1.1 The operator and master of a ship must take precautions to prevent access by persons to a space that may have an unsafe atmosphere.
1.2 A space in a ship that is to be entered for loading or unloading must have been adequately ventilated before entry is permitted.
1.3 If there is any doubt about an acceptable level of hazard, the advice of a competent chemist should be obtained and the space tested for oxygen deficiency and levels of toxic and other airborne contaminants, taking into account that:
(a) these should be measured against the currently accepted exposure standards for those contaminants specified in the table of exposure standards in "Guidance Note on the Interpretation of Exposure Standards for Atmospheric Contaminants in the Occupational Environment” (NOHSC: 3008(1995) 3rd Edition); and
(b) for some contaminants, such as benzene and asbestos, any positive level of contamination is unacceptable.
1.4 A cargo hold may not provide a safe atmosphere and appropriate atmospheric testing at periodic intervals may be required to ensure that an acceptable level of risk is maintained.
1.5 Additional precautions to be taken where a mechanical stowing appliance is used in an enclosed space are specified in clause 4 of this Schedule.
1.6 Appropriate and reasonable precautions must be taken by the operator or master of a ship to prevent access by persons to a space that has been fumigated until the atmosphere in that space has been determined to be safe.
Note Recommendations on appropriate safety measures to be taken when using pesticides on ships are to be found in the Supplement to the IMDG Code. Other authorities, such as port authorities, may have additional requirements that must be met.
1.7 Where the safety of the atmosphere may be reduced as a result of cargo operations, such as in a ro-ro vehicle deck, the master should ensure that ventilation machinery is operating.
2 Lighting
Loading or unloading must not be carried out unless:
(a) there is provided suitable deck and under-deck illumination, with a minimum level of:
(i) 10 lux on access routes; and
(ii) 20 lux on ladders that provide access to the ship, accommodation ladders and gangways; and
(iii) 50 lux in working areas onboard and adjacent to the ship,
taking into account any specific need that may require additional illumination; and
(b) the level of light in adjacent areas is reasonably uniform; and
(c) any artificial illumination employed does not endanger the health or safety of persons engaged in loading or unloading, or the safety of the ship or of the cargo; and
(d) any artificial illumination employed is so arranged that glare and dazzle is minimised and the formation of heavy shadow that may conceal a danger in cargo handling or access is prevented.
Note For the meaning of illumination — see section 6. Additional guidance on measuring illumination is contained in Australian Standard AS 1680.
3 Protective fencing
3.1 Open hatchways
3.1.1 An open hatchway must be securely fenced to a height of 1 m in accordance with subclause 3.6, unless:
(a) the hatchway is entirely surrounded by coamings to a height of at least 750 mm; or
(b) the hatchway is otherwise inaccessible.
3.1.2 The intermediate rail specified in paragraph 3.6(a) is not required if the hatch coaming is between 400 mm and 750 mm in height.
3.1.3 Fencing is not required for the side of a hatchway where suitable fencing is fitted between the hatchway corners and the side of the ship.
3.2 Upper decks
3.2.1 Loading or unloading must not be carried out unless all upper decks to which persons have access for loading or unloading are securely fenced on each outer edge with a bulwark or guardrails to a height of at least 1 m above the deck and are so designed, constructed and placed as to prevent a person from accidentally falling overboard.
3.2.2 Bulwarks or guardrails for subclause 3.2.1 must be continuous except that sections may be removed for a loading or unloading operation to the minimum extent necessary for that purpose.
3.2.3 Except as specified elsewhere in this Order, access to a cargo working area in or on a ship, including hold accesses, crane or winch operating positions or any other location required to be occupied by persons engaged in loading or unloading, must afford a minimum passageway width of 550 mm.
3.3 Deck cargo
Where cargo or material handling equipment is stowed on the upper decks of a ship, loading or unloading must not be carried out, unless:
(a) if the cargo is stowed adjacent to a bulwark, guardrail or hatch coaming in a position where any person requires access for loading or unloading, and the bulwark, rail or hatch coaming is not of sufficient height to prevent such person from falling overboard or into an open hold, temporary fencing complying with subclause 3.6 of this Schedule is provided; and
(b) safe access is provided to any winch, crane or any other location required to be occupied by persons engaged in loading or unloading, such access:
(i) having a surface as level and compact as is practicable; and
(ii) being provided with appropriate steps or ladders at changes of level; and
(iii) being guarded as necessary by temporary fencing.
