Marine Terminal Safety Manual

OSHA Marine Terminal Requirements

Federal OSHA maintains specific requirements for marine terminals under 29 CFR Part 1917 — Marine Terminals.

Part 1917 applies to employment within a marine terminal, including activities involving the loading, unloading, movement, or other handling of cargo, ship’s stores, or gear within the terminal or into or out of land carriers, holding areas, and consolidation areas.

It also applies to activities associated with the overall operation and function of the terminal, including routine maintenance of terminal facilities and equipment.

Marine-terminal safety requirements address areas including:

• Cargo handling.
• Slinging.
• Cargo stacking.
• Line handling.
• Railroad facilities.
• Barge and railcar movement.
• Hazardous cargo.
• Hazardous atmospheres.
• First aid.
• Hazard Communication.
• Emergency Action Plans.
• Powered Industrial Trucks.
• Cranes and derricks.
• Winches.
• Conveyors.
• Container terminals.
• Roll-on/roll-off operations.
• Personal Protective Equipment.
• Terminal facilities.

The safety manual should be based on the terminal’s actual operations and employee exposures.

Marine Terminals and Longshoring

Marine-terminal operations and longshoring are closely related but are not identical regulatory activities.

OSHA generally regulates landside marine-terminal cargo operations under 29 CFR Part 1917, while cargo-handling activities aboard vessels may be regulated under OSHA’s longshoring requirements.

Employers should determine which requirements apply according to where the work occurs and the activities being performed.

A Marine Terminal Safety Manual should therefore distinguish between terminal operations and vessel-based longshoring activities where necessary.

What Should a Marine Terminal Safety Manual Include?

Depending on operations, a Marine Terminal Safety Manual may address:

• Marine terminal safety responsibilities.
• Hazard assessments.
• Job Safety Analysis.
• Cargo handling.
• Slinging and rigging.
• Cargo stacking.
• Container handling.
• Roll-on/roll-off operations.
• Cranes and derricks.
• Powered Industrial Trucks.
• Terminal tractors.
• Yard vehicles.
• Rail operations.
• Barge movement.
• Line handling.
• Working over or near water.
• Personal flotation devices.
• Hazardous cargo.
• Hazardous atmospheres.
• Hazard Communication.
• Respiratory protection.
• Personal Protective Equipment.
• Walking-working surfaces.
• Emergency Action Plans.
• First aid and lifesaving facilities.

Programs should be selected according to the terminal’s cargo, equipment, layout, vessel interface, transportation systems, and employee exposures.

Marine Terminal Safety Program

An effective Marine Terminal Safety Program establishes responsibilities and procedures for controlling cargo movement, vehicles, lifting equipment, containers, suspended loads, railcars, barges, lines, hazardous materials, and other terminal hazards.

Management should provide employees with properly maintained equipment, appropriate PPE, safe work procedures, training, supervision, emergency resources, and suitable terminal facilities.

Managers, supervisors, and designated safety personnel should:

• Identify and evaluate terminal hazards.
• Maintain applicable written safety programs.
• Establish cargo-handling procedures.
• Maintain cranes and material-handling equipment.
• Establish vehicle traffic controls.
• Maintain docks and walking-working surfaces.
• Evaluate hazardous cargo.
• Provide appropriate PPE.
• Coordinate terminal operations.
• Correct unsafe conditions.
• Investigate incidents.
• Provide employee training.
• Maintain applicable records.

Employees should follow established procedures, use assigned PPE, remain alert to cargo and equipment movement, follow traffic controls, maintain safe positions, and promptly report unsafe equipment, unstable cargo, damaged facilities, spills, injuries, and other hazards.

Marine Terminal Hazard Assessments

Hazard assessments should consider each area and phase of terminal operations.

Potential areas include:

• Vessel interface.
• Container yards.
• Cargo staging areas.
• Loading and unloading zones.
• Crane operations.
• Rail areas.
• Truck lanes.
• Warehouses.
• Docks.
• Piers.
• Wharves.
• Barge operations.
• Maintenance facilities.

