery floor
cooling or clip-on-unit.
• Risk of falling cargo

OPEN TOP CONTAINER


Especially for:
overheight cargo, loading from above, e.g. by
crane loading from door side, e.g. with cargo • roof not fixed
hanging from overhead tackle
• often bulk loaded cargo (grain etc.)

• risk of falling cargo

PLATFORM
Especially for heavy loads and over-sized cargo.
Strong base construction. • Risk of falling cargo

REFRIGERATED CONTAINER
Especially for cargo, which needs constant
temperatures above or below freezing point • Moving machinery parts, inside and out
• Cold wet and slippery surface
• Interior fittings hooks, racks
• Cold cargo
• Heavy doors
• Exhaust and other fumes
• Electricity hook up cables, points
• Diesel tank

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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY
TANK CONTAINER
Especially for liquid chemicals for portable
liquids (e.g. spirits). See Good Practice Guide for
• hazardous cargo
Dangerous Goods labels
• previous cargo may have been
hazardous

• toxic fumes

VENTILATED CONTAINERS
Especially for Cargo which needs ventilation.
Natural ventilation is ensured by openings in the
top and bottom longitudinal rails. The labyrinth
construction of these ventilation openings • cold, wet slippery floor

• Risk of falling cargo

• The fact that ventilation is required may


indicate that the cargo is hazardous

TRAILER
Especially for transporting cargo. The • cold, wet, slippery floor
sides of the trailer are not rigid.
• risk of falling cargo

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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY
Controls

Now that you have identified some of the hazards, you should now consider
what procedures or controls you should take in order to minimise the risks.
Please write in the space provided, what you think the control are to the hazards
listed on the following page.

You should compare your answers with the answers provided after this task and
discuss them with your trainer. You should also note that the list given is not
exhaustive.

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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY
Your answer should include the following, however you should be aware that
this list is not exhaustive.

Special hazards Controls

Manual Handling
◊ proper assessment - task, load, working environment,
individual capability

◊ minimise need for manual handling

◊ mechanical aids

◊ safe systems of work - planning, layout, etc.

◊ sufficient time/resources for task

◊ use of dock/operator labour where applicable

◊ training (Back Pack etc., Enhanced training as


available)

◊ proper techniques

◊ PPE

◊ minimise distance and load (planning)

Door opening/closing

◊ use of Dock staff to open/close where applicable

◊ use of door checkstraps

◊ PPE

◊ extension bar for door handle if appropriate

Slippery and unclean floors or surfaces

◊ establish and maintain cleanliness routine

◊ report all spillage, hazards

◊ avoid the area if possible


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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY
Specific Hazards Controls

Poor Stowage
◊ checkstraps for door opening

◊ special assessment/safe system of work

◊ PPE

Adequate heating, lighting and ventilation

◊ maintenance regime, report deficiencies

◊ use of auxiliaries (lights, heaters, fans)

◊ PPE / thermal clothing if appropriate

Physical exam of crates, packages

◊ manual handling - proper techniques

◊ safe surface, proper height/ suitable environment

◊ PPE especially gloves, eye protection

◊ proper use of tools (knives, bars, etc.)

Use of tools
◊ always use the proper tool for the job

◊ only use officially provided tools

◊ familiarity with and understanding of equipment its


uses and limitations

◊ follow manufacturer/supplier instructions

◊ always inspect before use

◊ never use faulty or damaged tools - report and obtain


replacements

◊ proper planning

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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY
Specific Hazards Controls

Working Platforms and Raised Bays

◊ approved access points only

◊ ensure locked/stable

◊ NEVER work underneath

◊ authorised operators only

◊ PPE

◊ be aware of risk of trips/falls

◊ use dock labour if possible

◊ guard against moving traffic/collisions

Fork Lift Movements

◊ know and stick to safe system of work

◊ proper planning

◊ sight & sound signals

◊ warning signs

◊ communication

Space restrictions

◊ proper planning, safe systems of work

◊ remove possible obstructions

◊ PPE

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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY
The following is a list of procedures or controls that you should take to
minimise the risk to any of the general hazards that may be involved the
physical examination of containers or trailers (including underside & top).

◊ DO NOT be tempted to examine a container outside of an approved site

◊ DO NOT walk or climb on the top (unless it is a Tanktainer and a secure


walkway is provided)

◊ Use mobile ladders that are provided

◊ Ensure that fixed or overhead facilities are in a safe condition

◊ Beware of loose objects, debris or dust on the top of the container or it’s cargo,
use PPE including eye protection

◊ Remember to use PPE!!

◊ Exterior fittings on reefer units etc. are to be used by trained personnel only

◊ Beware of moving parts and electricity e.g. fans

◊ Remember the proper use of tools

◊ Never work underneath a container unless it is secured on a frame specifically


provided for the purpose

◊ Never walk or work under container suspended by a straddle carrier or fork


lift

◊ Be aware of various types of fixture and fittings, especially in reefers


e.g. fans, ducts, hooks

◊ Be aware of slippery floors and the cold, check the flooring for security and
safety

◊ Be aware of any residues, even in empty containers

◊ Be aware of sharp, raised, abrasive objects and surfaces

◊ Ensure there is adequate light and ventilation

◊ Carry out as much research as possible to identify the cargo and take the
necessary precautions
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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY
H&S Foodstuffs Examination

Be aware that there are particular hazards and concerns in examining any raw or
processed foodstuffs. Many raw farm products imported to the EU will come
from Third World countries, where the hygiene and safety regimes are not the
same as those applied in the EU.

