Regulation PM-4.0: Health & Welfare Facilities

4.1 Health Hazards

4.1.1 General requirements

4.1.2 Dangerous goods and fumigation

4.1.3 Dusty cargoes

4.1.4 Other cargoes

4.1.5 Noise

4.1.6 Fatigue

4.1.7 Fumes

4.1.8 Vibration

4.1.9 Abnormal environments

4.1.10 Other health aspects

4.1.11 Ergonomics

4.2. Occupational Health Services

4.2.1. General principles

4.2.2. First-aid personnel

4.2.3. Personnel providing occupational health services

4.3 Personnel Welfare Facilities

4.3.1 General provisions

4.3.2 Toilet facilities

4.3.3 Washing facilities

4.3.4 Clothing accommodation

4.3.5 Drinking water

4.3.6 Mess rooms and canteens

4.1 Health Hazards

4.1.1 General requirements

  1. Port workers shall be fit for the work which they are employed to carry out. They shall be protected from health hazards that may arise from the activity itself, the means to carry out that activity, the work environment or the organization of the work. This part of the Code gives examples to assist in identifying the risks and detailing the action that shall be taken to avoid them.
  1. The health and fitness for work of portworkers who regularly work in areas or on operations known to include health hazards shall be regularly monitored by persons competent to do so. Those carrying out the monitoring process shall regularly liaise with those responsible for areas or operations to ensure that the precautions and arrangements for eradicating, reducing or controlling the hazards are effective.
  1. Health hazards shall be identified, the risks known and evaluated, the dangers to health understood and effective preventative measures put in place to ensure the health of the port workers concerned. There shall be a management system for identifying such risks and a strategy for responding to them. Arrangements for the participation of workers shall include health matters.
  1. The principal health hazards that can arise from port operations are noise, fatigue, fumes, vibration and exposure to hazardous substances, including cargoes. These hazards shall be controlled in accordance with national legal requirements.
  1. Exposure of portworkers to particular hazardous substances shall be kept below the relevant maximum 15-minute and eight-hour time-weighted occupational exposure levels for the substances concerned.
  1. Portworkers exposed to hazardous materials shall be trained and provided with material safety data sheets. The materials shall be adequately labeled with the contents.
  1. Workers shall be advised as to the precautions to be taken when exposed to these materials.

4.1.2 Dangerous goods and fumigation

  1. Health hazards may arise from specialized activities associated with dangerous goods.
  1. Great care shall be exercised when it is necessary to inspect or sample such goods. Particular attention shall be paid to the hazards of the cargo as indicated by the labels or placards and documentation.
  1. Cargo transport units that have been transported under fumigation shall be declared and bear the fumigation sign. They shall be ventilated before entry into them is permitted. In order to ensure that the atmosphere is safe for entry, it will normally be necessary to test it first.
  1. If the cargo, packaging or dunnage in a cargo transport unit is of a category that might need to be fumigated, fumigant residues may still be present in the unit. Precautions before entry shall be taken, even though the cargo may not be dangerous goods. And may not have been declared as being transported under fumigation.
  1. When cargo is required to be fumigated within the port area before onward transportation, the operation shall be carried out by competent specialists in an area away from normal operations. Precautions shall be taken to ensure that the fumigant is confined to the immediate area where it is being applied.
  1. Bulk cargoes may also be fumigated.

In the case of exports:

a)Before reaching the port area;

b)When in storage in the port area before loading;

c)When in the ship’s hold before the ship sails.

In the case of imports:

a)Before (discharge) or during the voyage and while still under fumigation;

b)In the port area before onward transportation.

  1. Bulk cargoes such as grain which have been fumigated before entry into the port area from shore or from sea shall be declared and the port authority shall require such a declaration to be made before entry. In addition.
  1. Adequate and suitable measures shall be adopted to safeguard the health of Port workers engaged in handling such cargoes; such measures shall take account of the possibility that fumigant is still present in the cargo.