Potential hazards may include:

• Suspended loads.
• Moving containers.
• Falling cargo.
• Vehicle traffic.
• Rail movement.
• Crane movement.
• Pinch points.
• Falls.
• Drowning.
• Hazardous cargo.
• Toxic atmospheres.
• Noise.
• Weather.

Assessments should be reviewed when cargo, equipment, terminal configuration, or operating conditions change.

Job Safety Analysis (JSA/JHA)

A JSA/JHA may be used to evaluate higher-risk terminal activities.

Potential JSAs/JHAs may address:

• Container handling.
• Crane operations.
• Cargo slinging.
• Cargo stacking.
• Line handling.
• Railcar movement.
• Barge movement.
• Roll-on/roll-off operations.
• Hazardous cargo handling.
• Working near water.
• Equipment maintenance.
• Loading and unloading.

The analysis should identify job steps, hazards, controls, PPE, and employee responsibilities.

Cargo Handling

Cargo-handling procedures should reflect:

• Cargo type.
• Weight.
• Dimensions.
• Packaging.
• Stability.
• Handling equipment.
• Transportation method.

Employees should remain clear of locations where cargo could:

• Fall.
• Swing.
• Shift.
• Roll.
• Collapse.
• Crush employees.

Cargo Inspection

Cargo and packaging should be evaluated for conditions that could affect safe handling.

Employees should report:

• Damaged containers.
• Broken pallets.
• Leaking packages.
• Unstable loads.
• Damaged lifting points.
• Shifted cargo.
• Other hazardous conditions.

Damaged cargo should be handled using procedures appropriate to the hazard.

Slinging Cargo

Cargo should be slung so it remains stable during lifting.

Slinging methods should account for:

• Load weight.
• Center of gravity.
• Sling angles.
• Attachment points.
• Cargo configuration.
• Potential shifting.

Employees should not use makeshift or damaged rigging.

Rigging Equipment

Rigging equipment may include:

• Slings.
• Shackles.
• Hooks.
• Chains.
• Wire rope.
• Spreader beams.
• Lifting beams.
• Specialized container gear.

Equipment should be selected and inspected for the intended load.

Defective rigging should be removed from service.

Suspended Loads

Employees should remain clear of suspended loads.

Work should be arranged to minimize the need for employees to:

• Walk beneath loads.
• Stand beneath containers.
• Work inside fall zones.
• Place themselves between suspended cargo and fixed objects.

Load-control methods should keep employees outside hazardous positions whenever practical.

Cargo Stacking

Cargo and pallets should be stacked to maintain stability.

Stacking should consider:

• Cargo strength.
• Weight.
• Shape.
• Height.
• Floor or surface capacity.
• Environmental conditions.
• Material-handling methods.

Unstable cargo should be restacked or otherwise secured.

Cargo Storage Areas

Storage areas should provide:

• Adequate access.
• Stable surfaces.
• Safe aisles.
• Appropriate clearances.
• Traffic separation.
• Emergency access.

Cargo should not obstruct emergency exits or required equipment.

Intermodal Container Operations

Container terminals present substantial hazards from the movement and lifting of large intermodal containers.

Operations may involve:

• Ship-to-shore cranes.
• Rubber-tired gantry cranes.
• Rail-mounted gantry cranes.
• Straddle carriers.
• Reach stackers.
• Top handlers.
• Side handlers.
• Container chassis.
• Terminal tractors.

Employees should remain outside designated container travel and stacking zones unless their duties require entry.

Container Identification

Containers should have required identifying and weight information.

Employees responsible for lifting or handling containers should have the information necessary to determine the container’s status and weight before hoisting.

Unknown or questionable container information should be resolved before lifting.

Container Weight

Loaded containers should not be hoisted unless applicable weight requirements have been satisfied.

Employees responsible for crane or lifting operations should receive the necessary load information.

Equipment capacity should not be exceeded.

Container Hoisting

Before a container is hoisted:

• The lifting method should be appropriate.
• Required lifting fittings should be engaged.
• Equipment capacity should be adequate.
• Personnel should be clear.
• Load status should be understood.

