Hazardous or Asphyxiate
Substances
Workers loading and unloading solid bulk cargoes
may be exposed to dust or respiratory sensitisers
that can cause asthma. Cargoes may be flammable,
toxic, poisonous or corrosive. Some cargoes, for
example grain, may have been fumigated. Some
solid bulk cargoes in the hold may not be hazardous
themselves, for example fishmeal or bark, but may
produce gases due to decomposition or bacterial
action. Vehicle exhaust emissions in the ship’s hold
may also give rise to hazardous fumes.
• Closed systems should be used, where
appropriate, to prevent the escape of dust.
• The correct grab should be chosen for the
cargo being handled to reduce the amount of
dust generated. Grabs must be properly
maintained and used in accordance with safe
systems of work in order to reduce dust
generation.