SECTION 9

WORKING IN CARGO HOLDS

CONTENTS

9.1 Dangers and Precautions

9.2 Lighting in Holds

9.3 Fencing

9.4 Removing Injured From a Hold

9.5 Repairs and Hot Work

9.1 DANGERS AND PRECAUTIONS

Before entering any cargo space always ensure adequate ventilation has been effected and the
space determined to be safe by a responsible Officer. Follow the precautions laid out in Chapter
11 ENTRY INTO DANGEROUS SPACES. If necessary consult the relevant IMO Codes for
potential dangers from current or previous cargoes carried.

Ensure all ladders are adequate for the intended purpose. Where necessary use lifelines and safety
harnesses.

Always ensure ample hatchway clearance for any loads.

Care should be taken for protruding nails when walking on dunnage or other loose wood.

When working near tall stacks of cargo ensure adequate measures are taken to prevent accidental
collapse of stow.

Safety nets and ladders should be erected when working on top of tall stacks of cargo.

9.2 LIGHTING IN HOLDS

Ensure adequate illumination is available within a space where work is being carried out. Try and
avoid shadows and strong lighting, which dazzles.

Only use lights, which are suitably guarded for the intended purpose. On tankers only use
APPROVED lights designed for use on tankers.

Prior to use ensure all portable lights are fault tested by a competent person. Never use defective
lights. All leads, hoses, connections and couplings shall only be used if found in good order.
Portable lights should never be lowered or suspended by their cables. Keeps leads clear of running
gear. Always secure lights so as to avoid accidental displacement.

Always ensure the space is clear of personnel before switching off the light.

9.3 FENCING

All openings or access ways to these openings through which a person may accidentally fall shall
be adequately guarded or fenced.

Guard rails and stanchions shall be firmly secured and properly maintained.

Partly opened hatches should never be covered with flat tarpaulins. If temporary coverage is
required the tarpaulins shall be hung in the form of a tent and adequately fenced to preclude
accidental falls to the space within.

If an access point to an unsafe space has to be left open always ensure that warning signs are
clearly posted to avoid accidental entry.

9.4 REMOVING INJURED FROM A HOLD

If it is necessary to remove an injured person from a hold always endeavor to use a special cage
stretcher which should only be manually lifted. Additionally at this time all access points should
be opened.

9.5 REPAIR AND HOT WORK

Whenever it is necessary to effect repairs within a space (cargo or otherwise) the Master shall
always ensure that adequate safety precautions are taken. See Chapter 12 WORK PERMIT and
Chapter 5 HOT WORK.