Employees should not stand beneath suspended containers.

Container Spreaders

Container spreaders and lifting devices should be maintained in safe condition.

Employees should verify proper engagement before hoisting where required.

Damaged or malfunctioning spreaders should be removed from service until repaired.

Container Stacking

Container stacks should be arranged to remain stable.

Operations should consider:

• Container condition.
• Stack height.
• Equipment capability.
• Ground conditions.
• Wind.
• Traffic.
• Employee access.

Employees should remain clear of container stacks during active handling operations.

Container Yard Traffic

Container yards may contain numerous large vehicles operating simultaneously.

Traffic controls should address:

• Travel lanes.
• Intersections.
• Speed.
• Pedestrian access.
• Parking.
• Backing.
• Equipment right-of-way.
• Restricted areas.

Pedestrian access should be minimized where heavy container-handling equipment operates.

Roll-On/Roll-Off Operations

Roll-on/roll-off terminals may handle:

• Passenger vehicles.
• Trucks.
• Trailers.
• Heavy equipment.
• Construction equipment.
• Agricultural machinery.
• Other wheeled cargo.

Traffic patterns and employee positions should be controlled during loading and unloading.

Ro-Ro Ramps

Employees working around vessel ramps should be alert to:

• Moving vehicles.
• Ramp movement.
• Surface conditions.
• Grade.
• Clearance.
• Pinch points.

Pedestrians should remain separated from vehicle traffic where practical.

Vehicle Movement

Terminal vehicles may include:

• Terminal tractors.
• Yard hostlers.
• Forklifts.
• Reach stackers.
• Container handlers.
• Trucks.
• Utility vehicles.

Vehicle rules should address:

• Speed.
• Right-of-way.
• Seat belts.
• Parking.
• Backing.
• Visibility.
• Pedestrians.
• Lighting.

Powered Industrial Trucks

Powered Industrial Trucks used for material or equipment handling within marine terminals should be operated only by trained and authorized employees.

Equipment may include:

• Forklifts.
• Container handlers.
• Specialized lift trucks.
• Other powered industrial equipment.

Employees should not ride on equipment unless an authorized riding position is provided.

Pre-Use Equipment Inspections

Powered equipment should be inspected according to applicable requirements and company procedures.

Inspections may include:

• Brakes.
• Steering.
• Tires.
• Lights.
• Horns.
• Warning devices.
• Controls.
• Hydraulic systems.
• Attachments.

Unsafe equipment should be removed from service as appropriate.

Forklift and Pedestrian Safety

Terminal operations should reduce interaction between pedestrians and powered equipment.

Potential controls may include:

• Designated walkways.
• Barriers.
• Restricted areas.
• Traffic signs.
• Mirrors.
• Lighting.
• Communication procedures.

Employees should not assume equipment operators can see them.

Backing

Backing should be minimized where practical.

When backing is necessary, operators should verify that the path is clear.

Depending on equipment and conditions, controls may include:

• Mirrors.
• Cameras.
• Alarms.
• Spotters.
• Restricted pedestrian areas.

Terminal Tractors

Terminal tractors may be used to move chassis and trailers throughout the facility.

Operators should follow procedures addressing:

• Coupling.
• Uncoupling.
• Trailer condition.
• Chassis condition.
• Speed.
• Intersections.
• Pedestrians.
• Parking.

Container Chassis

Employees working around container chassis may be exposed to:

• Crushing.
• Pinch points.
• Vehicle movement.
• Landing gear.
• Defective components.

Chassis work should be performed in areas protected from uncontrolled traffic where practical.

Cranes and Derricks

Marine terminals may use cranes and derricks to move containers and other cargo.

Operations should address:

• Equipment capacity.
• Inspection.
• Certification where required.
• Load control.
• Communication.
• Suspended loads.
• Employee clearance.

Only appropriately trained and authorized personnel should perform assigned crane operations.

Crane Operator Visibility

Where the operator cannot clearly see the load or landing area, appropriate signaling or communication should be provided.

