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Code of Practice on

Mechanical Handling Safety

in Container Yards

Occupational Safety and Health Branch

Labour Department

This Code of Practice is prepared by the

Occupational Safety and Health Branch

Labour Department

First edition August 2001

This Code of Practice is issued free of charge and can be obtained from

offices of the Occupational Safety and Health Branch. Addresses and

telephone numbers of the offices can be found in the booklet “The Labour

Department Offers You its Services” or by telephone 2559 2297.

This Code of Practice may be freely reproduced except for advertising,endorsement or commercial purposes. Please acknowledge the source as“Code of Practice on Mechanical Handling Safety in Container Yards”,published by the Labour Department.

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1. Introduction ............................................................................. 11.1 Purpose ....................................................................... 11.2 Scope of application .................................................... 3

2. Interpretation .......................................................................... 4

3. Responsibility ......................................................................... 73.1 Responsibility of proprietor .......................................... 73.2 Responsibility of management personnel ................... 93.3 Responsibility of workers ........................................... 10

4. Managing safety and health at Work .................................. 114.1 General ...................................................................... 114.2 Planning ..................................................................... 124.3 Developing ................................................................ 134.4 Organising ................................................................. 154.5 Implementing ............................................................. 164.6 Measuring .................................................................. 174.7 Auditing or reviewing ................................................. 18

5. Safe operation ....................................................................... 195.1 Layout of container yard ............................................ 195.2 Traffic and pedestrian control .................................... 205.3 Mechanical equipment .............................................. 215.4 Forklift truck ............................................................... 235.5 Front loader and reach stacker ................................. 255.6 Cranes and other mechanical equipment ................. 275.7 Handling of containers .............................................. 295.8 Landing and supporting of containers ...................... 315.9 Ground condition of container yard ........................... 325.10 Stacking of containers on ground.............................. 335.11 Special precautions for high wind conditions............ 345.12 Overhead electric lines and cables ........................... 355.13 Personal protective equipment .................................. 36

List of reference ............................................................................. 37

Enquiry ................................................................................... 38

Code of Practice on Mechanical Handling Safety in Container Yards

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1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose

1.1.1 Hong Kong is one of the busiest container handling portsin the world. Each year, more than 14 million TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) of containers are handled here. Safetyin the trade becomes paramount important in the day today safe running of the container handling business. Sinceheavy mechanical equipment is commonly used in thistrade, serious industrial accidents are prone to happen ifsafety precautions in operating the equipment are notobserved.

1.1.2 This Code of Practice (hereinafter referred as the Code) isapproved and issued by the Commissioner for Labour underSection 7A of the Factories and Industrial UndertakingsOrdinance, Chapter 59 of the Laws of Hong Kong(hereinafter referred as the FIUO). It provides a practicalguidance to proprietors of industrial undertakings ofcontainer handling for compliance with the requirementsunder the provisions of the FIUO and the Factories andIndustrial Undertakings (Cargo and Container Handling)Regulations (hereinafter referred as the CCHR) forprotection of workers in relation to the handling of containerswith mechanical equipment in container yards.

1.1.3 The provisions in this Code should not be regarded asexhausting those matters which need to be covered by therelevant safety legislation, nor is it intended to relievepersons undertaking the work of their statutoryresponsibilities. It is important to note that compliance withthis Code does not of itself confer immunity from legalobligations.

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1.1.4 This Code has a special legal status. Although failure toobserve any guidance contained in this Code is not in itselfan offence, that failure may be taken by a court in criminalproceedings as a relevant factor in determining whether ornot a person has breached any of the provisions of theregulations to which the guidance relates.

1.1.5 The statutory provisions referred to or cited in this Codeare those in force on 1 August 2001.

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1.2 Scope of application

1.2.1 This Code recommends safe practices for the handling ofcontainers with mechanical equipment in container storageareas and container yards of industrial undertakingsincluding container terminals, mid-stream container ports,river-trade terminals, public cargo working areas, docks,quays, wharfs and etc, in which container handling takesplace.

1.2.2 The mechanical equipment covered in this Code includesthat commonly used in container yards in Hong Kong suchas forklift truck, front loader, reach stacker, gantry crane,tower crane, mobile crane and similar container handlingequipment.

1.2.3 Reference should be made to other relevant legislation,including :

(i) sections 6A and 6B of the FIUO concerning thegeneral duties of proprietor and employee;

(ii) section 6BA of the FIUO concerning the mandatorysafety training;

(iii) the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (LiftingAppliances and Lifting Gear) Regulations (hereinafterreferred as the LALGR);

(iv) the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (SafetyManagement) Regulation (hereinafter referred as theSMR), and

(v) the Factor ies and Industr ia l Under takings(Loadshifting Machinery) Regulation (hereinafterreferred as the LSMR).

