1 Introduction
1.1 This annex covers a number of actions and activities and provides safety advice
for persons involved in the reception and unpacking of CTUs.
1.2 When receiving a CTU, the receiver or consignee should:
1.2.1 Confirm that the unit is as specified on the transport documentation, checking
the CTU identification reference as shown in figure 5.1. If the identification
reference shown on the documentation is not the same as that on the CTU, it should
not be accepted until clarification is received from the shipper.
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Figure 5.1 Three examples of CTU
identification references
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1.2.2 Inspect the seal, if fitted. Inspecting a seal requires visual check for signs
of tampering, comparison of the seal's identification number with the cargo
documentation, and noting the inspection in the appropriate documentation. If the
seal is missing, or shows signs of tampering, or shows a different identification
number than the cargo documentation, then a number of actions are necessary:
1.2.3 The receiver or consignee should bring the discrepancy to the attention of the
carrier and the shipper. The consignee should also note the discrepancy on the cargo
documentation and notify Customs or law enforcement agencies, in accordance with
national legislation. Where no such notification requirements exist, the consignee
should refuse custody of the CTU pending communication with the carrier until such
discrepancies can be resolved.
2 Positioning CTUs
2.1 Wheeled operation
2.1.1 Road trailers and freight containers on chassis can be left at the packer's
premises for a period of time without a tractor unit. When this happens, the correct
positioning of the CTU is particularly important as a safe shifting of the CTU at a
later stage might be difficult. After positioning, brakes should be applied and
wheels should be chocked.
2.1.2 Trailers with end door openings and general purpose freight containers on
chassis can be backed up to an enclosed loading bay or can be positioned elsewhere
in the premises. For this type of operation a safe access to the CTU by means of
suitable ramps is required.
2.1.3 When a semi-trailer or a freight container on a chassis is to be packed, care
should be taken to ensure that the trailer or chassis cannot tip while a lift truck
is being used inside the CTU (see figure 5.2).
Figure 5.2 Inadequate support of a
trailer
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If there is a risk for forward tipping the semi-trailer or chassis should be
sufficiently supported by fixed or adjustable supports (see figures 5.3 and
5.4).
Figure 5.3 Fixed
support
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Figure 5.4 Adjustable
support
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2.2 Grounded operation
2.2.1 Freight containers may be unloaded from the delivery vehicle and be placed
within secure areas for packing. The area should be level and have a firm ground.
Proper lifting equipment is required.
2.2.2 When landing freight containers it should be ensured that the area is clear of
any debris or undulations in the ground that may damage the understructure (cross
members or rails) of the freight container.
2.2.3 As freight container doors may not operate correctly when the ground is not
level, the door end of the freight container should be examined. When one corner is
raised off the ground, when the doors are out of line (see figure 5.5) or when the
anti-racking plate is hard against one of the stops, the freight container doors
should be levelled out by placing shims under one or other corner fitting, as
appropriate.
Figure 5.5 Racked freight
container
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2.2.4 When a swap body standing on its support legs is to be packed, particular care
should be taken to ensure that the swap body does not tip when a lift truck is used
for packing. It should be checked that the support legs of the swap body rest firmly
on the ground and cannot shift, slump or move when forces are exerted to the swap
body during packing (see figure 5.6).
Figure 5.6 Swap body landed on
support legs
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2.3 Access to the CTU
2.3.1 After the CTU has been positioned for packing, a safe access should be
provided. For loading a CTU by means of forklift trucks driven into the CTU, a
bridging unit between the working ground or loading ramp and the CTU floor should be
used. The bridging unit should have lateral boundaries and be safely connected to
the CTU for avoiding dislocation of the bridging unit during driving operations.
2.3.2 If the CTU floor is at a height level different to that of the loading ramp, a
hump may appear between the loading ramp and the bridging unit or between the
bridging unit and the CTU floor. Care should be taken that the forklift truck used
keeps sufficient ground clearance over this hump. Lining the level differences with
suitable timber material under the bridging unit should be considered (see figures
5.7 and 5.8).