Communication methods should be understood by affected employees.

Crane Travel Areas

Employees should remain clear of:

• Crane travel paths.
• Rotating superstructures.
• Counterweights.
• Suspended loads.
• Moving crane components.

Restricted areas should be established where appropriate.

Crane Certification

Applicable marine-terminal material-handling devices should be tested, inspected, and certified as required.

Records should be maintained according to applicable requirements.

Equipment should not be operated beyond rated capacities.

Load Indicating Devices

Applicable cranes should have required load-indicating devices.

Operators should understand device limitations and should not rely on an indicator as a substitute for proper load planning.

Winches

Winches should be maintained and operated safely.

Employees should remain clear of:

• Rotating drums.
• Pinch points.
• Tensioned lines.
• Snap-back areas.

Guards should be maintained where required.

Line Handling

Line handling can expose employees to severe or fatal hazards from:

• Tensioned lines.
• Snap-back.
• Pinch points.
• Moving vessels.
• Winches.
• Capstans.
• Falls into water.

Only employees involved in the operation should remain in hazardous line-handling areas.

Snap-Back Hazards

Mooring lines can store substantial energy while under tension.

Employees should avoid standing:

• In line with tensioned lines.
• Inside bights.
• Near anticipated snap-back paths.
• Between lines and fixed structures.

Work areas should be organized to provide employees with safe positions.

Mooring Lines

Employees should inspect line conditions and maintain safe positions during mooring operations.

Damaged lines should be reported.

Employees should not place hands or feet where they can be caught between:

• Lines.
• Bollards.
• Cleats.
• Winches.
• Other equipment.

Working Over or Near Water

Marine-terminal employees may work along:

• Piers.
• Wharves.
• Docks.
• Barges.
• Vessel interfaces.

Employees should be protected where falling into the water presents a hazard.

Personal Flotation Devices

Personal flotation devices should be provided and worn where required for employees such as line handlers who may be pulled or fall into the water under applicable working conditions.

PFDs should be:

• U.S. Coast Guard approved as required.
• Appropriate for the work.
• Maintained in safe condition.
• Inspected for damage.

Damaged PFDs that affect buoyancy or fastening capability should not be used.

Lifesaving Equipment

Lifesaving equipment should be provided where required.

Equipment may include:

• Life rings.
• Rescue lines.
• Ladders.
• Other means of rescue.

Lifesaving equipment should remain readily accessible and employees should understand applicable emergency procedures.

Dock and Pier Safety

Docks, piers, and wharves should be maintained in safe condition.

Potential hazards include:

• Open edges.
• Damaged decking.
• Uneven surfaces.
• Slippery areas.
• Vehicle traffic.
• Cargo.
• Poor lighting.

Deficiencies should be corrected promptly.

Pier Load Limits

Elevated floors and pier structures should not be loaded beyond their safe capacity.

Applicable load limits should be posted.

Cargo-storage and equipment-placement decisions should consider structural capacity.

Edge Protection

Open edges should be guarded where required.

Where normal cargo operations require temporary removal or absence of edge protection, employees should follow applicable procedures and remain alert to fall hazards.

Dockboards and Bridge Plates

Dockboards and bridge plates should:

• Be strong enough for expected loads.
• Be properly positioned.
• Provide safe vehicle transition.
• Be maintained in serviceable condition.

Employees should not use damaged or improperly secured dockboards.

Slippery Conditions

Marine terminals may experience slippery surfaces caused by:

• Rain.
• Ice.
• Snow.
• Oil.
• Cargo residue.
• Marine growth.
• Other contaminants.

Slippery conditions should be eliminated where possible or employees protected while the condition exists.

Housekeeping

Work areas should be maintained to reduce:

• Trips.
• Falls.
• Blocked access.
• Fire hazards.
• Equipment interference.

Cargo residue, dunnage, broken pallets, strapping, debris, and other waste should be removed appropriately.

Railroad Facilities

Marine terminals may interface directly with rail operations.