1.2.4 This Code is not intended to cover the safety requirementsof the handling of containers on board any floating vesselsor with the use of lifting appliances or lifting gear of anyvessel afloat. Guidelines on safety on board a floating vesselor the use of lifting appliances or lifting gear of a vesselafloat are available from the Marine Department.

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2. Interpretation

For the purpose of this Code, unless the context otherwise requires,the following definitions apply:

“automatic safe load indicator” (�� !"#$%&) means adevice intended to be fitted to a crane that automatically gives anaudible and visible warning to the operator thereof that the crane isapproaching its safe working load and that automatically gives afurther audible and visible warning when the crane has exceededits safe working load (regulation 3 of the LALGR).

“competent examiner”(�� !"#), in relation to the carrying outof any test and examination required by the LALGR, means a personwho is —

(a) appointed by the owner required by the LALGR to ensure thatthe test and examination is carried out;

(b) a registered professional engineer registered under theEngineers Registration Ordinance (Cap. 409) within a relevantdiscipline specified by the Commissioner for Labour; and

(c) by reason of his qualifications, training and experience,competent to carry out the test and examination.

(Regulation 3 of the LALGR)

“competent person”(�� !"), in relation to any duty required tobe performed by him under the LALGR, means a person who is —

(a) appointed by the owner required by the LALGR to ensure thatthe duty is carried out by a competent person; and

(b) by reason of training and practical experience, competent toperform the duty. (Regulation 3 of the LALGR)

“container” (��) means an article of transport equipment —

(a) of a permanent character and accordingly strong enough tobe suitable for repeated use;

(b) specially designed to facilitate the transport of goods, by oneor more modes of transport, without intermediate reloading;

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(c) designed to be secured or readily handled or both and havingcorner fittings for these purposes; and

(d) of a size such that the area enclosed by the 4 outer bottomcorners is either(i) at least 14 square metres; or(ii) at least 7 square metres if it is fitted with top corner fittings.

(Section 2 of the FIUO)

“container handling” (�� !"#) means the loading, unloading,handling, stacking, unstacking, storing, keeping or maintaining(including repairing) of containers (section 2 of the FIUO). Also,container handling is an industrial undertaking under section 2 ofthe FIUO.

“corner fittings” (�� !) means an arrangement of apertures andfaces either at the top or at the bottom or both at the top and thebottom of a container for the purposes of handling, stacking andsecuring or any of these purposes (section 2 of the FIUO).

“crane” (�� ) means any appliance equipped with mechanicalmeans of raising and lowering a load and for transporting the loadwhile suspended; and also all chains, ropes, swivels, or other tackle(down to and including the hook), used in the operation of a crane;but does not include—

(a) a hoist block running on a fixed rail or wire;(b) a stacker or conveyor whereby a load is moved by means of a

belt or platform; or(c) an earth or mineral moving or excavating appliance not fitted

with a grab.(Regulation 3 of the LALGR)

“lifting appliance” (�� !) means a crab, winch, teagle, pulleyblock or gin wheel used for raising or lowering, and a crane,sheerlegs, excavator, pile driver, pile extractor, dragline, aerialropeway, aerial cableway transporter or overhead runway, and alsoany part of any such appliance (regulation 3 of the LALGR).

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“owner” (�� ), in relation to any lifting appliance or lifting gear,includes the lessee or hirer thereof, and any overseer, foreman, agentor person in charge or having the control or management of thelifting appliance or lifting gear (regulation 3 of the LALGR).

“proprietor”(��) in relation to any industrial undertaking or notifiableworkplace includes the person for the time being having themanagement or control of the business carried on in such industrialundertaking or notifiable workplace and includes a body corporateand a firm and also the occupier of any industrial undertaking ornotifiable workplace and the agent of such occupier (section 2 ofthe FIUO).

“relevant certificate” (�� !") means a certificate issued to theperson in respect of his attendance at the relevant safety trainingcourse which relates to an industrial undertaking of containerhandling (section 6BA of the FIUO).

“relevant safety training course” (�� !"#$%) means a safetytraining course recognized by the Commissioner for Labour undersection 6BA(2) of the FIUO for a person employed in an industrialundertaking of container handling and carrying out containerhandling (section 6BA of the FIUO).

“responsible person” (�� ), in relation to a forklift truck, means aperson who is having the management or in charge of the truck butdoes not include a person who operates the truck (section 2 of theLSMR).