4.1.3 Dusty cargoes

  1. Exposure of portworkers to dust shall be prevented as far as is practicable. This shall include nuisance dusts for which no specific occupational exposure level has been assigned.
  1. Ideally, loading or unloading of dusty cargoes shall be totally enclosed. Where this is not practicable, dust emissions shall be prevented as far as possible and controlled.
  1. Measures to control dust emissions include.

a)Appropriate design of grabs, hoppers, conveyors and other material-handling equipment;

b)Enclosure of transfer and discharge points;

c)Enclosure of operators. cabs;

d)Local exhaust ventilation;

e)Suppression by covering or damping.

  1. Other measures to limit exposure to dusts shall include.

a)Avoiding the need for portworkers to enter or work in dusty areas;

b)Restricting the time spent in such areas;

c)Provision of appropriate respiratory protective equipment, such as masks providing a continuous supply of clean filtered air;

d)Ensuring that respiratory protective equipment is worn when necessary.

  1. The air supply to an enclosed cab or control room shall be from a clean source and filtered as necessary.
  1. Accumulations and residues of dust shall be regularly cleaned up by an appropriate method.
  1. Some dusts, such as of grain, can have a sensitizing effect that can induce changes in the respiratory system such as asthma or other medical conditions. Portworkers who maybe sensitized shall not work in areas where they may be exposed to such dusts.
  1. Other cargoes can also give off dust that may be harmful in enclosed spaces. These can include some forest products and scrap metal.
  1. Exposure to asbestos fibers can give rise to cancer and mesothelioma and shall be prevented. All asbestos cargoes shall be properly packaged.

4.1.4 Other cargoes

  1. Some cargoes, including mouldy cargoes, may present risks of infection of portworkers. Portworkers handling such cargoes shall be under appropriate medical supervision and be provided with, and use, relevant personal protective equipment.
  1. Exposure to hides, skins, fleeces, wool, hair, bones or other parts of animals can give rise to anthrax or other animal-related diseases which may be transmitted to and be harmful to humans. Such cargoes shall be disinfected and certificated by a competent authority before shipping in accordance with national legal requirements. When the risk of anthrax may be suspected, special precautions, including the use of personal protection equipment and medical supervision, shall be taken.
  1. Some cargoes may bring with them insects, snakes and other creatures, and port workers shall be alert to the dangers of being bitten. In the event of such a bite, they shall receive medical treatment immediately.
  1. Radioactive materials shall be contained by packaging appropriate to the risk.
  1. Correctly packaged cargoes of this type are safe for transport workers, provided that total quantities do not exceed international transport index limits.

4.1.5 Noise

  1. Noise can be emitted from engines and transmission equipment fitted to lifting appliances and vehicles and can be heightened when the equipment is being used in a shed, warehouse ship’s hold. Noise levels may affect the equipment operator and/or port workers that work with or in the vicinity of such equipment when it is being used.
  1. In coordination with the superiors (workplace safety committee,) noise levels shall be periodically monitored and sources of excessive noise identified.
  1. Noise levels shall be controlled at source whenever it is practicable to do so.
  1. Noise levels, as defined by national legal requirements, shall be specified when new equipment is ordered. The noise specification shall be as low as possible.
  1. The need to work in noisy areas shall be avoided or minimized as far as possible.
  1. Appropriate hearing protection shall be supplied and worn when necessary.
  1. When appropriate, consideration shall be given to the periodic monitoring of noise affected hearing loss of portworkers.

4.1.6 Fatigue

  1. Fatigue can affect health, safety and work performance. Regular breaks shall incorporate into work periods. Excessively long shifts or work periods shall be avoided.
  1. If it is necessary to work an abnormally long shift, it is essential that an adequate period of rest be provided before the start of the next period of work, particularly overnight.

