FREIGHT CONTAINERS
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• The Health and Safety Executive has published up-todate guidance dealing with safety in the use of freight containers.
The Freight Containers (Safety Convention) Regulations 1984 (which implemented in the UK the International Maritime Organisation International Convention for Safe Containers) require that containers be properly examined periodically, approved and that they bear a safety approval plate.
In addition, the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, the proposed Docks Regulations 1989, and the Dangerous Substances in Harbour Areas Regulations 1987 all deal with aspects of the safe use of containers.
The Guidance Note stresses the need for pre-planning and places particular emphasis on avoiding the overloading, including excessive point loading, of containers. It also deals with the adequate securement and packing of cargo.
Problems covered include the use of lift trucks to load containers, especially the risk of overstressing the floor, and also difficulties which can be associated with special containers, in particular the folding end and open topped designs.
The guidance note is available from Her Majesty's Stationery Offices or booksellers, price 22.00.