Note: For further information see annex 5.
12.1 General precautions
12.1.1 When applicable the consignee or the receiver of a CTU should check whether
the unit is externally in good condition, and not significantly distorted, cracked
or bent. If such damage is found, the receiver should document and notify it to the
CTU operator. Specific attention should be paid to damage that may have influenced
the condition of the cargo within the unit.
12.1.2 Where a seal number is stated on the transport documentation, the seal should
be checked. If the reference number on the seal differs from the documentation or if
the seal appears to be damaged or is missing, this could indicate that the CTU has
been opened during transport. In such case the CTU operator should be contacted.
12.1.3 If a CTU shows signs of abnormally high temperatures it should be moved to a
safe place and the fire services notified. Care should be taken to ensure that the
fire-fighting methods used are suitable for the cargo in the unit.
12.1.4 Persons opening a CTU should be aware of the risk of cargo falling
out (for details see annex 5, section 6).
12.1.5 CTUs with substances used for cooling or conditioning purposes present a
particular risk of a toxic or asphyxiant atmosphere (see paragraphs 11.2.2 and
11.2.3). Before opening the doors, it should be ascertained by measurement that no
harmful atmosphere is present in the CTU.
12.1.6 Some cargoes may emit harmful fumes. Especially after long sea voyages, it has
been repeatedly realized that apparently non-hazardous goods such as shoes, textile
products, furniture or the like emit harmful substances to an extent making the
atmosphere in the CTU dangerous. Care should be taken not to come into contact with
the internal atmosphere when opening the doors. Therefore, any CTU should be
ventilated before allowing personnel to enter, preferably by mechanically forced
ventilation. If this is not available, the doors should be opened for a period of
time – enough to allow the internal atmosphere to regularize with the ambient.
12.1.7 CTUs that are fumigated should be properly marked. On occasion, marks may
become obliterated or lost during transport. As CTUs may then not be appropriately
marked, the doors and vents should be checked. Tape applied to door gaskets or to
the vents may indicate the risk of fumigant presence.
12.1.8 If there is a particular reason to suspect damage to packages with dangerous
goods, expert advice should be sought before unpacking of the unit starts. When
possible, a safety data sheet (SDS) should be required from the consignor, to
determine appropriate measures and necessary personal protection equipment.
12.2 Unpacking a CTU
12.2.1 For the positioning of a CTU, section 8.3 applies. Where access to the roof of
the CTU is required, e.g. to remove the canvas of an open top unit, mobile steps or
a gantry platform should be provided. Access to the doors of a CTU should be made by
using ramps or platforms if required (see subsection 8.3.3).
12.2.2 Persons opening CTUs should be aware of the risk of cargo falling out. To
reduce the risk of personal injury from shifted cargo coming out when doors are
opened, the use of a safety strap is encouraged. The strap should be secured around
the inner locking rods of a CTU to minimize the free movement of the door which is
first opened. Movement of the cargo within sheeted CTUs may also present a risk to
those opening the side curtains of open sided units.
12.2.3 Suitable unpacking equipment and techniques should be used (see annex 7, section 3.3), so that persons involved are not
placed at risk.
12.2.4 When removing lashing or blocking devices or other cargo securing material,
care should be taken to ensure that cargo items do not move when released. The
valves of inflatable dunnage bags should be opened and the air released.
12.2.5 It should be considered that items with low friction such as piles of steel
plates may suddenly shift and that unstable items may topple when retaining straps
are removed.
12.2.6 When any damage to the cargo is detected during the unloading of the CTU, this
should be documented and notified to the carrier and/or CTU operator and shipper, as
appropriate. If a package containing dangerous goods is found to be so damaged that
the contents leak out, the immediate area should be evacuated until the hazard
potential has been assessed. When possible, a safety data sheet (SDS) should be
requested from the consignor, to determine appropriate measures and necessary
personal protection equipment.
12.3 Returning the unpacked CTU
12.3.1 Upon unpacking the CTU, it may in agreement with the CTU operator either be
returned to the CTU operators' facility or transported to a new
consignor/packer/shipper. Under either scenario, unless otherwise agreed, the
consignee is responsible for ensuring that the CTU is completely clean, free of
cargo residues, noxious materials, plants, plant products and visible pests.
12.3.2 When disposing of cargo residues and cargo associated waste, the applicable
environmental regulations should be considered. Wherever practicable, dunnage bags
and other securing materials should be recycled. When wood quarantine requirements
apply, timber bracings and packing/securing material of natural wood, not bearing
the appropriate IPPC marking, (see annex 7, section 1.14) should be disposed of as required by
national or local plant protection regulations.
12.3.3 After a CTU with dangerous goods has been unpacked, particular care should be
taken to ensure that no hazard remains. This may require special cleaning,
particularly if spillage of a toxic or corrosive substance has occurred or is
suspected. In case of doubt with regard to appropriate cleaning measures, the CTU
operator should be contacted.
12.3.4 All placards and other markings referring to the last shipment, including,
where applicable, markings referring to dangerous goods, should be removed, masked
or otherwise obliterated.