4.1.7 Fumes

  1. Exhaust fumes emitted by terminal machinery, trade cars, passenger vehicles, ro-ro vehicles and trade wheeled cargo vehicle exhausts can present health risks to port workers from.

a)Carbon monoxide (the main component of fumes from petrol engines);

b)Carbon dioxide (the main component of fumes from diesel engines);

c)Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH);

d)Oxides of nitrogen;

e)Sulphur oxides;

f)Aldehydes;

g)Particulate matter, e.g. soot.

  1. The composition of exhaust fumes and the risks from them vary with the type of engine, the fuel being used and the age and level of maintenance of the engine. The volume of exhaust fumes in the atmosphere will depend on the number of engines running at any one time and the level and efficiency of ventilation.
  1. Hazardous levels of fumes can affect those in the immediate vicinity, especially if the area is enclosed or if the fumes are concentrated at one particular point.
  1. Prevention measures include.

a)Regular scheduled maintenance of all terminal vehicles, including engine tuning and exhaust systems;

b)Ventilating places where vehicles operate by natural or mechanical ventilation to ensure safe levels;

c)Switching engines off when vehicles are standing for long periods;

d)Making initial fume assessments of individual terminal vehicles and shore-side premises where vehicle fumes may present a problem;

e)Preparing fume profiles of each hold of a ship in which vehicles may be operated on a regular basis;

f)Preparing a plan to ensure that fumes from such vehicles on premises and in holds do not exceed safe levels, and specifying the maximum number of engines allowed to run at any one time;

g)Using electric, LPG- or LNG-driven vehicles where appropriate.

  1. Profiling of holds can typically consist of taking readings of fume levels in each hold at hourly intervals throughout the loading/unloading process. It is not normally necessary to take readings for each component of the vehicle exhaust fumes; only carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide readings need be taken. If it can be shown that the levels of those components are safe, it can normally be assumed that the other components are equally safe. If there is any doubt, an industrial hygienist or other expert shall be consulted.
  1. Profiling of holds shall be carried out with all available ship’s ventilation in operation and with the maximum number of vehicle engines consistent with operational procedures running at any one time.
  1. Each set of readings shall consist of at least six measurements, two at each end and two in the middle of the hold taken at about 1 m above the deck. Alternatively, individual monitors may be used.
  1. The levels measured shall not at any time exceed the eight-hour time-weighted occupational exposure limits for carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. If the measured levels are reduced to acceptable levels, the levels of the other components, which are present in very small amounts, shall also be at safe levels. In such circumstances, most portworkers may enter and leave the hold without being required to record their exposure times or wear respiratory protective equipment.
  1. If higher levels are measured in a hold, the shore-side employer and the ship. Officers shall collaborate to ensure that they are reduced to an acceptable level. This maybe achieved by increasing ventilation, addition of portable ventilators or reducing the number of engines running at any one time.
  1. Once a ship has been profiled and it can be shown that all holds or areas where port workers may work are within safe limits at all times while the ship is loaded or unloaded in the normal way, further profiling shall not be necessary unless the purpose or configuration of the ship changes.
  1. This procedure shall be satisfactory for most portworkers working on ships as they move in and out of the hold during cargo operations. However, certain portworkers, such as those engaged on lashing or unlashing vehicles on ro-ro ships or forklift truck operators in sto-ro operations, may be present and vehicle exhausts emitted for the entire work period. There may also be others who work for extended work periods of over eight hours. As occupational exposure levels are based on time exposure, more detailed calculations will need to be made in these circumstances to safeguard the health of such workers, and personal protection may be necessary.
  1. During operations in holds, it is essential to ensure that.

a)All available ship’s ventilation is in operation;

b)The ventilation functions correctly with exhaust fans not reversed, and air ducts are

c)Not covered or obstructed at either end;

d)Doors, ramps and other openings in the hull are open to permit natural ventilation;

e)Only the stipulated number of engines is being run at any one time.