Figure 5.7 Grounding
on down slope
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Figure 5.8 Grounding
on up slope
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2.3.3 If forklift trucks are employed for packing, any roofs or covers of the CTU
should be opened if necessary. Any movable parts of such roofs or covers should be
removed or suitably secured in order to avoid interference with the loading
procedure.
2.4 Packing of CTUs in poor daylight conditions may require additional lighting.
Electric lighting equipment should be used under the strict observance of relevant
safety regulations, in order to eliminate the risk of electric shocks or incentive
sparks from defective cables or heat accumulation from light bulbs.
3 Removing seals
3.1 Stance
3.1.1 The height of the door handle and the seal varies depending on the type of CTU
and the design of the door. Rigid vehicles and trailers are generally lower within a
range of 1.1 and 1.6 m from the ground. Freight containers carried on a trailer will
have the security cam fitted seal approximately 1.4 m from the ground, but the
handles and any seals attached to them at a height of approximately 1.9 m (see
figures 5.9 and 5.10).
Figure 5.9
Seal heights - trailer
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Figure 5.10 Seal
heights - freight container
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3.1.2 Seals attached to handles on container doors (approximately 1.9 m above the
ground) will be about head height for the average person and attempting to cut
through a bolt seal at that height is likely to result in a musculoskeletal injury.
3.1.3 The best posture for cutting seals is for the operator to stand upright with
the angle at the elbow between 90° and 120° and the elbow in line or slightly
forward of the body.
3.1.3.1 Avoid positions where the elbows are behind the body or above the shoulder.
3.1.3.2 When gripping the cutting tool, the wrist should be kept as straight as
possible.
3.1.3.3 The best position of the cutting head will be approximately 0 to 15 cm above
the height of the elbow. The height above ground level to the elbow for the average
(western) man is 109 cm. This means that the best position for the seal will be
between 109 and 124 cm (1.09 and 1.24 m) above standing level.
3.1.4 Figure 5.11 shows a typical example of how many seals are actually cut. The
operator has his back bent, the seal is well below the height of the elbow, the arms
are almost straight and the left wrist is cocked, while the right appears to be
straight.
Figure 5.11 Cutting the
seal
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3.1.5 The length of the bolt cutter levers are very long compared to the movement of
the cutting blades, therefore the hands have to "squeeze" in a considerable
distance.
3.1.6 Cutting resistance is high as the blades start to cut and reduces to grow again
as the cut finishes. Therefore while the hands are wide apart the greatest inwards
pressure is required.
3.2 Height adjustment
3.2.1 The normal height for the seals above ground level is between 1.09 and 1.24 m.
This means that a normal person when cutting the lower seal position of a freight
container mounted on a trailer and with an ideal stance would have their feet
approximately 16 cm above ground level. For the higher seal position the foot
position would be about 50 cm above the ground.
3.2.2 It is essential that the operator is able to gain a firm footing when cutting
the seal. This may require the legs to be spread both laterally and longitudinally.
The footing should be:
3.2.3 For cutting the seal at the lower position a single pallet with a plywood panel
fixed to the top, or two pallets stacked with a plywood panel, all fixed together so
that there is no risk of the items sliding independently would provide a suitable
platform. However there is a risk of the operator accidentally falling from the
platform during the cutting operation.
3.2.4 To access the highest seals, the use of a proprietary platform with a narrow
work platform width may not allow the operator to stand comfortably and safely as
the depth may not be sufficient. A second platform with a plywood panel fixed to
both will allow sufficient area for the operator to stand and operate the bolt
cutters safely (see figure 5.12). Such platforms should also be fitted with fall
protection by way of barriers.
Figure 5.12 Work
platform
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3.2.5 Mobile work platforms similar to the one shown in figure 5.13 may be rather
more sophisticated than is required and a smaller version may be more appropriate
(see figure 5.14). As an alternative a simpler device can be fitted to the tines of
a forklift truck as shown in figure 5.15.