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3. Responsibility

3.1 Responsibility of proprietor

3.1.1 It is the general duty of the proprietor of an industrialundertaking of container handling to ensure, so far as isreasonably practicable, the health and safety at work of allpersonnel in the undertaking (section 6A(1) of the FIUO).Therefore, apart from the responsibilities stated in thefollowing paragraph, the proprietor has a further duty tokeep the work methods for container handling underconstant review and, in light of experience, developmentand improvement in scientific and safety technology,change or establishment in safety specification andoccupational safety and health standard, redesign the workmethods and adopt such necessary safety precautions inaddition to the provisions contained in this Code so as tocontrol and eliminate the hazards in associate with containerhandling. Any deviations from the method statement shouldbe noted down and the corresponding safety controlmeasures taken should also be recorded.

3.1.2 It is the overall responsibility of the proprietor, before anycontainer handling with mechanical equipment is carriedout:

(a) to provide and maintain a safe system of work forcontainer handling (section 6A(2)(a) of the FIUO);

(b) to provide suitable and safe plant and equipment forcontainer handling and ensure that these plant andequipment are of suitable working capacity to performcontainer handling;

(c) to ensure any plant and equipment used is properlymaintained in accordance with the instruction andmaintenance manual and, if required, is tested,thoroughly examined, and certified to be in safeworking order by a competent examiner;

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(d) to take adequate steps to ensure that every place ofwork in the undertaking is made and kept safe for anyperson to work (section 6A(2)(d) of the FIUO);

(e) to prepare method statements for safe operation ofall container handling work. The method statementsshould contain written instructions on how works canbe carried out safely, and precautions to be adoptedwhen performing the activities. The method statementsshould also contain contingency plans in case ofemergency;

(f) to provide all information, instruction, training andsupervision as is necessary to ensure the health andsafety at work of all persons in the undertaking (section6A(2)(c) of the FIUO);

(g) to ensure that every person employed at the industrialundertaking for carrying out container handling hasattended a relevant safety training course, has beenissued a relevant certificate and the certificate hasnot expired (section 6BA(5) of the FIUO);

(h) to make arrangements to ensure the safety and healthin connection with the use, handling, storage andtransport of articles and substances (section 6A(2)(b) of the FIUO), in particular to a dangeroussubstance. All persons handling these articles andsubstances should be informed of the hazards andthe relevant safety precautions;

(i) to ensure safety helmet, safety belt, protective clothingand other proper personal protective equipment areprovided to and used by the personnel whereappropriate; and

(j) to ensure that suitable and safe means of access toand egress from any part of the industrial undertakingof container handling are provided to all persons inthe undertaking.


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3.2 Responsibility of management personnel

3.2.1 The management personnel, who may include managers,engineers, safety personnel, contractors, supervisors andforemen, have the management or control either of theindustrial undertaking of container handling, or containerhandling operation itself. They should take care of the safetyand health at work of the workers under their areas ofresponsibilities.

3.2.2 To secure safety and health at work in container handlingwith mechanical equipment, the management personnelhas the responsibility to ensure :

(a) the safe system of work has been properly conveyedto the workers and the system is effectivelyimplemented and followed by the workers;

(b) the plant and equipment provided for containerhandling are properly used;

(c) proper instructions and information are provided tothe workers before any container handling is carriedout;

(d) the workers have the necessary knowledge, skills andtechniques for carrying out the work safely andeffectively;

(e) all workers under his charge have attended therelevant safety training course and possess therelevant certificates;

(f) all operators of cranes or lifting appliances are trainedand competent to operate the appliances and theyhold valid certificates (regulation 15A of the LALGR);

(g) the personal protective equipment provided to theworkers are properly and correctly used by theworkers; and

(h) the workers are conversant with the contingency oremergency plan and the arrangements andprocedures to be carried out in case of emergencyso as to reduce consequences of any mishap.

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3.3 Responsibility of workers

3.3.1 A worker in an industrial undertaking of container handlinghas the general duty of care for the safety and health ofhimself and of other persons and to co-operate with theproprietor including his management personnel indischarging his responsibilities in ensuring the safety andhealth of workers (section 6B(1) of the FIUO).

3.3.2 The worker should:

(a) attend training and briefing sessions arranged by theproprietor; and understand the hazards in containerhandling and the associated safety precautions;

(b) hold a valid certificate in respect of the relevant safetytraining course (section 6BA(7)(a) of the FIUO);

(c) follow all safety procedures, instructions andarrangements for emergency as specified in the safesystem of work;

(d) make proper use of all plant and equipment and neveruse these plant or equipment beyond their capacityor designated purpose;

(e) make proper use of all safety devices and personalprotective equipment provided to him, and neverinterfere with or misuse any of these devices andequipment; and

(f) repor t to h is superv isor for any damage,malfunctioning or suspected defect of plant,equipment, safety device or protective equipment.


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4. Managing safety and health at Work

4.1 General

4.1.1 An industrial undertaking involving container handling is a‘designated undertaking’ as defined in the Factories andIndustrial Undertakings (Safety Management) Regulation.Those falling into the purview of the Regulation are requiredto have safety management systems (section 8 of the SMR).Reference should be made to the said Regulation for details.