3.4 Cargo spaces
3.4.1 Loading or unloading must not be carried out in a cargo space where there is a risk of a person falling a distance of 2 m or more, unless fencing in accordance with subclause 3.6 is installed to prevent a person falling.
3.4.2 Where 2 lifting appliances are operating in the same cargo space, with work being carried out at different levels, a net or other equivalent protection must be rigged in such a manner as to prevent persons and cargo falling from the upper level.
3.4.3 Loading or unloading must not be carried out using a mechanical stowing appliance in any cargo space where an unprotected opening exists into which the appliance could fall.
3.5 Machinery moving parts
3.5.1 Moving parts of machinery, steam pipes and live electrical conductors in and adjacent to areas on a ship where loading or unloading is being carried out must be so guarded, fenced or otherwise enclosed as to prevent accidental access, except where such part, pipe or conductor, by virtue of its position or construction, presents no risk of injury to a person or damage to property.
3.5.2 Removal of guards around machinery, including parts of mechanical stowing appliances, mechanised hatch covers or other power operated equipment, steam pipes, electrical conductors or the like must only be done by a person authorised by the master, and only after that person has advised the person in charge of such intended action.
3.5.3 Where such guards are removed, adequate precautions must be taken by the person removing the guard to ensure the safety of persons in the vicinity. The person in charge must not require or permit unauthorised persons under his or her control to approach the area where the guard has been removed until advised by a person authorised by the master that it is safe to do so.
3.5.4 Where a safety device is removed or rendered inoperative, measures must be taken by the person removing the device or rendering it inoperative to ensure that the relevant equipment cannot be used, except as required by this Order, or inadvertently started, until the device has been replaced or its operation restored.
3.6 Temporary fencing
Temporary fencing, for this Schedule, must:
(a) comprise at least 2 parallel rails, ropes or chains, the top rail, rope or chain being at a height of at least 1 m above and substantially parallel to the walking surface, and the intermediate rail, rope or chain being about midway between the top rail, rope or chain and the walking surface; and
(b) if constructed of rope or chain, be provided with means for keeping the rope or chain as taut as is practicable; and
(c) be continuous except that a section may be removable for the purpose of loading or unloading to the minimum extent necessary for that purpose; and
(d) where enclosing a hatchway, be supported by metal stanchions spaced not more that 2.5 m apart, which, if fitted into sockets in the deck, must be equipped with a securing device ensuring that each stanchion remains in position.
4 Mechanical stowing appliances and other vehicles
4.1 For use in cargo spaces
A mechanical stowing appliance or other vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine must not be used in a cargo space during loading or unloading unless that cargo space is provided with natural or mechanical ventilation that is adequate to prevent the accumulation of harmful concentrations of gases, fumes and vapour.
4.2 For use in handling dangerous goods
A reference to a Class of Dangerous Goods includes any dangerous goods required to carry a subsidiary risk label relating to that class.
4.2.1 Class 1
4.2.1.1 In relation to class 1 dangerous goods, under deck stowage requirements which are category II—type A (Magazine), a mechanical stowing appliance or other vehicle must not be used:
(a) in handling such goods; or
(b) in a cargo space in which such goods are stowed unless stowed in accordance with the IMDG Code and the stowage magazine is securely closed.
4.2.1.2 In relation to class 1 dangerous goods, other than those referred to in subclause 4.2.1.1, an unpowered mechanical stowing appliance may be used in loading and unloading, provided that in the case of goods of compatibility group A, J or L, the forks or tines of the appliance must be made of or coated with spark resistant material, ensuring that frictional sparks cannot be generated by those surfaces of the appliance.