Figure 5.13 Mobile
work platform
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Figure 5.14 Mobile work device
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Figure 5.15 Mobile
work station
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3.2.6 The important feature of a mobile work platform is that it can be adjusted to
exactly the correct height, has a platform of sufficient area and provides the
operator with full fall protection.
3.2.7 A ladder can be used, but this is not a really suitable platform for cutting
with large bolt cutters. For smaller cutters they may be used with care.
3.2.7.1 When carrying out a task using a ladder or a step ladder it is essential that
three points of contact (hands and feet) are maintained at the working position.
Since both hands are required to cut the seal using the bolt cutters, the third
point of contact can be substituted by leaning the chest on the ladder or step
ladder.
3.2.7.2 Working on a ladder or step ladder should not involve any side loading which
necessitates twisting of the body, therefore it is improbable that a ladder can be
positioned so as to comply with these requirements and provide sufficient room for
the bolt cutters to be operated correctly.
3.2.7.3 Therefore if there is a choice only between a ladder and a step ladder the
step ladder will probably provide the better work position.
3.2.8 Figure 5.16 shows the correct position for the operator with the bolt cutters
held between the step ladder and the CTU.
3.2.9 In this position there is still a risk of the ladder falling sideways as the
cutters are squeezed in, therefore the operator should be supported by a co-worker
or the step ladder secured to prevent it falling or sliding.
3.2.10 A safer solution is to use wide mobile steps with a top platform sufficiently
wide and deep to permit the operator to stand safely.
Figure 5.16 Working on container
doors
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4 Preparing to open the doors
4.1 External checks
4.1.1 Once the seal has been removed the CTU doors may be opened, however before
doing so, a few more checks should be made.
4.1.1.1 Check the exterior for signs, marks or other labels that may indicate that
the cargo may put those involved in unpacking the CTU at risk.
Figure 5.17 Flexitank
label
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Figure 5.18
Fumigation label
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Figure 5.19 Dangerous atmosphere
label
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4.1.1.2 The labels shown above indicate that opening the doors should follow a
particular process. Only the right hand door on a CTU carrying a flexitank should be
opened (see figure 5.17). CTUs that have been fumigated (see figure 5.18) or where
there is a coolant or conditioner (see figure 5.19) should be opened and ventilated
before entering the CTU.
4.1.2 Dangerous atmospheres
4.1.2.1 CTUs carrying dangerous goods also should be opened with care as there is a
risk that the carrying packages have been damaged and the goods spilled.
4.1.2.2 Fumigants are highly toxic. Cargoes most likely to have been fumigated
include foodstuffs, leather goods, handicrafts, textiles, timber or cane furniture,
luxury vehicles and cargo in timber cases or on timber pallets.
4.1.2.3 CTUs transported under fumigation are required to be marked and
declared in accordance with the applicable dangerous goods regulations. However,
absence of marking cannot be taken to mean fumigants are not present. CTUs marked as
having been ventilated after fumigation may also contain fumigant that was absorbed
by the cargo and released during transit (see annex 9).
4.1.2.4 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 (see figure 5.20).
Figure 5.20 Vent tapped
over
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4.1.2.5 In addition to the presence of fumigants, toxic gases associated with the
cargo's manufacturing process have been found in dangerous levels, for example shoes
may have high levels of toluene, benzene and 1,2-dichloroethane.
4.1.2.6 In the short term, vapours irritate the eyes, the skin and respiratory tract.
Inhalation of vapours can cause pulmonary oedema. The substance can have an effect
on the central nervous system, the kidneys and the liver, causing functional
deficiency.
4.1.3 If there are concerns that there are signs of a dangerous atmosphere, a safety
data sheet (SDS) should be requested from the consignor or from the shipper, as
appropriate and sampling the air inside the CTU before opening could be considered.