4.1.2 The safety management system should include a safesystem of work to ensure the safety and health of employeesengaged in container handling with mechanical equipment.The system of work should be prepared and endorsed bythe proprietor with the advice of safety and health personnel.It should be distributed to all personnel involved in containerhandling. The following is an introduction on how to developa safety management system.

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4.2 Planning

4.2.1 Planning is the process of determining in advance whatshould be accomplished. The proprietor of an industrialundertaking of container handling is required:

(a) to identify in advance what safety and healthobjectives should be accomplished by a safetymanagement system;

(b) to prioritise the safety and health objectives and devisethe ways and means to achieve them; and

(c) to estimate the financial and other resourceimplications arising from the accomplishment of thesesafety and health objectives.

4.2.2 To achieve the identified safety and health objectives, theproprietor should:

(a) conduct an initial status analysis to take stock of theexisting arrangements for managing safety and health;

(b) carry out risk assessments to decide on priorities andobjectives for hazard elimination and risk control;

(c) establish performance standards for monitoringperformance; and

(d) conduct periodic status analyses for the safetymanagement system in operation.


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4.3 Developing

4.3.1 Developing is the process of determining how the safetyand health objectives should be realised. The proprietor ofan industrial undertaking of container handling is requiredto define, document and endorse a safety policy to spellout the safety and health objectives identified at the planningstage, and ensure that the policy includes a commitmentto:

(a) achieve a high standard of occupational safety andhealth in compliance with legal requirements as theminimum, and in conformity with the best tradepractices for continuous improvement;

(b) provide adequate resources to implement the policy;(c) make occupational safety and health one of the

primary responsibilities of line management, from themost senior executive to the first-line supervisor;

(d) ensure its understanding, implementation andmaintenance at all levels in the organisation;

(e) ensure employee involvement and consultation to gaincommitment to the policy and its implementation;

(f) ensure the carrying out of periodic review of the policyand the management system; and

(g) ensure that employees at all levels receive appropriatetraining and are competent to carry out their dutiesand responsibilities.

4.3.2 To carry out the safety policy, the proprietor should preparean effective safety plan which sets out in specific terms:

(a) a clear direction and a series of actions for theindustrial undertaking of container handling to followto achieve the objectives of the safety policy; and

(b) clear guidance for managers and workers to worktogether to accomplish the objectives of the safetypolicy.

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4.3.3 The safety plan should be established by the industrialundertaking’s senior management, with the advice andassistance of safety and health personnel. Generallyspeaking, a safety plan should spell out the safety policy,along with the objectives and standards to be achieved,the statutory and, where appropriate, contractual obligationsto be fulfilled, the risks to be tackled and the safetyprocedures and measures to be adopted. To be effective,the plan should set out:

(a) a system of allocation of responsibilities for safety andhealth;

(b) the arrangements for the responsibilities to bedischarged;

(c) the arrangements for carrying out each and everyelement of the safety management system applicableto the industrial undertaking; and

(d) the arrangements for monitoring the success of theplan.


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4.4 Organising

4.4.1 Organising is the process of prescribing formal relationshipsbetween people and resources in the organisation toaccomplish objectives. The proprietor of an industrialundertaking of container handling is required:

(a) to ensure that occupational safety and health is fullyintegrated across the industrial undertaking ofcontainer handling and into all its activities, whateverthe size or nature of its work;

(b) to set aside an adequate budget commensurate withthe industrial undertaking’s size and nature forimplementing the policy and for properly establishingand maintaining the elements of the safetymanagement system;

(c) to structure the industrial undertaking properly so thatit can put the safety policy and plan into practiceeffectively;

(d) to allocate safety and health responsibilities;(e) to make arrangements for the formation and operation

of a safety committee, a safety department/unit/groupand the appointment of a safety officer/advisor/director, etc.;

(f) to ensure all employees have the necessary authorityto carry out their safety and health responsibilities;

(g) to allocate to a person at the top management level aspecial responsibility for ensuring that the safetymanagement system is properly implemented in alllocations and spheres of operation within the industrialundertaking;

(h) to make arrangements for the effective disseminationof occupational safety and health information;

(i) to make effective arrangements for the provision ofspecialist advice and services on occupational safetyand health;

(j) to make effective arrangements for employees at alllevels to take part in safety and health activities; and

(k) to identify the competencies required for employeesat all levels and arrange the necessary training.

