Section 7 in The Regulations on the Handling of Freight Containers Containing Dangerous/ Hazardous Cargo at Paradip Port, 1986
7. Stuffing and destuffing containers.
- 7.1. The Port Authority shall designate container depot/container Freight Station suitable to handle dangerous/hazardous cargo. The stacking of containers shall be in accordance with para 6 above. The stuffing or destuffing operation shall commence only after obtaining clearance from the Deputy Port Conservator. The stuffing and destuffing operation shall follow strictly the IMO Guidelines for packing of dangerous/hazardous cargo in a Freight Container and shall comply with classes 12 and 13 of IMDG Code (Appendix 'C').In case stuffing or destuffing is done in an area in the vicinity of stackyard, a minimum distance of 30 metres around shall be observed.7.2Before stuffing. - 7.2.1. Containers into which dangerous cargo are to be stuffed shall be examined visually for damage and if there is evidence of material damage, the container shall not be packed. Containers shall be clean, dry and fit for use. Irrelevant dangerous cargo labels shall be removed or masked over before stuffing begins.7.2.2. Information shall be provided by the Shipper about the hazardous properties of the dangerous cargo to be handled. The shipper shall also ensure that dangerous cargoes are stuffed, marked and labelled in accordance with the IMDG Code. Dangerous cargo shall not be handled unless packaged, marked and labelled in accordance with these regulations.7.2.3. Dangerous cargo shall only be handled, stuffed and secured under direct and identifiable supervision of a responsible person deputed by the Consignor or the Consignee, as the case may be, who is familiar with the risks involved and know which emergency measure should be taken. He shall also ensure that any necessary protective equipment is available.7.2.4. Smoking shall be prohibited while work is going on.7.2.5. Suitable fire precaution measure shall be taken.7.2.6. Packages shall be examined and any found to be damaged, leaking or sifting shall not be stuffed into a container. Packages showing evidence of staining etc., shall not be packed into a container without first determining that it is safe and acceptable to do so. Water or other matter adhering to packages shall be removed before packing into a container.7.2.7. If cargoes are pelletized or otherwise unitized they shall be compact and secured in a manner unlikely to damage the individual packages pomprising the unit load. The materials used to band the unit load together shall be compatible with the substances unitized and retain their efficiency when exposed to moisture, extremes of temperature and sunlight.7.2.8. In case where electric power supplied ls used for any equipment or machinery in the area where containers are stacked or stuffing and destuffing is carried out, the electric supply systems in the machinery shall be of a type which will not cause any spark likely to cause hazard.7.2.9. A container intended to carry dangerous cargo under temperature control shall be inspected and operated to ensure that the machinery is in proper working order before the shipment is made. A record of the inspection shall be maintained.7.3Stuffing and securing. - Special care shall be taken during handling to ensure that the packages or receptacles are not damaged.7.3.1. If a package containing dangerous cargo is damaged during handling so that the contents leak out, the immediate area shall be evacuated until the hazard potential can be assessed. The damaged packages shall not be transported.7.3.2. No repacking shall be done within the Port premises. If leakage from dangerous cargo likely to cause any explosion, spontaneous combustion, poisoning or similar danger, personnel shall immediately be moved to a safe place and the emergency response Organisation (e.g. the fire service) shall be notified.7.3.3. Dangerous goods shall not be stuffed in the same container with incompatible substances. Guidance of both a general and particular nature on this matter may be found in the IMDG Code.Note. - It is also possible that in some instances, goods of the same class shall not be stuffed into the same container as they are incompatible. For example. Peroxides and Parmanganates are both oxidising agents (Class 5-1). However they may intersect dangerously in the event of an accident.7.3.4. Dangerous goods which may damage by taint, odour or contamination to other products shall not be stuffed in the same container as goods subsceptible to such damage.7.3.5. When dangerous cargo, particularly those of class 6.1 (poisons) and class 8 (corrosives) are handled consumption of any form of food or drink shall be prohibited.7.3.6. Special packing instructions detailed on individual packages or otherwise available must be strictly observed (e.g.) Goods marked "protect from frost" shall be stowed away from the walls of the container.Goods marked "this way up" shall be packed accordingly. When dangerous goods consignment forms only part of the load of a container, it shall preferably stuffed so as to be accessible from the doors of the container.8.0Marking and labelling.- 8.1. The containers shall be seated prior to despatch. However, they shall not be locked unless specifically required and agreed to by the container operator. In such cases a key shall be readily available at all times.8.2Containers in which dangerous goods are stuffed shall bear IMCO. Dangerous Goods Code Class Lables Placards not less than 250mm x 250 mm in size. Except where not required by IMDG Code there shall be at least four such lables (Placard) placed externally in conspicuous places, one on each side and one on each end. Lables for the sides of the container shall be affixed in such position that they are not obscured when the container doors are opened.8.3The container shall also bear externally the correct technical name of each of the dangerous substances packed therein.8.4Additional labels as may be required by rail and road transport authorities shall be provided.9.0Stuffing Certificate.- Those responsible for the stuffing of the dangerous cargo into a container shall provide a "Container Stuffing Certificate" certifying that this has been properly carried out and embodying the following provisions.9.1That the container was clean, dry and apparently fit to receive the goods.9.2No incompatible goods have been stuffed in the container.9.3All packages have been externally inspected for damage and only dry, sound packages packed.9.4All packages have been properly stuffed in the container and secured and suitable securing materials used.9.5The container and packages are properly marked and labelled.9.6The dangerous cargoes in the container are those for which acceptance has been specifically obtained with the shipment in question.9.7The consignor of the dangerous cargoes has in each case issued a dangerous cargoes declaration as to nature of the hazard and that the cargoes are suitably packaged for transport by sea.9.8The Container Stuffing Certificate shall be forwarded with the container to be available at the time of loading on board ship.9.9The permission of the Deputy Port Conservator has been obtained for stuffing the cargo.10.0General advice on receipt of containers containing dangerous/ hazardous cargoes for stuffing/destuffing.- Containers containing dangerous cargo shall be destuffed with care, always bearing in mind that the cargo may have been damaged in transit. Before the doors are opened this possibility shall be borne in mind in relation to the properties of the cargo. For example, depending on the contents of the container, there may exist the possibility that leakage has caused an unsafe concentration of rotic, inflammable or explosive vapour, or to have produced an oxygen enriched (or depleted) atmosphere. If there is evidence that damage has occurred and such a condition exists, expert advice must be sought before commencing to destuff the containers.10.1Any container which carried dangerous cargo particularly toxic products, shall be ventilated before unpacking commences, that is, doors shall be kept open for an adequate period.10.2After a container containing dangerous goods has been unpacked, particular care must be taken to ensure that no hazard remains. This may entail special cleaning, particularly if toxic spillage has occurred or is suspected. When satisfied that a container offers no hazard, the dangerous goods labels shall be removed.10.3If any container shows signs of heat it shall be removed to a safe place and fire services immediately notified. Care shall be taken to see that any fire fighting methods to be used are suitable for the cargo in question.10.4Attention is drawn to the fact that the consignee is normally obliged to return the container, after discharging clean and suitable for the transport of every kind of cargo. This applies especially when poisonous, dangerous or obnoxious cargo has been transported.