5 Measuring gases
5.1 A number of surveys have revealed undeclared gases carried in CTUs. Many of the
gases are dangerous and would constitute a severe risk to those involved in
unpacking.
5.2 The person who controls the opening and entry of CTUs should always check the
chemical properties and the threshold limit value (TLV) of the relevant chemical,
referring to their own national standards and guidelines where they exist.
5.3 Unfortunately, one cannot rely on ones sense of smell as most of these gases will
be well above their TLV by the time they can be detected. The only practical way is
to take air samples. In the open this is very difficult. Initially, a device that
identifies the gas is required before the concentration of the gas can be measured.
5.4 The simplest and easiest way to measure the internal atmosphere is to use a
readily available detector tube device. Do not open the CTU but gas can be sampled
by forcing a solid tube in through the door gaskets (see figure 5.21).
Figure 5.21 Sampling
gas
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5.5 There is no device available that can detect all hazardous gases, therefore one
measurement will not provide sufficient information about the internal atmosphere
and multiple tests will be required.
5.6 The risk of hazardous gases in CTUs is relevant to all parties in the supply
chain. The causes of these gases can be attributed to internal business processes in
manufacturing or by actions performed on behalf of third parties (service providers
and logistics companies).
5.7 Action plans for testing and reacting to hazardous gases in CTUs may be drawn up
by companies to protect their employees from the effects of these gases when opening
and unpacking them. The companies producing the actions plans may not be the
ultimate consignees of the goods, but may be authorized to open the CTU earlier in
the supply chain or responsible for unpacking.
5.8 It should be remembered that hazardous gases may be introduced into the CTU by:
5.9 In addition, incidents may occur that permit the release of gases from declared
or undeclared dangerous goods being carried.
6 Opening the doors
6.1 Unstable or poorly packed cargoes may be pressing against the doors which may be
forced open when the door gear is released, or the cargo may fall out once the doors
are opened.
6.2 The first action for steel doors is to "ring" them which is to tap the flat
surface of both doors. If the sound is dull and there is no resonance then it is
likely that the cargo will be resting against the door. Extra care should be taken
when opening the door.
6.3 If there is a risk that the cargo is resting against the doors or the CTU
contains bulk materials, a safety chain can be fitted across the doors, from top to
bottom corner fittings (see figure 5.22). This technique can be also used on CTUs
without corner fittings by applying a chain from an anchor point on each side or
using a shorter chain attached to the locking bars. The length of the chain should
be long enough to permit the doors to open but short enough so that the doors cannot
open more than 150 mm (6 in).
Figure 5.22 Safety
chain
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6.4 If a diagonal chain cannot be fitted, then a loose strap across the inner lock
rods may be used. If there is no facility for attaching the strap, or strap
available the person opening the doors should always open the doors with caution.
6.5 Handles for CTUs vary, some will have one locking bar, others two and the handle
design may be a bar or a formed handle, as shown in figures 5.23 to 5.25.
Figure
5.23 Container doors
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Figure 5.24 Trailer
doors
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Figure 5.25 Trailer
doors
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6.6 They may be in the format where the handle is on the same side of the locking rod
(see figure 5.26) or between the rods (see figure 5.27).
Figure 5.26 Handles
on same side
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Figure 5.27 Handles
between bars
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6.7 Most CTU doors open easily by rotating the handles approximately 90° and then
pulling on the handles of locking bars. The action of rotating the bars will mean
that the cams push against their keepers and force the door open.
6.8 Figure 5.28 shows the operation of the cams on many freight containers. Rotating
the lock rod (A) will cause the breaker surface of the cam to press against the
keeper (B), thus forcing the door open(C).
Figure 5.28 Door cam
operation
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6.9 Once the lock rods have been fully rotated, adopt an upright stance and grasp the
lock rods or the door at about shoulder height or just below and pull backwards
using the whole body.