Employees may be exposed to:

• Moving railcars.
• Switching.
• Coupling.
• Pinch points.
• Limited clearance.
• Cargo movement.

Rail procedures should clearly establish responsibilities and safe employee positions.

Railcar Movement

Railcars should be moved only through authorized procedures.

Employees should remain clear of:

• Moving railcars.
• Coupling points.
• Wheels.
• Pinch areas.
• Limited-clearance zones.

Communication should be established before movement begins.

Movement of Railcars and Barges

Moving railcars or barges can expose employees to severe crushing and caught-between hazards.

Employees should use equipment and procedures designed for the movement being performed.

Improvised methods should not be used.

Barge Operations

Employees working around barges should be alert to:

• Vessel movement.
• Lines.
• Gangways.
• Water.
• Cargo.
• Limited access.
• Changing elevations.

Safe access should be maintained.

Hazardous Cargo

Marine terminals may handle cargo presenting:

• Flammability.
• Toxicity.
• Corrosivity.
• Reactivity.
• Explosive hazards.
• Other health or physical hazards.

Hazardous cargo should be handled according to applicable procedures and regulatory requirements.

Hazardous Cargo Identification

Employees should have access to information necessary to recognize hazardous cargo.

Applicable:

• Labels.
• Placards.
• Markings.
• Shipping information.

should be retained and used as required.

Damaged Hazardous Cargo

Employees should not routinely handle leaking or damaged hazardous packages without evaluating the hazard.

Procedures should address:

• Isolation.
• Notification.
• PPE.
• Spill control.
• Emergency response.

Untrained employees should remain clear of hazardous releases.

Hazard Communication

The Hazard Communication Program should address hazardous chemicals employees may encounter during terminal operations.

Applicable elements may include:

• Chemical inventory.
• Labels.
• Safety Data Sheets.
• Employee training.
• Non-routine tasks.
• Workplace containers.

Employees should understand how to obtain hazard information.

Hazardous Atmospheres

Certain cargo or terminal areas may contain hazardous atmospheres.

Potential hazards may include:

• Toxic gases.
• Oxygen deficiency.
• Flammable atmospheres.
• Carbon monoxide.
• Fumigants.
• Pesticides.
• Cargo decomposition products.

Employees should not enter or remain in areas with hazardous atmospheres without appropriate evaluation and controls.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide may accumulate where fuel-powered equipment operates in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas.

Potential controls may include:

• Ventilation.
• Equipment maintenance.
• Exposure monitoring.
• Work-practice controls.
• Alternative equipment.

Employees should promptly report symptoms potentially associated with exposure.

Fumigated Cargo

Containers or cargo may contain fumigants used to control insects or other pests.

Employees should recognize applicable:

• Markings.
• Warning signs.
• Documentation.
• Entry restrictions.

Suspected fumigated spaces should not be entered until hazards have been evaluated.

Container Atmospheres

Closed containers can potentially contain hazardous atmospheres from:

• Fumigants.
• Cargo off-gassing.
• Chemical leaks.
• Oxygen displacement.
• Decomposition.

Employees should follow terminal procedures before entering containers where atmospheric hazards may exist.

Confined Spaces — When Applicable

Certain terminal tanks, pits, bins, hoppers, vessels, or other spaces may present confined-space hazards.

Spaces should be evaluated and appropriate entry procedures implemented where applicable.

The presence of a cargo container alone should not automatically be treated as making every container a permit-required confined space; hazards and configuration should be evaluated.

Respiratory Protection

Where respiratory protection is required, the employer should maintain an appropriate Respiratory Protection Program.

Applicable elements may include:

• Hazard evaluation.
• Respirator selection.
• Medical evaluation.
• Fit testing.
• Training.
• Inspection.
• Maintenance.
• Program evaluation.

Respirators should not substitute for required feasible engineering controls.

Personal Protective Equipment

PPE should be selected based on terminal hazard assessments.

Depending on duties, PPE may include:

• Hard hats.
• Safety glasses.
• Goggles.
• Face protection.
• Protective footwear.
• Gloves.
• High-visibility clothing.
• Hearing protection.
• Respiratory protection.
• Personal flotation devices.
• Protective clothing.

