Schedule 6 Safe use of material handling equipment
(subsection 28.1)
1 Maximum permissible load
1.1 Except when under test, and subject to subclauses 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4, an article of material handling equipment must not be subjected to a load greater than its SWL.
1.2 When a single sheave block is rigged as a double whip or gun tackle, so that the load is suspended from its head fitting, the load which may be lifted is twice the SWL marked on the block.
1.3 A crane or derrick may be used to hoist a load exceeding the SWL of the crane or derrick as an occasional lift, not in the course of normal operations, provided:
(a) the crane or derrick has a SWL of not more than 50 tonnes; and
(b) the crane or derrick has been inspected by a competent person who is satisfied that the crane or derrick and its associated equipment is fit to carry the excess load; and
(c) written permission of the master or owner in the case of ship equipment or the owner in the case of shore equipment has been obtained; and
(d) a duty surveyor has approved the handling of that occasional lift; and
(e) the load does not exceed the proof load for the crane or derrick gear.
1.4 In the case of equipment with a SWL of 50 tonnes or more, paragraphs 1.3(b) to (e) must be complied with and, in addition:
(a) the crane or derrick must be classed; and
(b) the classification society must concur with the overloading; and
(c) the method of loading must be such that the safety of the ship and persons on it would not be imperilled by breakage of any part of the equipment, including purchase or topping lift wires.
2 Use of two lifting appliances to lift a load
2.1 If a vessel’s tandem crane arrangement is designed, tested and provided with manufacturers operating procedures for multiple crane lifting, the load to be lifted may not be more than the SWL designated for that arrangement.
2.2 If a vessel does not have in place the arrangement and manufacturers operating procedures required by subclause 2.1, only identical lifting appliances with safe operating procedures in place may be used, with the load to be lifted not exceeding the SWL of either appliance by 25%.
Note: The ILO Code, section 5.2.6, gives guidance.
3 Unsafe factors
An article of material handling equipment must not be rigged, reeved or used:
(a) in such a manner or under such conditions as to involve risk of injury to persons or damage to property; or
(b) if the article is in such deteriorated condition or is so damaged that it may be unsafe to use; or
(c) otherwise than in accordance with this Order.
4 Suspended load
A load, other than, for example, a spreader or cargo lifting beam, must not be left suspended from, or supported by, a derrick, crane or mechanical stowing appliance unless, during the time it is suspended or supported, a qualified person is at the control position of the equipment engaged in the operation.
5 Monitoring cargo operations
5.1 Loading or unloading by means of a crane or derrick must not be carried out unless:
(a) the driver has an unrestricted view of the load at all times during loading or unloading; or
(b) a hatchman is employed for each crane or set of derricks who is clearly visible to the driver or drivers.
5.2 Where persons are in a cargo space in connection with loading or unloading, whether or not a crane or derrick is being used, there must be a lookout who:
(a) has a good view of the space; and
(b) is able to see potential dangers to the persons in the space; and
(c) is able to communicate with the persons in the space;
and who must warn persons in the space of any perceived danger.
Note The cargo space lookout may be a person with other duties, such as a hatchman or the crane driver, provided that the person is capable of performing the duties assigned effectively.
5.3 Loading or unloading must not be carried out in a cargo space where 2 or more cranes or sets of derricks are working simultaneously and separately unless:
(a) a separate hatchman is provided for each crane or set of derricks; and
(b) where work is to be carried out at different levels, a net or other equivalent protection is rigged in such manner as to prevent persons and cargo falling from the upper level; and
(c) each hatchman is provided with a safe operating area on deck at a location that affords adequate visibility for the hatchman to carry out his or her function.
6 Roll-on/roll-off operations
6.1 A ship must not be loaded or unloaded by the roll-on/roll-off method unless there is on board and available to the person in charge:
(a) details of the maximum total load, the maximum axle loadings and maximum wheel loadings permitted on decks, internal ramps and cargo lifts; and
(b) an instruction manual, in English, for the ship’s vehicular access ramp or ramps between the ship and the shore which includes the following data:
(i) permitted tidal variations, where appropriate;
(ii) allowable list and trim conditions for the ship;
(iii) the number and spacing of vehicles and maximum loadings for which the ramp is designed with details of vehicle weights, axle loadings, disposition of loads, tyre print dimensions and number and spacing of wheels; and
(c) details of the capabilities of mechanical stowing appliances that are ship equipment including their ability to negotiate ramps.
6.2 The person in charge must ensure that the criteria specified in the information required by paragraph 6.1(a), subparagraph (b)(iii) and paragraph (c) are not exceeded.