4.2.1.3 In relation to class 1 dangerous goods of division 1.2, compatibility group B, or goods specified by the IMDG Code to be of compatibility group J or L, a powered mechanical stowing appliance must not be used in loading or unloading, other than a fork lift vehicle having:
(a) motive power provided by batteries carried on the vehicle, that can be overridden by a manual control; and
(b) solid-state electronic controls for all functions including traction, hoisting, side lift and mast tilt (no resistance type controls); and
(c) traction power transmitted by mechanical gearing to the front wheels of the vehicle; and
(d) hoist, side shift and mast tilt power transmitted by hydraulic means enabling the vehicle to travel and hoist simultaneously; and
(e) pneumatic or semi-pneumatic rubber tyres complying with the relevant standards specified by the Tyre and Rim Association of Australia Standards Manual as applying at the date of commencement of this Order, at least 2 of the tyres being electrically conductive with a resistance of not less than 5 x 104 ohms and not more than 25 x 104 ohms when measured between the wheel hub and a conductive plate on which the wheel rests; and
(f) single metal wheels, the configuration being 4 on a rectangular base; or
(g) power-assisted steering pivoting the rear wheels which are to be remote from the load; and
(h) pedal hydraulic brakes and a separate parking brake, all complying with clause 13 of Australian Standard AS 1915; and
(i) all electrical equipment including controls and lights, protected in compliance with International Protection 64 (IP64) of Australian Standard AS 1939; and
Note For the operational environment of the vehicle, see Standard AS/NZ 4745-2004, definition of class II hazardous area.
(j) a normal operating temperature not exceeding 135°C (temp T4) in an ambient temperature of 40°C when tested in accordance with clause 15 of Australian Standard AS 1915; and
Note Ignition temperatures for flammable liquids, gases and volatile solids are given in NFPA publication 325M which is available for inspection at Standards Australia libraries at Sydney and Melbourne.
(k) the following durable and conspicuous markings:
(i) identification of manufacturer or Australian agent;
(ii) temperature class as determined in accordance with Australian Standard AS 1915;
(iii) hazardous area classification as determined in accordance with Australian Standard AS 2430.1;
(iv) gross mass of the vehicle;
(v) safe working load;
and complying with the following provisions of Australian Standard AS 1915:
(l) clause 8 — battery and battery container;
(m) clause 9 — plug and socket connectors;
(n) clause 10 — electrical protection;
(o) clause 11 — cabling.
4.2.1.4 In relation to class 1 dangerous goods specified by the IMDG Code to be division 1.1 or division 1.2 goods of compatibility group D, or division 1.3, 1.4 or 1.5 goods other than those of compatibility groups J or L, a fork lift vehicle powered by batteries carried on the vehicle may be used in loading or unloading provided the vehicle complies with Australian Standard AS 2359.1 for a class II hazardous area.
4.2.1.5 A powered mechanical stowing appliance carrying class 1 dangerous goods in a ship must be operated only on electrically conductive surfaces to ensure continuous earthing of the appliance.
4.2.1.6 Subclauses 4.2.1.3, 4.2.1.4 and 4.2.1.5 do not apply in relation to the loading or unloading of class 1 dangerous goods packed in a cargo transport unit.
4.2.1.7 Freight containers packed with Dangerous Goods of Class 1, other than those in division 1.4 Compatibility Group S, must not be lifted by means of tyne pockets.
4.2.2 Class 2, 3, 4, 5 and 9
4.2.2.1 A cargo space containing goods of classes 2.1 or 3, except where such goods are contained in a closed CTU, as defined in the IMDG Code, is considered to be a Zone 1 hazardous area. A powered mechanical stowing appliance must not be operated in such an area unless it complies with Australian Standard AS 2359.1 for a Zone 1 hazardous area.
Note The IMDG Code defines a closed CTU as a unit that totally encloses the contents by permanent structures. Cargo transport units with fabric sides or tops are not closed CTUs.
4.2.2.2 Subject to subclause 4.3, a powered mechanical stowing appliance must not be used in loading and unloading dangerous goods of classes 4, 5 and 9, other than dangerous goods of classes 4.3 and 5.2, unless the appliance complies with Australian Standard AS 2359.1 for a class II hazardous area.
4.3 Ship equipment
A mechanical stowing appliance that is ship equipment for loading and unloading must:
(a) be of good design and construction and of adequate strength for its intended use; and
(b) comply with an appropriate national or international standard; and
(c) be provided with a manual, in English, that is available to the person in charge that specifies the performance criteria of the appliance and the safety and maintenance procedures for its proper operation, unless a competent person has certified that the appliance meets criteria that will ensure its safe operation and that certificate is made available to the person in charge; and
(d) be fit for use and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements and at intervals specified by that manufacturer, with a record of such servicing being kept on board the ship; and
(e) have a spark arrester fitted on the exhaust of an internal combustion engine; and
(f) have bare heated surfaces of the engine or motor that are liable to ignite spilled fuel suitably protected; and
(g) carry a suitable fire extinguisher; and
(h) be fitted with an effective:
(i) service brake; and
(ii) parking brake; and
(i) where the appliance is fitted with more than 1 operating position, have all appropriate controls for operating the appliance provided at each position; and
(j) except where prevented by low headroom, be equipped with overhead guards to prevent injury to the driver from falling objects; and
(k) have its safe working load marked on it in a durable and readily visible manner; and
(l) be provided with means for promptly cutting off power in an emergency.