6.10 If the doors do not open easily:
6.11 If one door will not open, and the other door may be opened (i.e. the CTU is not
carrying a dry bulk tank), then both doors could be opened at the same time which
may make opening the doors easier.
6.12 As the door opens be prepared to step back quickly if:
6.13 If you need to step out of the way move away from the hinged side of the door.
6.14 Doors in the various types of CTU may open with different degrees of difficulty.
The following contribute to this difficulty:
- Corrosion to the door component and hinge pins;
-
Damage to the door component, including door gear, or corner post
resulting in the misalignment of the hinges;
-
Condition of the gaskets, which may not seat properly on the
door;
-
Racking of the CTU. Many CTUs rely on the doors to hold the rear
end of the CTU square. If the CTU is placed on uneven ground the CTU may
rack and the doors become misaligned (see figure 5.29).
6.15 Once the doors are free to swing and there is no risk on injury caused by the
cargo falling out, walk the doors through 270° and attach the retaining strap to the
hook to prevent the door from swinging (see figure 5.30).
Figure 5.29 Racked
CTU
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Figure 5.30 Door
retaining strap
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6.16 DO NOT ENTER THE CTU YET
7 Ventilation
7.1 Introduction
7.1.1 Closed CTUs are enclosed spaces and care should be taken before entering. Even
without toxic gases and other asphyxiates oxygen supply may be depleted which could
make normal breathing difficult. Ventilating a CTU will allow fresh air to circulate
into the CTU and around any cargo carried and remove any harmful or toxic gases or
fumes. The most effective method is to use forced ventilation.
7.1.2 It is a risky activity and it is important that CTUs are ventilated
responsibly. The person who opens and closes the doors should be aware of the
possible risks involved and, if required, wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
The selection of the appropriate PPE will depend on measurements taken to determine
the concentration and toxicity of the gases within the CTU and may require a
combination of breathing apparatus and skin protection.
7.2 Planning
7.2.1 When ventilating CTUs a number of factors will determine the action required:
7.2.1.1 The concentration of the gas. The greater the concentration the longer the
CTU will require for ventilation.
7.2.1.2 The nature of the gas. Some gases are very light and volatile and will
evaporate quickly. Others are less volatile and/or adhere to the cargo, such as
methyl bromide and 1,2-dichloroethane. The time for ventilation will need to be
decided upon accordingly. It may not be possible to completely remove traces of
gases that adhere to the cargo and the CTU may only be declared clean and safe to
enter after the cargo has been removed and the CTU washed.
7.2.1.3 Ambient temperature. Higher temperatures will generally permit faster
evaporation thus reducing the time to declare the CTU safe to enter. At lower
temperatures, some fumigants stop working and remain inert until the temperature
again rises. This can mean that the correct volume of a fumigant for the journey
initially applied in a hot packing location which then passes into a colder area may
arrive at the destination with high levels of fumigant still remaining in the CTU.
7.2.1.4 The size of the CTU. A 12 m long CTU has approximately twice the internal
volume of a 6 m unit, and if the doors are only at one end, the circulation of gas
has to travel considerably further.
7.2.1.5 The packing method. A CTU that has been tightly packed and is especially full
will be more difficult to ventilate than one with many gaps and "open air" around
the packages.
7.2.1.6 The nature of the cargo. Cargo that absorbs gases, such as mattresses and
clothes, requires more time for ventilation than hard surfaced products. Absorbent
materials hermetically sealed within a plastic or similar cover will not require the
same time to ventilate as an uncovered item.
7.2.1.7 Packing material used. Absorbent packing materials will require extra time
for any gases to leach out. Such materials may require special disposal to meet
local environmental regulations.
7.2.1.8 The time which elapsed after the CTU has been closed.
7.3 Ventilation of CTUs can happen in two ways, natural or forced ventilation.
7.3.1 Natural ventilation
7.3.1.1 This can be done by simply opening the doors.
7.3.1.2 In some countries local regulations require an environmental permit for
opening CTUs with high concentrations of dangerous gases. Once the application is
received the Competent Authority determines under what conditions the company may
ventilate on site. The granting of an environmental permit may take up to 6 months.
