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TDS1984  
#1 Posted : 07 September 2011 16:36:20(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
TDS1984

Hi guys and girls,

I've been asked by my superiors to look into the hazards involved when loading freight containers for export. Currently we don't have a purpose built loading dock (but this may be a future consideration), so there would be the obvious work at height risk i.e. someone falling off the back of the trailer; the risk of entrapment caused by FLT loading goods with person stood inside moving other goods with pallet truck; possibility of confined space. Any other suggestions greatly appreciated.

Please don't waste your time telling me to try a search, I know the subject has been covered before, but the forum search isn't working again!
Joebaxil  
#2 Posted : 07 September 2011 16:42:01(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Joebaxil

have you tried the search option ,

heard its rather splendid .
TDS1984  
#3 Posted : 07 September 2011 16:51:55(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
TDS1984

Joebaxil wrote:
have you tried the search option ,

heard its rather splendid .


Hoping this is a tongue in cheek reply, if not I refer you to the final paragraph of my original post.

Thank you.
Ron Hunter  
#4 Posted : 07 September 2011 17:01:48(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ron Hunter

Application of confined space issues would be dependent on the nature of the goods/ materials you're loading (explosion/ asphyxiant). Care to expand?
teh_boy  
#5 Posted : 08 September 2011 08:38:54(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
teh_boy

For the loading question - I have looked at this from the opposite end. having no dedicated loading bay meant the hazards were too high and so we decided to pay another firm to offload onto a side-loader for us - we could then use a FLT to offload with no WAH or entry issues.

lots of info at

http://www.hse.gov.uk/wo...acetransport/loading.htm

We also had used these in the past (note this company was just top a Google search)
http://www.yard-ramps.co.uk/

But decided against this option due to training / maintenance and storage issues.

As for the confined space option - if you have the chance of a specified occurrence this steps the question up to a whole new level. more info is definitely needed.
TDS1984  
#6 Posted : 08 September 2011 09:23:30(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
TDS1984

Thanks ron and teh_boy, have looked at some of the HSE stuff, will pass on the ramps link. I'm also leaning along the lines of paying someone else to do it for us, it probably won't be worth the investment for such an infrequent task.

I suspect confined space won't be an issue, but as it is not our own container we can't guarantee whether there will be any residues from previous loads or from import/export pesticide application. Also we only operate diesel FLT's so potential exhaust fume issues.

The goods we will be loading are pallets of bottles so not dangerous, in the context of confined space regulations.
steveclark  
#7 Posted : 09 September 2011 23:07:52(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
steveclark

We had a platform manufactured that could be either fork lifted into position or wheeled (it had retractable ones) - it wasn't prohibitivly expensive and later we found a sdupplier who made them. They work well and we eliminated falls.
townshend1012  
#8 Posted : 13 September 2011 21:39:07(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
townshend1012

TDS, We had a similar situation whereby we had to bulk-load loose items of freight for shipping to foreign climes. The containers had to sit on the ground with the doors tied back. We purchased a set of ramps from http://www.thorworld.co.uk/ which were rated at 2.5 tonnes each, and made up the 6" or so height difference. These could be moved to match the wheelbase of a FLT. As ours was electric, fumes were not an issue. As our freight was all shapes and sizes, and didn't fill the container to full height, we also purchased some purpose made nets from Bridport Gundry to close off the doorway and prevent goods from falling out when the doors are opened. Hope this helps.
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