  1. Appropriate precautions shall be taken to protect the operators of quayside cranes from fumes from ships’ funnels.

4.1.8 Vibration

  1. Hand/arm and whole-body vibration generated by powered hand tools and machinery can affect human health. Vibration levels shall be measured and kept below nationally recognized maximum and eight-hour exposure levels. Operators of terminal plant are most likely to be adversely affected by whole-body vibration levels.
  1. An assessment of the risks from vibration shall be based on readings of each piece of terminal operating equipment and lead to the preparation of a plan that will ensure that such equipment remains safe for its operators.
  1. It shall be ensured that all new equipment is designed to minimize vibration to below nationally recognized levels.

4.1.9 Abnormal environments

Where port workers are engaged in abnormal environments such as extremes of temperature, or where the wearing of respiratory equipment is essential, they shall be relieved at suitable intervals for rest in fresh air.

4.1.10 Other health aspects

  1. Where port workers are accidentally exposed to health hazards, their health shall be checked by persons competent to do so.
  1. Where port workers handle harmful substances, they shall change their outer clothes and thoroughly wash their hands and face with soap or some other suitable cleaning agent before taking any food or drink.
  1. Health protection surveillance shall be considered for special groups, e.g. juveniles, older port workers, female portworkers, disabled persons and insulin-dependent workers.
  1. Special attention shall be paid to risks from manual handling, especially heavy loads.
  1. Port workers shall not be engaged on such activities without suitable medical assessment and training in the skills necessary to carry out manual handling safely.

4.1.11 Ergonomics

  1. Workplaces, work systems and work equipment shall be designed, constructed and maintained in accordance good ergonomic principles. When necessary, specialist advice shall be obtained.
  1. Bad design of the operator’s cab and poor posture can affect the health of port workers, especially if they are spending most of their working time in the same position.
  1. This includes.

a)The layout and positioning of the cab;

b)The climate inside the cab;

c)Daylight and illumination;

d)Possible obstruction of view from within the cab;

e)Noise;

f)Speech intelligibility;

g)Positioning of displays and other communication means;

h)Positioning of the hand and foot controls and the design and positioning of the operator’s seat.

  1. When appropriate, the continuous time spent on a task shall be limited, possibly by job rotation or other suitable relief.

4.2. Occupational Health Services

4.2.1. General principles

  1. The recruitment of portworkers shall be in accordance with their tasks in the port area.
  1. Good prevention practices include the ability to detect and monitor work-related injuries or occupational diseases. This may be by the institution of a medical evaluation programme, which is highly recommended. The benefits of such a programme will be to provide appropriate protection to workers in the workplace.
  1. In accordance with national legal requirements, the medical evaluation programme could include elements pertaining to.

a)Respect for patient/doctor confidentiality;

b)Occupational hazards;

c)Adequate follow-up.

  1. The development and implementation of a medical evaluation programme shall be developed in consultation with the employers and workers and their representatives.
  1. Occupational health services shall establish and maintain a safe and healthy environment to facilitate optimal physical and mental health in relation to work, and shall also provide advice on adapting work to the capabilities of workers in the light of their state of physical and mental health. These services,

a)Provision of first-aid and emergency treatment;

b)Treatment and care of urgent cases;

c)Surveillance of workplaces and conditions from the standpoint of the health and Fatigue of the workers;

d)Periodic training of first-aid personnel;

e)Promotion of health education among portworkers;

f)Cooperation with the competent authority in the detection, measurement and evaluation of chemical, physical or biological factors suspected of being harmful.

4.2.2. First-aid personnel

  1. First-aid stations shall be provided where less serious injuries can be treated and from which injured port workers can if necessary be conveyed rapidly to a centre where they can receive more comprehensive medical attention.
  1. First-aid stations shall be clearly marked and contain first-aid equipment in accordance with national legal requirements.
  2. In general.

a)Except in emergencies, first aid in case of accidents or sudden illness shall be given only by a medical doctor, a nurse, or a person trained in first aid and possessing a first-aid certificate acceptable to the competent authority;