Leading Insurer Warns of Potential Air Quality Danger in Enclosed Cargo Spaces

Dangers to shore-based cargo handling workers are highlighted by the two latest risk management guides issued by specialist insurance provider, TT Club

Tragically, a regular cause of fatalities amongst shore-side labour working on board bulk cargo vessels is asphyxiation. Similar incidents are known to occur when workers enter freight containers whether on-board ship, on terminal or during any point on its onward journey. 

ICHCA International has joined with the TT Club to produce two pocket guides, which form part of a series of risk management advisories, and warn those who are actively involved in or the supervising of cargo loading or discharge operations of the dangers of atmospheric contamination in both on-board situations and containers. The guides also contain advice on the precautions to be taken. The fundamental message is ….Before entering stop and think. 

“Fatalities can occur under certain circumstances within the enclosed spaces of cargo holds on bulk cargo vessels as well as in containers when the cargo emits either noxious gases or even inert ones in such quantity that they replace the oxygen available in a tightly packed, restricted environment,” states Peregrine Storrs-Fox, TT Club’s Risk Management Director, in outlining the dangers.

A number of commonly transported cargoes can affect the atmosphere in enclosed spaces to such an extent that it can no longer sustain life.  Human beings breathe a natural atmosphere which consists of 79% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. As the oxygen level decreases, so do the chances of survival until at 16% concentration, asphyxiation occurs.  This is the case even though the remainder of the atmosphere might consist of an entirely harmless gas or gases. 

Whilst such dangers apply equally to the ship’s crew, these guides are aimed at shore-side workers, who might well be less adequately trained for these eventualities.  The simple pocket cards explain the dangers and how they can arise and also list many cargoes which can produce such a hazardous atmosphere.  Additionally, the guides explain precautions that should be taken if entry into affected areas is necessary for work purposes.

The guides come both in printed form and as a PDF, the latter providing links to related information. The PDF is downloadable from the publications menu on the Home page of the TT Club website at www.ttclub.com.  It is also possible to request the printed version free of charge however; a contribution to production costs may be required for larger orders. Please follow the instructions on the website for ordering printed copies. 

The guides are also available from ICHCA International Ltd at www.ichca.com.

Published: 12/04/2010