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4.5 Implementing

4.5.1 Implementing is the process of carrying out or putting intopractice the plans to achieve the desired objectives, withappropriate and adequate control to ensure properperformance in accordance with the plans. The proprietorof an industrial undertaking of container handling isrequired:

(a) to determine and execute operation plans to controlthe risks identified and to meet the legal requirementsas well as other requirements regarding safetymanagement;

(b) to provide adequate and effective supervision toensure that the policies and plans are effectivelyimplemented;

(c) to prepare and maintain sufficient documentation torecord and monitor the progress of the implementationof policies and plans; and

(d) to have emergency response plans in place forforeseeable emergencies and maintain a high levelof emergency preparedness.


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4.6 Measuring

4.6.1 Measuring is the process of checking performance againstagreed standards to find out when and where improvementis needed, and a means of monitoring the extent to whichpolicies and objectives are being met. The proprietor of anindustrial undertaking of container handling is required:

(a) to carry out proactive monitoring through, for example,surveillance and inspections covering both hardware(i.e. premises, plant and substances) and software (i.e. people, procedures and systems of work), for thepurpose of checking (i) compliance with legalrequirements and (ii) whether the safety and healtharrangements in place are effective in achieving theobjectives of the safety policy;

(b) to closely monitor the safety and health performanceof individuals, particularly managers and supervisors,to see whether they fulfil their safety and healthresponsibilities ;

(c) to carry out reactive monitoring to gauge theeffectiveness of risk control systems through, forexample, the monitoring of accidents/incidents, nearmisses, ill-health, and other safety and healthperformance indicators;

(d) to determine the immediate causes of sub-standardperformance and identify the underlying causes andthe implications for the design and operation of thesafety management system;

(e) to rectify any sub-standard situations identified in themonitoring processes; and

(f) to continuously feed back information collected fromthe monitoring processes to the developing andimplementing stages to improve the safetymanagement system in operation.

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4.7 Auditing or reviewing

4.7.1 Auditing or reviewing is carried out to assess performancein addition to routine monitoring of occupational safety andhealth performance. The proprietor of an industrialundertaking of container handling is required:

(a) to appoint a safety auditor or safety review officer toperiodically conduct safety audits or safety reviewsrespectively;

(b) to provide facilities, information, etc. to the safetyauditor or safety review officer for purposes of safetyaudit or safety review respectively;

(c) to take necessary actions on the safety audit or safetyreview report submitted, including drawing up a planfor improvements to the safety management systemand implementing the plan; and

(d) to continuously feed back information from the safetyaudit or review to the planning, developing, organisingand implementing stages to improve the safetymanagement system in operation.


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5. Safe operation

5.1 Layout of container yard

5.1.1 Except at the waterside, the perimeter of an industrialundertaking of container handling using mechanicalequipment should be fenced. The purpose of the fencingis to ensure that all people who want to enter the industrialundertaking are directed to the appropriate entry point,thereby facilitating control of people, particularly those whomay have no appreciation of the hazards associated withcontainer handling.

5.1.2 The different areas of container handling such as containerstorage areas, work areas, passageways and pedestrianwalkways in a container yard should be clearly designatedby floor lines or traffic signs.

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5.2 Traffic and pedestrian control

5.2.1 Only authorised vehicles or persons should be allowed toenter into the container yards.

5.2.2 Flow pattern of mechanical equipment and vehicleshandling containers should be carefully planned in orderto minimise any conflict and potential hazards. Proper trafficcontrol measures for mechanical equipment, vehicles andpeople should be established to minimise the possibility ofaccidents. Notices requiring pedestrians to use thedesignated walkways should be prominently displayed insuitable locations.

5.2.3 The travelling speed of mechanical equipment and vehiclesshould be specified and restricted to ensure traffic safety.Safe speed limit signs should be prominently displayed soas to ensure the operators are aware of them.

5.2.4 Yard-based vehicles including mechanical equipmentshould be equipped with suitable yellow flashing warninglight which should be turned on whenever they are utilisedin a container yard.


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5.3 Mechanical equipment

5.3.1 Mechanical equipment frequently used in container yardsincludes forklift truck, front loader, reach stacker, gantrycrane, tower crane, mobile crane and similar containerhandling equipment.

5.3.2 To ensure the safety in using mechanical equipment, theequipment should be frequently inspected, regularly tested,examined and properly maintained so as to keep it in goodworking order. Any lifting appliances used should be testedand thoroughly examined by a competent examiner inaccordance with the LALGR (regulation 5 of the LALGR).

5.3.3 Mechanical equipment should only be operated byoperators who are competent and authorized to do so, andwho have received proper training in operation of theequipment. For operators of cranes, they should hold validcertificates as required under the LALGR (regulation 15A(1)(b) of the LALGR). For operators of forklift trucks, theyshould hold valid certificates as required under the LSMR(section 3(b) of the LSMR).

5.3.4 Mechanical equipment should not be used to handle a loadgreater than its safe working capacity.

5.3.5 Proper measures should be implemented to preventunauthorized personnel from operating mechanicalequipment.

5.3.6 Before operating mechanical equipment, operators shouldmake inspection with reference to a checklist to ensure thatthe equipment is in safe working condition.

