Access to the top of a container

• Pages: 105-106

16. Access to the top of a container

16.1. Examination area

16.1.1. Any freight container requiring detailed examination

should be removed from the stack and placed in an area which is

specially set apart for this purpose and in which safe means of access,

such as aircraft-type steps, fixed access platforms or ladders, can be

provided.

16.2. Means of access

16.2.1. (1) In the case of a stack special equipment such as the

type of access platform fitted to articulated arms mounted on a road

vehicle for the maintenance of street lights should be employed

whenever this is practicable.

Alternatively, a straddle carrier may be employed, after it has

been specially adapted for this use, to enable a person to travel on

the carrier and, when the latter is positioned over the particular

container, to be able to pass on to the container in safety, the carrier

remaining station&ry the whole time.

The modification referred to in subparagraph (2) should not

be such as to impair the suitability of the straddle carrier for the work

for which it was originally designed.

A suitable standard operating procedure for the transport of

persons should be laid down to suit the type of carrier and local

conditions.

This procedure should include a strict requirement that the

driver of the carrier should

obey all instructions from the person examining the container

when that person is descending on to or climbing from or standiug

on the container;

not move any part of the carrier's mechanism or accept audible

instructions (which should be prohibited) when the person

examining the container is not within his field of vision.

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