Safe Handling of Tank Containers - ITCO

ICHCA International Safety Panel Briefing Pamphlet No 30
13.7 When transitioning from the ladder to the walkway on the container top, there
are limited hand holds available for the operator to grip (see Picture 64) making
the manoeuvre hazardous (see Picture 65). An operator climbing onto the top
of the tank container shown in Picture 65 will be presented with either the
walkway securing bracket or the miss-stacking plate, neither of which are ideal
handholds. Climbing off the top of the container can be more hazardous as the
operator is attempting to locate rungs / steps which are not visible and in an
awkward position.
Picture 64
13.8 Where regular access is required to the top of containers, facilities should
provide either a mobile step ladder that can be positioned next to the container
(an example is shown in Picture 66) or the container can be positioned next to
a fixed access gantry see Picture 67.
13.9 Access to the top of the tank container is gained by the fixed step to the right of
Picture 67. Once the container is positioned next to the gantry the operator can
lower the counterbalanced handrail / barrier to provide additional safety will
working on the container top.
Picture 66
Picture 65
Picture 67
13.10If the container is mounted on a chassis, the operator should not attempt to
access the top of the container unless the tractor unit has been disconnected
or immobilised to prevent accidental movement of the container.
13.11Once access to the top of the container has been achieved it should be
remembered that the operator is a minimum of 2.6 m above the ground and fall
from that height could be serious. Therefore the operator should ensure that all
possible safety features are employed.
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