5.3.7 Operators should observe special operating conditions andrestrictions in accordance with those stipulated in theoperation manual of mechanical equipment.

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5.3.8 When operating mobile mechanical equipment, special careshould be taken:

i) if the ground is slippery;ii) to avoid any loose dunnage or waste;iii) when passing by or through walkways used by

personnel;iv) when rounding a corner where vision is restricted; orv) in any place where the overhead clearance is limited.

5.3.9 If the visibility or range of sight of the operator is impairedby adverse weather conditions, strict supervision of themechanical equipment operation should be exercised.Mechanical equipment operations render unsafe should betemporarily suspended.

5.3.10 Operators should immediately stop operating anymechanical equipment and report to supervisors if anymajor malfunction is found or any warning device is out oforder.


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5.4 Forklift truck

5.4.1 The responsible person of a forklift truck should ensure theprovision to each of his employees who is instructed(whether directly or indirectly) by him to operate a forklifttruck of a training course conducted for the type of forklifttruck to which that truck belongs (section 4(1) of the LSMR).

5.4.2 For safe operation of a forklift truck in handling containers,the following safety precautions should be observed:

(a) only containers provided with forklift pockets shouldbe lifted by a forklift truck and the forks should befully inserted into the pockets. Under no circumstancesshould containers, with or without forklift pockets, belifted by forks under the base;

(b) the truck should be fitted with an overhead guard ofsufficient strength to protect the operator from thedetachment of loads;

(c) the forks should be so designed as to preventaccidental detachment or lateral displacement whenin use;

(d) any trapping points between fork arm mechanismsand fixed parts of the truck should be suitablyguarded;

(e) seat belt should be fastened all the time duringoperation;

(f) tyre pressures should be checked daily, if appropriate;(g) no load should be carried or raised with the mast tilting

forward;(h) when travelling, the fork arms should be lowered to

the lowest practicable position;(i) when the load obscures the operator’s forward vision,

the truck should be driven in reverse;(j) a safety device to give out visible and audible warning

signals when the truck is driven in reverse directionshould be provided;

(k) no person should be allowed to stand or pass underthe elevated forks;

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(l) only one container should be handled by the truck ata time unless otherwise recommended by themanufacturer, and no container should be handledby more than one forklift trucks at any one time;

(m) fork arms should be fully lowered when the truck isparked; and

(n) when it is necessary for the operator to leave the truckunattended, the engine should be turned off with thebrakes applied, the ignition and other keys removed,the forks tilted forwards flush with the floor and clearof the passageway; and, if the vehicle is on an incline,the wheels should be blocked.


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5.5 Front loader and reach stacker

5.5.1 Lift trucks with special container handling attachments forhandling containers are widely used in Hong Kong. Frontloaders and reach stackers are the most common of theselift trucks.

5.5.2 For safe operation of a front loader or a reach stacker, thefollowing safety precautions should be observed:

(a) seat belt should be fastened all the time duringoperation;

(b) tyre pressures should be checked daily;(c) where the operator does not have a clear and

unrestricted view to ensure safe operation of theequipment, a signaller should be arranged to give himsignals;

(d) the front loader or reach stacker should be equippedwith suitable yellow flashing warning light. Safetydevices to give out visible and audible warning signalswhen it is driven in reverse direction should also beprovided;

(e) only container handling attachments recommendedby the manufacturer should be installed to theequipment;

(f) for transporting containers with the front loader, theload should be carried with the main mast tiltedbackwards, the load carried close to the main mastand as low as possible to obtain the greatest stability,or in a manner as recommended by the manufacturer;

(g) for transporting containers with the reach stacker, theload should be carried as close as possible to thetruck, i.e. with the boom retracted as far back aspossible;

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(h) when it is necessary for an operator to leave the frontloader or the reach stacker unattended, it should beparked on level ground with the parking brake applied,the transmission gear placed to neutral, the ignitionkey removed, and the driving cabinet locked. For frontloader, the lifting attachment should be lowered to theground. For reach stacker, the boom should belowered and retreated as far back as possible.


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5.6 Cranes and other mechanical equipment

5.6.1 Cranes, except those with a maximum safe working loadless than 1 tonne or operate with a grab or any electro-magnetic means, should be fitted with automatic safe loadindicators that function properly (regulation 7B of theLALGR).

