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 vapours.
Note: To ensure a safe atmosphere is maintained, where necessary, periodic testing of the atmosphere in that space should be carried out by a person experienced in testing for atmospheric contaminants using equipment appropriate for the detection of the products of combustion of hydrocarbon fuels. See Notes to Appendix 3.
2 Dangerous goods
2.1 Definitions
2.1.1 In this Appendix:
Code means the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code;
Dangerous Goods means goods identified as dangerous goods by Class, Division or Compatibility Group, as relevant, in the Code or in accordance with Marine Orders Part 41; and
Formed Sulphur means sulphur which has been formed by a slating, prilling, pelletising or granulating process, and excludes refined sulphur, molten sulphur, and sulphur in lump, coarse powder or dust form.
2.1.2 A reference to a Class of Dangerous Goods includes any dangerous goods required to carry a subsidiary risk label relating to that class.
2.2 Class 1
2.2.1 In relation to class 1 dangerous goods, under deck stowage requirements for which are specified by the IMDG Code to be 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 Code and the stowage magazine is securely closed.
2.2.2 In relation to class 1 dangerous goods, other than those referred to in 2.2.1, an unpowered mechanical stowing appliance may be used in loading and unloading, provided that in the case of goods specified by the IMDG Code to be 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.
2.2.3 In relation to class 1 dangerous goods specified by the IMDG Code to be division 1.2 goods of compatibility group B, or goods of compatibility group J or L, a powered mechanical stowing appliance shall 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;
(b) solid-state electronic controls for all functions including traction, hoisting, side lift and mast tilt (no resistance type controls);
(c) traction power transmitted by mechanical gearing to the front wheels of the vehicle;
(d) hoist, side shift and mast tilt power transmitted by hydraulic means enabling the vehicle to travel and hoist simultaneously;
(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 Part, 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;
(f) single metal wheels, the configuration being 4 on a rectangular base;
(g) power‑assisted steering pivoting the rear wheels which are to be remote from the load;
(h) pedal hydraulic brakes and a separate parking brake, all complying with clause 13 of Australian Standard AS 1915;
(i) all electrical equipment including controls and lights, protected in compliance with International Protection 64 (IP64) of Australian Standard AS 1939;
(j) a normal operating temperature not exceeding 135° Celsius (temp T4) in an ambient temperature of 40° Celsius when tested in accordance with clause 15 of Australian Standard AS 1915;
(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; and
(v) safe working load,
and complying with the following provisions of Australian Standard AS 1915:
(l) clause 8—battery and battery container;
clause 9—plug and socket connectors;
clause 10—electrical protection; and
clause 11—cabling.
Note 1: For the purpose of 2.2.3(i) of this Appendix the operational environment of the vehicle is taken to be a class II hazardous area as defined in Australian Standard AS 2430.2.
Note 2: 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.
2.2.4 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.
2.2.5 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.
2.2.6 Provisions 2.2.3, 2.2.4 and 2.2.5 do not apply in relation to the loading or unloading of class 1 dangerous goods packed in a closed container.
2.2.7 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.
2.3 Class 2, 3, 4, 5 and 9
2.3.1 A cargo space containing goods of classes 2.1 or 3, except where such goods are contained in a closed freight container, 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.
2.3.2 Subject to 2.3.3, 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.
Note: Provision 2.3.2 does not apply to those ammonium nitrate fertilisers, type B, which are designated non-hazardous by the IMDG Code.
2.3.3 A powered mechanical stowing appliance may be used in the loading or unloading of bulk formed sulphur provided:
(a) in relation to cargo spaces:
(i) the cargo space is sufficiently ventilated, including, if necessary, mechanical ventilation of adequate capacity, to prevent the accumulation of sulphur dust;
(ii) ventilator motors, if fitted, are dust protected; and
(iii) the quantity and dispersion of sulphur dust is effectively retarded by means of a fine fresh water spray applied when necessary;
(b) in relation to mechanical stowing appliances:
(i) the engine is in good order and condition;
(ii) the air-intake, if fitted, is provided with a suitable filter;
(iii) the engine is so protected that when operating continuously under load no exposed surface has a temperature which exceeds 175o C and all bare heated surfaces are protected from accumulation of dust;
(iv) the exhaust system, if any, is protected from ingress or accumulation of dust;
(v) rotating electrical equipment, such as a starter motor or alternator, is totally enclosed and either unventilated or pipe ventilated; and
(vi) exposed parts of the engine, including any exhaust system, are to be cleaned daily and before restarting using a natural bristle brush or by other equally effective means.
3 Ship equipment
A mechanical stowing appliance that is ship equipment for use solely in or on the ship, for loading and unloading must:
(a) be of good design and construction and of adequate strength for its intended use;
(b) comply with an appropriate national or international standard;
(c) be provided with a manual 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 responsible 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;
(d) be maintained in accordance with the requirements, and at intervals, specified by the manufacturer, a record of servicing being kept on board the ship; and
(e) not be overdue for maintenance and is fit for use;
(f) have a spark arrester fitted on the exhaust of an internal combustion engine;
(g) have bare heated surfaces of the engine or motor that are liable to ignite spilled fuel suitably protected;
(h) carry a suitable fire extinguisher of a standard specified in 2 of Appendix 8;
(i) be fitted with an effective:
(i) service brake; and
(ii) parking brake;
(j) where the appliance is fitted with more than one operating position, have all appropriate controls for operating the appliance provided at each position;
(k) comply with Appendix 21 in respect of the maximum forces required for actuating the controls for operating the appliance;
(l) except where prevented by low headroom, be equipped with overhead guards to prevent injury to the driver from falling objects;
(m) have its safe working load marked on it in a durable and readily visible manner; and
(n) be provided with means for promptly cutting off power in an emergency.
4 Inertia precautions
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.
4.2 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.
5 Warning signs for ramps
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.
5.2 The warning signs must require the driver to engage low gear, and must indicate the steepness of the gradient.
Note: The warning signs G9-23A and W5-39A in AS 1742.2, or equivalent signs recommended by the appropriate Flag State road authority, are acceptable warning signs.