4.4 Inertia precautions
4.4.1 When a mechanical stowing appliance is not in use or is unattended:
(a) the engine or motor must be stopped, the brake applied or the wheels blocked, forks (if fitted), fully lowered and, if possible, operating controls locked; and
(b) the appliance must be so positioned as to not obstruct a passageway or access.
4.4.2 When cargo is being placed upon, or removed from, a powered truck or trailer truck that is a mechanical appliance used in connection with loading or unloading, the truck must be secured against movement by the application of brakes or the blocking of wheels.
4.5 Warning signs for ramps
4.5.1 Where a laden mechanical stowing appliance is required to travel down a ramp with a grade in excess of 8%, warning signs must be placed at the top of the ramp to warn the operator of the appliance of the risks.
4.5.2 The warning signs must require the driver to engage low gear, and must indicate the steepness of the gradient.
5 Motors in cargo spaces
5.1 General
An internal combustion engine, except an engine in a vehicle carried as cargo, or an electric motor on a mechanical stowing appliance or on an appliance used for loading and unloading, must not be operated in a cargo space during loading or unloading unless it is in good order and condition and complies with section 9.1.7 of the ILO Code.
5.2 Fire precautions
An internal combustion engine or an electric motor must not be used in a cargo space in connection with loading or unloading, unless there is provided in that space a fire extinguisher suitable for extinguishing a fire in the engine or motor, designed, tested and marked:
(a) in the case of a foam type fire extinguisher, in accordance with Australian Standard AS 1841.1 and AS 1841.4; or
(b) in the case of a carbon dioxide type fire extinguisher, in accordance with Australian Standard AS 1841.1 and AS 1841.6; or
(c) in the case of a vaporising liquid fire extinguisher, in accordance with Australian Standard AS 1841.1 and AS 1841.7; or
(d) in the case of a dry powder type fire extinguisher, in accordance with that part of Australian Standard AS 1841.1 and AS 1841.5 that relates to an extinguisher in which a mixture of dry powder and expellant is stored under pressure,
or in the case of a ship registered in a country other than Australia, a suitable fire extinguisher of a standard equivalent to (a), (b), (c) or (d), as appropriate.
5.3 Fuelling
5.3.1 An internal combustion engine of a mechanical stowing appliance or other vehicle for use in loading or unloading, must not be fuelled in a cargo space unless:
(a) the fuel has a flashpoint of 43°C or greater; or
(b) the fuel is contained in a cylinder designed to be attached to the appliance or vehicle and directly coupled to its fuel system.
5.3.2 A petrol engined vehicle, being part of the cargo of the ship that is intended to be driven off the ship under its own power, must not be fuelled in a cargo space unless:
(a) the method of fuelling is such that the likelihood of spillage is minimised; and
(b) the amount of fuel transferred to the vehicle is not more than 5 litres; and
(c) not more than 2 vehicles are concurrently fuelled in the space.
6 Opening and closing of mechanically operated hatch covers
Any person, including masters and stevedores, associated with the operation of mechanical, hydraulic or electrically powered hatch covers must comply with the following safety precautions:
(a) persons in the vicinity of hatch covers must:
(i) be warned when the hatch covers are about to be opened or closed; and
(ii) be instructed to withdraw to a safe position and remain clear of moving hatch covers;
(b) no hatch covers may be opened before all persons are clear and there are no loose objects on the covers;
(c) no person is to be permitted on any hatch cover, whether closed or retracted, when it is about to be opened or closed;
(d) no person is to be permitted on top of a retracted back-folding hatch cover unless the preventer chains or other securing devices are in position.
7 Communication
The person-in-charge must ensure that:
(a) the driver of a crane or derrick; and
(b) any person required to communicate with the driver,
are fully conversant with the method of communication to be used during the cargo handling operation.
Note Section 5.4 of the ILO Code deals with signals and signalling.