Employees should understand PPE use and limitations.

Head Protection

Employees should wear appropriate head protection where exposed to falling objects or other head hazards.

Hard hats should be maintained in serviceable condition.

Foot Protection

Protective footwear should be provided or used where employees are exposed to applicable foot hazards.

Potential hazards may include:

• Heavy cargo.
• Containers.
• Equipment.
• Falling objects.
• Rolling material.

High-Visibility Clothing

High-visibility garments can improve employee conspicuity around terminal vehicles and equipment.

Where used, garments should be appropriate for the work environment and maintained so employees remain visible.

High-visibility clothing does not eliminate the need for traffic separation and safe equipment operation.

Hearing Conservation

Marine terminals may contain substantial noise from:

• Cranes.
• Container handlers.
• Trucks.
• Rail operations.
• Conveyors.
• Ship operations.
• Maintenance equipment.

Employee exposure should be evaluated.

Where applicable thresholds are reached, required Hearing Conservation measures should be implemented.

Electrical Safety

Terminal operations may involve:

• Shore power.
• Container refrigeration connections.
• Cranes.
• Maintenance facilities.
• Temporary electrical equipment.

Electrical equipment should be maintained in safe condition.

Electrical work should be performed by appropriately qualified employees.

Refrigerated Containers

Refrigerated containers, or reefers, may require employees to work around electrical connections, chassis, vehicle traffic, and elevated connection points.

Procedures should address:

• Electrical hazards.
• Safe access.
• Vehicle movement.
• Fall hazards.
• Equipment condition.

Employees should not work on damaged electrical equipment unless qualified and authorized.

Maintenance Operations

Routine maintenance of terminal facilities and equipment may expose employees to:

• Hazardous energy.
• Electrical hazards.
• Hydraulic pressure.
• Elevated work.
• Moving equipment.
• Hot Work.

Maintenance should be planned and performed using procedures appropriate to the equipment and hazard.

Hazardous Energy

Employees performing maintenance should be protected from unexpected startup, movement, or release of stored energy.

Potential energy sources may include:

• Electrical.
• Mechanical.
• Hydraulic.
• Pneumatic.
• Gravity.
• Stored pressure.

Applicable energy-control procedures should be followed.

Hydraulic Equipment

Cranes, container handlers, forklifts, and other terminal equipment may contain high-pressure hydraulic systems.

Employees should not use bare hands to search for hydraulic leaks.

Stored pressure should be controlled before covered maintenance.

Tire and Wheel Servicing

Large terminal vehicles may use multi-piece or single-piece rim wheels.

Employees performing tire and wheel servicing should follow applicable procedures and receive required training.

Improper servicing can result in catastrophic component separation.

Hot Work

Welding, cutting, brazing, and grinding may be performed during terminal maintenance.

Hot Work procedures should address:

• Combustible cargo.
• Hazardous cargo.
• Fuel.
• Flammable atmospheres.
• Containers.
• Nearby employees.

Work should not begin until applicable precautions have been implemented.

Fire Prevention

Marine terminals may contain:

• Cargo.
• Vehicles.
• Fuel.
• Packaging.
• Warehouses.
• Maintenance areas.
• Hazardous materials.

Fire-prevention procedures should address ignition sources, combustible materials, emergency access, and employee responsibilities.

Weather

Marine terminal operations may be affected by:

• High winds.
• Rain.
• Lightning.
• Extreme heat.
• Cold.
• Fog.
• Severe storms.

Operations should be modified or suspended when weather creates unacceptable risk.

High Winds

High winds can significantly affect:

• Containers.
• Cranes.
• Suspended loads.
• Elevated work.
• Vessel movement.

Equipment should be operated within applicable manufacturer and terminal limitations.

Heat Stress

Employees may work outdoors for extended periods in hot conditions.

Heat-illness prevention should consider:

• Temperature.
• Humidity.
• Sun exposure.
• Workload.
• PPE.
• Acclimatization.
• Drinking water.
• Rest and cooling.

