Readers of TT Talk may well remember the article we published about the IMDG Code Amendment 34-08 which came into mandatory force in January this year. The article pointed out that a major change in the IMDG Code was the introduction of new mandatory training requirements for shore side staff involved in the preparation, handling and transport of dangerous goods by sea. Accidents involving packaged dangerous goods continue to occur and this measure was seen as an important element in the wider programme of tackling this issues.
The Club has recently seen an increase in claims against transport operator Members for release of cargo without presentation of the transport operator bill of lading.
The Club has been alerted to a serious accident where a fitter was removing wheels from a lift truck to carry out planned maintenance work. One wheel flew off as the pneumatic tyre suddenly and unexpectedly depressurised. The wheel struck the fitter and caused serious injuries.
The UK Maritime Administration's Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) publishes a regular Safety Digest and a recent issue contained an accident involving a stores crane on a ship.
The handling of flatracks is an issue which affects many TT Club Members. ICHCA International in its Information Paper No 45 reports the details of possible problems.
Another concern to TT Club Members are failures of container corner fittings. ICHCA International in its Information Paper No.46 reports that the recent meeting of ICHCA International's International Safety Panel (ISP) in Casablanca considered a report on accidents in which lifting twistlocks have pulled out from the top corner fittings of freight containers. A discussion ensued on the implications and the possible causes of such incidents.