5.6.2 For safe operation of a rail-mounted gantry crane or arubber-tyred gantry crane, the following safety precautionsshould be observed:

(a) suitable spreader should be installed to the gantrycrane for handling of containers;

(b) tyre pressures of the rubber-tyred gantry crane shouldbe checked daily;

(c) a container should be lifted off from the chassis of alorry only when the locks on the chassis are ensuredto be disengaged;

(d) the container should be raised to a height well abovethe top of the adjacent stacks of containers beforethe carriage of a gantry crane or the crane itself startsto travel;

(e) a safety device to give out visible and audible warningsignals when the gantry crane is travelling should beprovided;

(f) wheel guards should be in position and properlymaintained;

(g) every control lever and device for controlling theoperation of any part of the equipment should beclearly marked to indicate its purpose and the modeof operation (regulation 16(2)(b) of the LALGR);

(h) the safe working load of the equipment should beclearly marked (regulation 11(1) of the LALGR);

(i) care should be taken to avoid jerking actions andabrupt operation of the equipment. Brakes should notbe applied suddenly;

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(j) adequate supervision should be exercised to ensurethat the operators follow safe operating proceduresof the equipment; and

(k) when it is necessary for an operator to leave the gantrycrane unattended, it should be parked at its parkingbay, with its power turned off and the driver cabinetlocked. The spreader should be retreated and raisedto its topmost position.

5.6.3 For safe operation of tower cranes and mobile cranes,reference should be made to the Code of Practice for SafeUse of Mobile Cranes and Tower Cranes issued by theLabour Department.


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5.7 Handling of containers

5.7.1 Before a container is being handled, it is important that thecontainer is safe to be handled, e.g. the locks for securingthe container to the trailer has been completely unlocked.The actual weight of all loaded containers should beascertained before handling. Containers exceeding the safeworking load of the mechanical equipment should not behandled.

5.7.2 Suitable equipment and lifting method for the load shouldbe chosen to ensure the safe handling of containers. Forsuitable methods of handling loaded or empty containersof different types and sizes of container, reference shouldbe made to ISO 3874:1997 Series 1 freight containers -handling and securing.

5.7.3 A container should normally be lifted with suitablemechanical equipment which applies a vertical force to thefour top corner fittings. The method is such as utilising thetop lift spreader of a gantry crane, or the top lift attachmentof a front loader/reach stacker. The hoisting a container atfour corners is especially important for handling loadedcontainers of nominal length of 6 metres (20 feet) or more.

5.7.4 In some container yards, lifting of containers with four-legged sling hooked to the top corner fittings is adopted.For this method of lifting, the hooks used should always beplaced in an inward to outward direction.

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5.7.5 Every lifting gear such as sling or hook used should be ofgood construction, sound material, and adequate strength,and is free from patent defect (regulation 18(1)(a) of theLALGR). It should be tested and thoroughly examined by acompetent examiner in the manner as required by theLALGR (regulation 18(1)(d) of the LALGR), and should notbe used to handle any load exceeding its safe working load(regulation 18(1)(c) of the LALGR). It should be noted thatwhen a multi-legged sling is used with the sling legs at anangle, the load in the legs increases as the angle betweenthe legs increases. In any circumstance, the angle betweenany two legs should not exceed 120 degrees. Referenceshould be made to British Standard BS 6166:Part 1:1986Lifting slings, Part 1 - Methods of rating, which describesmethods for the rating of lifting slings of multiple legs.

5.7.6 Every lifting gear should be inspected by a competentperson before use on each occasion (regulation 18(1)(ea)of the LALGR). Defective gear should be discardedimmediately. Cutting the tip of a hook to speed up hooking/dehooking process should not be allowed.

5.7.7 Lifting containers with forklift trucks or front loaders withside lift attachments is allowed only if the containers andthe equipment are designed for such purpose.


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5.8 Landing and supporting of containers

5.8.1 To avoid any possibility of damage to the containers,containers should be unloaded carefully. Containers shouldnot be dragged or pushed over any surface.

5.8.2 A firm, flat, well-drained surface, clear of obstructions andprojections on the ground for supporting containers shouldbe provided. On the ground, containers should be directlysupported by their four bottom corner fittings only.

5.8.3 To unload containers onto vehicles, containers should besupported by their corner fittings only.

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5.9 Ground condition of container yard

5.9.1 Containers should only be stacked on a firm and levelground (regulation 10A(c) of the CCHR). In particular noground should be used for container stacking unless:

a) it is suitable for the purpose as regards its location,geological, drainage and ground water conditions;

b) it is free from any soft or weak spots;c) it is provided with sufficient drainage system to ensure

that it remains firm and stable at all times;d) where it is formed by filling, it has been adequately

compacted and consolidated to avoid any loose andsoft spots;

e) it has sufficient load bearing capacity for the purposeand that the imposed load is uniformly distributed; and

f) it has been assessed and certified safe and sufficientlyfirm and stable by a qualified geotechnical engineer,if necessary.

5.9.2 The container yard should be properly maintained. Anyunsafe or unusual ground conditions should be made goodimmediately.