6.3 The master of a ship must ensure that the ship’s vehicular access ramp is not used when tidal or list or trim conditions exceed the permitted limits.
6.4 An access ramp between ship and shore must not be used in roll-on/roll-off loading or unloading unless:
(a) the surface of the ramp is:
(i) suitable for use by wheeled vehicles; and
(ii) of non-slip material or construction; and
(iii) kept clear of significant deposits of grease or oil spillage which may impair frictional resistance of the ramp surface; and
(b) the sides of the ramps are adequately protected to prevent a vehicle being driven over or otherwise falling from the edge of the ramp; and
(c) the ramp projects sufficiently, having regard to tidal and other movement, over the landing area on shore in the case of a shipborne ramp or over the landing area on the ship in the case of a shore operated ramp; and
(d) if a pedestrian access is provided on the ramp, it complies with Schedule 9 of Marine Orders, Part 21( Safety of navigation and emergency procedures); and
Note Refer to section 7.2.9 of the ILO Code.
(e) where the access ramp is of a size permitting more than 1 lane of traffic, the direction for traffic flow in each lane is indicated; and
(f) except in the case of a ramp used only for the loading or unloading of motor vehicles, the slope of the ramp does not exceed a gradient of 1 in 10, unless the person in charge is satisfied that mechanical stowing appliances used in loading or unloading the ship are capable of safely negotiating a steeper slope when laden provided the gradient does not exceed that specified in the operating instructions for the mechanical stowing appliances.
6.5 The operator of a mechanical stowing appliance manoeuvring at the stowage location of a load must be guided by another person whenever, due to the size or shape of the load, such guidance is necessary to ensure safety in handling.
6.6 The owner or master of a ship must ensure that any part of the ship’s structure that could be an obstruction to vehicular traffic, such as stanchions and pillars, is made conspicuous by markings of sharply contrasting colours and, if necessary, adequately lit.
7 Cargo lifts and mechanical hoists
A cargo lift or mechanical hoist fitted in a ship must not be used in loading or unloading, unless it is provided with audible and visible warning signals that commence operation before the lift or hoist begins motion and continue to operate during motion.
8 Shipborne barges
A shipborne barge must not be loaded on or unloaded from a ship, unless it:
(a) is constructed in accordance with the requirements of a survey authority or a classification society; and
(b) is marked with its allowable stacking weight, tare weight and maximum permissible gross weight; and
(c) has been examined in accordance with the inspection procedures specified by the survey authority or classification society.
9 Securing of shackles
A crane or derrick gear that is ship equipment, must not be used in loading or unloading unless shackles and other similar devices to be used with the crane or derrick gear that are situated aloft and are not readily accessible, are effectively secured against accidental dislodgment or release.
10 Dragging of a load
A load must not be dragged by means of a runner leading from a derrick or a crane if there is a risk that the SWL of any component of the derrick, crane or associated cargo gear would be exceeded.
Note The ILO Code, section 7.5.2, provides guidance.
11 Hoisting or lowering a person
Except in the case of access to a mobile offshore drilling unit or for the removal of an injured person from a cargo space, a person must not be hoisted or lowered in the course of cargo operations by means of a crane or derrick other than in a personnel cradle.
Note For the definition of personnel cradle — see section 6. For the requirements for a personnel cradle — see Schedule 3.
12 Use of wrought iron
An article of material handling equipment must not be used in loading or unloading if any part of that article that would support the load, either directly or indirectly, is made of wrought iron.
13 Use of grabs
A grab intended for use in loading or unloading bulk cargoes and which is to be attached to a ship’s crane or derrick must be:
(a) permanently marked with its tare mass, cubic capacity and SWL; and
(b) suitable for the material to be loaded or unloaded; and
(c) fit for use.
14 Pre-slung cargo
14.1 It is the responsibility of the shipper, stevedore or person carrying out the pre-slinging to ensure that, where slings are fitted to cargo ashore for the purpose of pre-slinging the cargo, the slings are in a fit state for use.
14.2 It is the responsibility of the person in charge to ensure that slings on pre-slung cargo comply with the requirements of this Order and that they are suitable and safe to use prior to loading and unloading.
14.3 Each person involved in the discharge of pre slung cargo must be vigilant in checking the condition of these slings during the unloading operation to detect damage that may have occurred during carriage.
Note 1 Where pre-slung cargo is lifted by specialised handling equipment, Schedule 8 also applies.
Note 2 Provision 3 of Schedule 5, dealing with slings and nets, applies to slings and nets used for pre-slung cargo.