Dangerous substances and environments

• Pages: 162-167

26. Dangerous substances and

environments

26.1. Handling of dangerous substances

26.1.1. Explosives, highly flammable liquids and other dan-

gerous substances should be loaded, unloaded, handled and stored

in accordance with the relevant requirements of national or local

regulations, due account being taken of applicable national and

international standards such as those of the Inter-Governmental

Maritime Consultative Organisation.

26.1.2. (1) Dangerous substances should be loaded, unloaded,

handled and stored only under the supervision of a competent person

who is familiar with the risks and the precautions to be taken.

(2) In case of doubt as to the nature of the risk or the precautions

to be taken, the necessary instructions should be obtained from the

competent authority.

26.1.3. (1) Dangerous substances should not be loaded, un-

loaded, handled or stored unless they are packed and labelled in

compliance with national or international regulations for the trans-

port of such substances.

(2) In the case of bulk cargo where labelling may present diffi-

culties, the necessary indications should be given on the bill of lading

or other ship's document.

26.1.4. (1) Prior to the start of cargo-handling operations, it

should be ascertained from the labels on the cargo, from the dan-

gerous cargo manifest or from other shipping documents, what

hazardous cargoes, if any, are to be handled and the general nature

of the hazard.

(2) Dockworkers should be informed of the general nature of the

hazard, the importance of not damaging the cargo and any special

precautions to be taken.

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