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5.10 Stacking of containers on ground

5.10.1 Safe procedure for container stacking, unstacking andhandling should be exercised in the container yard.Containers should always be properly stacked and wherenecessary secured with stacking cones. When stackingcontainers, adequate contact between the top and bottomcorner fittings should be ensured.

5.10.2 The stacking height of containers should be as low aspossible in accordance with determinant factors of groundcondition, plant and machinery, competency of workers andthe need of business. Stacks of empty containers shouldbe clustered at all times; whenever there is an isolated stack,it should be re-shaped to even stacks. If containers are tobe stacked in cluster, the ends of rows of stacked containersshould be stepped to improve visibility for containerhandling equipment moving onto avenue from lane.

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5.11 Special precautions for high wind conditions

5.11.1 Special consideration should be given to the high windconditions and the wind induced funnel effect which maylead to sliding or toppling of containers; larger and emptycontainers are more likely to be affected by wind. The criticalwind pressure is lower for multiple rows than for single row.

5.11.2 The following factors should be taken into consideration inorder to reduce the wind effect on containers:

a) limiting the stacking height;b) block stowage;c) stacking on the ground with sound condition;d) block stowage with loaded containers in the

uppermost tier; ande) use of stacking fittings or lashings, in particular the

exposed rows.Furthermore, containers should be stacked so that thelongitudinal axis is in line with the predominant winddirection. In the case of a storm or typhoon warning,the containers at the corners of the block should besecured.

5.11.3 No person should be permitted to enter or remain in acontainer stacking area if there is a reason to anticipatecontainer movement due to wind.

5.11.4 Containers should be lashed in strong winds and containerlifting operations should be suspended in adverse weatherconditions.

5.11.5 The selective closing of certain stack areas in stages mustbe co-ordinated to prevent mechanical equipment workingin the same areas where men are applying lashings. Similarprecautions must be taken when the stacks are beingunlashed afterwards.


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5.12 Overhead electric lines and cables

5.12.1 Where mechanical equipment in a container yard has achance of coming close to any live overhead electric linesor cables, the proprietor should liaise with owners of theoverhead lines, e.g. the power companies, to work out theexact safety requirements and in devising the safe workplans. Reference should be made to the Electricity SupplyLines (Protection) Regulation (Cap. 406) and the Code ofPractice on Working near Electricity Supply Lines issuedby the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department.

5.12.2 All overhead lines or other electric apparatus should betreated as live unless declared dead and safe by therelevant authority.

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5.13 Personal protective equipment

5.13.1 All workers inside the container yard should wear suitablesafety helmets, high visibility or reflective jackets and safetyshoes when working in the container yard.

5.13.2 Other suitable personal protective equipment should beprovided to workers in case necessary. Such equipmentincludes :

a) eye protectors required under the Factories andIndustrial Undertakings (Protection of Eyes)Regulations;

b) ear protectors required under the Factories andIndustrial Undertakings (Noise at Work) Regulation;

c) protective clothing and equipment required under theFactories and Industrial Undertakings (DangerousSubstances) Regulations;

d) respirators or breathing apparatus for the protectionof workers against all fumes, dust and other impuritiesthat may be injurious to health; and

e) safety harness of suitable design for the protection ofworkers against the hazard of falling from height.

5.13.3 Training on the proper usage of personal protectiveequipment should be provided to workers who are requiredto use the equipment. Supervision should also be made onthe proper usage of this equipment.

5.13.4 Personal protective equipment provided should be properlymaintained to ensure that they function properly. Theyshould be replaced, periodically in accordance with themanufacturers’ recommendation, or whenever they arefound defective.


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List of reference

1. �� !"#$%&'(=J=�� !"#$

2. A Guide to Safety Management - Occupational Safety andHealth Branch, Labour Department

3. BS 6166: Part 1:1986 Lifting slings, Part 1. Methods of rating -British Standard Institution

4. BS 6166: Part 3:1988 Lifting slings, Part 3. Guide to selectionand safe use of lifting slings for multi-purposes - BritishStandard Institution

5. Guide to safety and health in dock work - International LabourOffice

6. ISO 3874 : 1997 ‘Series 1 freight containers-Handling andsecuring’ - International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

7. Container terminals safe work practices – Health and SafetyExecutive, UK

8. Safety and health in dock work - International Labour Office

9. Code of Practice on working near electricity supply lines –Electrical and Mechanical Services Department

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Enquiry

If you wish to enquire about this Code of Practice or require adviceon occupational safety and health, you can contact the OccupationalSafety and Health Branch through:

Telephone : 2559 2297 (auto-recording after office hours)

Fax : 2915 1410

E-mail : [email protected]

Information on the services offered by the Labour Department andon major labour legislation can also be found by visiting our HomePage on the Internet . Address of our Home Page ishttp://www.labour.gov.hk/.

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