Safety

5. Care should be exercised with cargo overhangs in
holds, which may slide down. Some Iron ore fines
tend to have high moisture content and are unsafe to
step on. Special care should be considered for Coal
which is known to be discharged from the center with
high cargo walls around the periphery. This cargo is
known to suddenly slide down !
Cargo holds containing Grain should not be entered
as they may contain Phosphine Gas ( PH3 -
Fumigation).
6. In bulk carriers fitted with vertical ballast trunks connecting
the topside and lower hopper tanks, the trunks
and associated hull structure are normally surveyed in
conjunction with the tanks. Space within the trunks is
very limited and access is by ladder or individual
rungs which can become heavily corroded and in
some cases detached or missing. Care needs to be
taken when descending these trunks. It is not required
to enter these trunkings and or double bottoms,
during a RightShip inspection.
7. When entering a cargo hold the bulkhead vertical
ladders should be examined prior to descending to
ensure that they are in good condition and rungs are
not missing or loose. If holds are being entered when
the hatch covers are in the closed position, then this is
considered as an enclosed space and appropriate
procedures to be followed. Adequate lighting should
be arranged in the holds. One person at a time should
descend or ascend the ladder. Entering holds by vertical
ladders is best to be avoided.