Safe handling of containers reminder
August 07, 2015, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s Marine Department has issued a reminder about safe handling of containers following the investigation into the death of a sailor on board a container vessel during cargo unloading operations.
The Government of Hong Kong SAR Marine Department Notice No.106 of 2015 states that the incident occurred while containers were being discharged from the cargo ship onto a barge. The barge listed towards the container ship due to uneven disposition of containers loaded on the barge. At the time of the accident, when a container was being lifted up by the crane of the barge from the container ship, the barge further listed towards the container ship. Suddenly, containers stacked on the barge collapsed resulting in four of the containers falling onto a hatch cover of the container ship. The victim, who was working on top of the hatch cover, was crushed and killed by the falling containers.
Investigation into the accident revealed that:
(a) the containers stowed in the cargo hold of the barge were not evenly distributed to prevent unduly listing of the barge;
(b) the containers in the cargo hold of the barge were not properly secured; and
(c) no risk assessment was conducted prior to commencement of works.
LESSONS LEARNED
During cargo operations for loading and unloading of containers at sea, it is important that:
(a) containers stowed on a vessel should be evenly distributed to prevent causing vessel heeling;
(b) containers should be adequately secured by twist-locks, stacking cones and lashing equipment; and
(c) the cargo work should be well-planned and the risks should be assessed taking into consideration of the ship’s stability under cargo operations.
For information about operations in Hong Kong contact GAC Hong Kong at shipping.hongkong@gac.com
Temporary Loading Facility established
August 07, 2015, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
A temporary loading facility has been established at the pier off Hong Kong Coliseum, Hung Hom.
The facility has one discharging platform protruding about 7 metres seawards from the southeastern side of the pier. The temporary loading facility will exist for a period of approximately 5 months.
From time to time, lighter or barge will berth at the facility within the operation area bounded by straight lines joining the following co-ordinates (WGS 84 Datum) from (A) to (D):
(A) 22 deg. 17.858’N / 114 deg. 10.978’E
(B) 22 deg. 17.835’N / 114 deg. 10.993’E
(C) 22 deg. 17.808’N / 114 deg. 10.942’E
(D) 22 deg. 17.831’N / 114 deg. 10.928’E
The hours of operation will be from 0700 hours to 1900 hours. No operation will be carried out on Sundays and public holidays.
(For information about operations in Hong Kong contact GAC Hong Kong at shipping.hongkong@gac.com)
Source: Government of Hong Kong SAR Marine Department Notice No.107 of 2015
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“Jo”