Severe Weather

Emergency procedures should address severe weather appropriate to the terminal’s geographic location.

Employees should understand:

• Warning methods.
• Shelter locations.
• Shutdown responsibilities.
• Evacuation procedures.

Emergency Action Plan

Marine terminals should maintain an Emergency Action Plan meeting applicable requirements.

Potential emergencies may include:

• Fire.
• Explosion.
• Hazardous-material release.
• Severe weather.
• Medical emergency.
• Person in the water.
• Major cargo incident.
• Equipment collision.

Employees should understand alarms, evacuation routes, assembly locations, reporting procedures, and assigned responsibilities.

Person in the Water

Employees should know how to initiate emergency response when a person falls into the water.

Response procedures should address:

• Immediate notification.
• Lifesaving equipment.
• Rescue resources.
• Emergency medical assistance.
• Employee accountability.

Employees should not place themselves in uncontrolled danger while attempting rescue.

First Aid

A first-aid kit should be available at the terminal.

At least one person holding a valid first-aid certificate should be available at the terminal while work is in progress.

First-aid supplies should reflect the hazards associated with marine cargo-handling operations.

Injury Reporting

Employees should report every occupational injury in accordance with terminal procedures.

Prompt reporting allows the employer to:

• Provide appropriate care.
• Investigate the incident.
• Identify hazards.
• Implement corrective actions.

Incident Investigation

Significant incidents should be investigated to identify:

• Immediate causes.
• Contributing factors.
• Root causes.
• Corrective actions.

Investigations may consider:

• Traffic controls.
• Cargo stability.
• Equipment operation.
• Crane operations.
• Communication.
• Employee positioning.
• Terminal layout.
• Training.
• Supervision.

Root Cause Analysis

Root Cause Analysis may identify underlying factors involving:

• Equipment selection.
• Terminal design.
• Traffic planning.
• Maintenance.
• Procedures.
• Training.
• Staffing.
• Communication.
• Production pressure.
• Contractor coordination.
• Corrective-action systems.

Corrective actions should address identified causes rather than simply assigning blame.

Marine Terminal Safety Inspections

Periodic safety inspections should evaluate:

• Docks and piers.
• Walking-working surfaces.
• Container yards.
• Cranes.
• Powered equipment.
• Rigging.
• Rail areas.
• Cargo-storage areas.
• PPE.
• Emergency equipment.
• Lighting.
• Housekeeping.

Identified deficiencies should be corrected in a timely manner.

Marine Terminal Safety Training

Employee training should reflect assigned duties and terminal hazards.

Depending on responsibilities, training may address:

• Cargo handling.
• Containers.
• Powered Industrial Trucks.
• Terminal traffic.
• Cranes.
• Rigging.
• Line handling.
• Rail operations.
• Hazardous cargo.
• PPE.
• Working near water.
• Emergency procedures.

Employees should not independently perform specialized work until they have received appropriate instruction.

Equipment-Specific Training

Employees should receive instruction for equipment they are authorized to operate.

Training should address:

• Equipment controls.
• Capacity.
• Visibility.
• Pedestrians.
• Load handling.
• Attachments.
• Parking.
• Emergency procedures.

Training on one type of terminal equipment should not automatically be considered adequate for substantially different equipment.

New Employee Orientation

New employees should receive safety orientation before independently performing assigned work.

Orientation may address:

• Terminal traffic.
• Restricted areas.
• Cargo hazards.
• PPE.
• Water hazards.
• Emergency procedures.
• Incident reporting.
• Communication.

Refresher Training

Refresher or remedial training may be appropriate following:

• Unsafe equipment operation.
• Traffic violations.
• Cargo-handling incidents.
• Equipment changes.
• Process changes.
• Incidents or near misses.
• Identified knowledge gaps.

Safety Meetings

Periodic safety meetings may reinforce safe work practices.

Potential topics include:

• Container safety.
• Terminal traffic.
• Crane operations.
• Suspended loads.
• Line handling.
• Working near water.
• Hazardous cargo.
• Weather.
• Recent incidents.