Processed, packaged goods, ready for retail sale, should be treated as a final
product, and any packages opened for examination should be properly
destroyed.
Raw, unprocessed goods such as grains and pulses are likely or possibly to have
been treated with insecticides or other chemicals prior to shipment. They may
be infested by insects such as weevils or mites, especially if they have not been
treated, or they may be affected by rot which could induce fungal growth.

You may also come across bulk importations (tanks, containers etc) of products
destined for the human or animal food industry. These tanks are likely to be
sealed, and breakage of the seal may render the product “condemned” or
commercially worthless. In such circumstances the Department may be liable
for substantial compensation claims.

You should ALWAYS consider examination of unprocessed foodstuffs as


potentially hazardous, for the reasons laid out below;

◊ some may be allergens or respiratory sensitisors

◊ some may be intrinsically poisonous

◊ Some may be infested by;


insects,
reptiles,
crop diseases, such as weevils, mites or Colorado Beetle, snakes,
sometimes found in esparto grass, bananas or ergot (damp grain or
pulses)

◊ “ethnic foods” may be encountered, particularly from some


African, Indian or Caribbean areas. BE AWARE that these are
likely to be loaded in recycled boxes and crates, and lacking
uniformity, may be unstable within the container

This list is not exhaustive, and you should enquire about local traffic and trends.

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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY
Custom officers should also be aware that we have a duty to the general public,
the trade and to our employer. When foodstuffs are selected for examination,
care should be taken to avoid any contamination, or cross-contamination. If
necessary, disposable outer clothing should be available. If there is any doubt,
err on the side of caution. Seek advice from experienced colleagues, Port Health
etc. before proceeding with examination.

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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY
Section VII

Clothing and equipment


Reducing risks by adhering to health and safety procedures also involves
wearing and maintaining all protective clothing and equipment which is
provided, you should ensure that you use only those items of clothing, tools and
equipment provided by Customs & Excise. You must also make sure that you
comply with the law and regulations involved in using PPE by:

◊ following the instructions given with each item

◊ keeping each item clean and well maintained, using


recommended cleaning advice

◊ if the use by date has expired, do not use

◊ only using the item as recommended by the manufacturer

◊ using only the items provided, do not use personal items

◊ ensuring the equipment fits you properly

A few examples of special clothing you could use.

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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY
Some examples of tool you could use

The correct equipment makes your job easier to carry out.

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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY
Section VIII

Risk assessment
Prior to each examination a local risk assessment should be undertaken to
decide how the examination should be conducted, or whether the examination
should take place at all. However, It is not the aim of this section to show you
how to complete a risk assessment form.
It gives you an example of a risk assessment.

For example, an empty tank container may have previously contained a


hazardous substance. Before attempting to conduct an examination any risks
should be identified by researching it’s history to find out what cargo was
previously contained within it. If research is not possible extra caution, using
all possible controls, should be taken prior to the examination.

On the following page you will find an example of a risk assessment form,
however you should be aware that these forms are subject to local variations.
You should ask your health & Safety officer for the, in your area used, specific
risk assessment form and procedure.

Section IX

Health and safety forms


As well as understanding how to identify risks, using controls and safe systems
of working to minimise the risks, you also need to be aware of the procedures
you should use in the unlikely event of an accident or near miss occurring.

The Line Manager/team leader and the individual each have responsibilities for
completing the forms and sending them to the appropriate department.

Ask you own Health & Safety officer or your team leader how the proper
procedure works.

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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY
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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY
RISK ASSESSMENT FORM (page 1)

Date of record creation Case Officer


Vessel Container No. Goods Origin

Comments/ Reasons for interest

Health & Safety Assessment

Assessment Officer:
Team

Safety Assessments External


Is area around Container/Trailer
FREE OF TRAFFIC YES / NO SECURE YES / NO
ADEQUATELY LIT YES / NO STABLE YES / NO
FREE FROM OVERHEAD YES / NO ADEQUATELY YES / NO
HAZARD VENTILATED
ANY HAZARD LABELS YES / NO Type

Safety Assessment: Internal


Cargo Description: ………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Cargo Hazard Assessment


BAGS CARTONS PALLETISED
SACKS BARRELS MACHINERY
DRUMS CRATES LOOSE
LOADED
OTHER

Hazards IS LOAD STABLE (UNLIKELY TO MOVE) YES / NO


if no, reason:
Glass Chemicals FRAGILE
Dirty Flammable Heavy
Infested Slippery Wet
Bulky Unwieldy Sharp Corners/
edges
Other
(Page 2)
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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY
IS ALL REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT/CLOTHING ISSUED OR AVAILABLE
YES / NO
IF NO, REASON:

Handling equipment required / desirable / used:

X-ray Van
Forklift Truck
Other
Other

Comments / Conclusions:

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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE CHAPTER 2- HEALTH &SAFETY

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