Recordkeeping

Marine-terminal employers should maintain occupational safety and health records required for their operations.

Records may include:

• Employee training.
• Injury and illness records.
• Equipment inspections.
• Crane and material-handling device certification.
• Powered Industrial Truck training.
• Rigging inspections.
• Exposure monitoring.
• Respiratory Protection records.
• Hearing Conservation records.
• Incident investigations.
• Emergency records.

Records should be retained according to applicable requirements.

Additional Safety Programs

Depending on terminal operations and employee exposures, additional programs may be necessary for:

• Marine Terminal Safety.
• Marine Cargo Handling.
• Container Handling.
• Roll-On/Roll-Off Safety.
• Cargo Slinging.
• Rigging & Material Handling.
• Crane & Derrick Safety.
• Powered Industrial Trucks.
• Terminal Vehicle Safety.
• Traffic Control.
• Line Handling.
• Working Over or Near Water.
• Personal Flotation Devices.
• Railroad Safety.
• Barge Safety.
• Conveyor Safety.
• Hazardous Cargo.
• Hazard Communication.
• Hazardous Atmospheres.
• Carbon Monoxide.
• Fumigants & Pesticides.
• Respiratory Protection.
• Personal Protective Equipment.
• Hearing Conservation.
• Electrical Safety.
• Refrigerated Container Safety.
• Hazardous Energy Control.
• Tire & Wheel Servicing.
• Hot Work.
• Fire Prevention.
• Fall Protection.
• Walking-Working Surfaces.
• Ladder Safety.
• Heat Stress Prevention.
• Severe Weather.
• Emergency Action Plan.
• First Aid.
• Incident Reporting & Investigation.
• Root Cause Analysis.

Programs should be included when the terminal’s cargo, equipment, vessel interface, transportation systems, maintenance activities, and employee exposures make them applicable.

Building a Marine Terminal Safety Manual

A useful Marine Terminal Safety Manual should reflect the terminal’s actual operations.

A container terminal may require extensive procedures for ship-to-shore cranes, container lifting, spreaders, container yards, straddle carriers, reach stackers, top handlers, terminal tractors, chassis, reefer containers, traffic control, and container stacking.

A roll-on/roll-off terminal may require greater emphasis on vehicle movement, vessel ramps, terminal tractors, pedestrian separation, traffic control, vehicle loading, and working near water.

A breakbulk terminal may require substantial procedures for cargo slinging, rigging, cranes, forklifts, cargo stacking, suspended loads, warehouses, and irregular or heavy cargo.

A bulk terminal may require additional programs for conveyors, hoppers, bins, dust, material flow, mobile equipment, and specialized cargo hazards.

A terminal handling hazardous or fumigated cargo may require additional procedures for hazardous atmospheres, chemical identification, respiratory protection, exposure control, emergency response, and damaged or leaking cargo.

A terminal with rail operations may require substantial additional procedures for railcar movement, switching, limited-clearance areas, cargo transfer, and coordination between rail and terminal personnel.

The safety manual should therefore be based on the operations actually performed rather than automatically assigning every marine-terminal-related program to every facility.

Customized Marine Terminal Safety Manuals

A Marine Terminal Safety Manual can be developed around the terminal’s cargo, containers, cranes, forklifts, terminal tractors, rail operations, barges, line handling, docks, piers, warehouses, hazardous materials, maintenance activities, employees, and other occupational hazards.

The finished manual may incorporate applicable programs for Marine Cargo Handling, Container Safety, Crane and Rigging Safety, Powered Industrial Trucks, Terminal Traffic, Line Handling, Working Over or Near Water, Hazardous Cargo, PPE, Respiratory Protection, Emergency Action Planning, Incident Investigation, and other hazards associated with port and terminal operations.

This provides marine terminals, container terminals, port facilities, roll-on/roll-off terminals, breakbulk terminals, and other marine cargo-handling employers with a practical safety manual organized around the work their employees actually perform.