7.3.1.3 Estimate the necessary ventilation time in advance. CO, CO2 or
O2 degas quickly. At encountering these substances start with a
minimum of 2 hours ventilation. For other substances this will be insufficient and
it is suggested that the CTU is ventilated for at least 24 hours. Record start and
end time.
7.3.2 Forced ventilation
7.3.2.1 To carry out forced ventilation or degassing there are several possibilities.
A few examples:
- Powerful fans, one or more fans directing air into and/or out of
the CTU will stimulate the circulation of gases within the CTU.
-
A "degassing door" (Ventilation & Gas Recapture System). This
door will completely seal off the CTU and is fitted with two sealable
openings. When for example air is blown through the top opening and is
extracted at the bottom the unwanted gas disappears with the air from the
CTU. At the end of the hose where the air from the CTU comes out, a suitable
filter can be placed so the gases don't end up in the environment.
7.3.2.2 The advantage of forced ventilation is that it reduces the time necessary to
remove high concentration of residual gas, partly because the climatic conditions
can be optimized.
7.3.3 General safety
7.3.3.1 Do not enter the CTU during ventilation.
7.3.3.2 Make sure that during ventilation warning signs or otherwise clearly indicate
that the CTU should not be approached or entered. For methyl bromide, phosphine and
sulfuryl fluoride, for example, a minimum distance of 20 m all around the CTU should
be set.
7.3.3.3 Toxic gas concentrations in the cargo space and the cargo itself should be
measured and once they fall below the limit(s) the CTU may be released for entry.
Carry out additional measurements if the doors are closed without the cargo being
unpacked and the interior cleaned for a period of 12 or more hours.
7.3.3.4 The climatic conditions should also be monitored and action taken if:
7.3.3.5 A specialist gas removal contractor should be used if:
- The concentration exceeds 6 times the limit;
-
If phosphine is detected. When opening a CTU or when unpacking or
transferring cargo, highly toxic gas may be released as a result of residues
of tablets not yet exhausted. In this case, the limit of the substance
concerned may be exceeded.
7.3.3.6 Specialist gas removal contractors may move the CTU off site into closed and
regulated area. The premises are inaccessible to unauthorized persons and the
company guarantees that the cargo is monitored.
7.3.3.7 If in doubt, or for questions always contact a local company who specializes
in the ventilation and degassing of CTUs.
7.3.4 Environment
7.3.4.1 Remember that toxic gases within the CTU will dissipate into the atmosphere.
It should be remembered that the higher the gas concentration the greater the harm
to the environment.
7.3.4.2 Consider the waste (residue) as hazardous waste. In practice this means that
the waste should be offered to a certified collector to be processed or destroyed.
7.4 Ventilation first, then measure. This means that if the quantity and
concentration of a toxic gas is known, then the CTU may be ventilated in accordance
with the calculated time without the need for measuring the atmosphere until the
ventilation time has expired. As always a test should be carried out before entering
the CTU.
8 Returning the CTU
8.1 General
8.1.1 The internal and external cleanliness of CTUs is very important if unnecessary
restrictions to their use and movement are to be avoided.
8.1.2 The receiver or consignee should return the CTU in the same state that it was
delivered. This means that the CTU should be:
- Completely empty and clean. A clean CTU should be free of all cargo
residues, plants, plant products, visible signs of pests, packing, lashing and
securing materials marks, signs and placards associated with packing the CTU or
the cargo, and any other debris removed. This includes fumigant materials or
other noxious substances (see definitions in chapter 2 of this Code). Personal
protective equipment should be provided for such work;
-
Returned in a timely manner as agreed with the CTU operator.
CTUs in the supply chain and associated road vehicles, if separate, are
often scheduled for immediate reuse or positioning. CTU operators may charge
demurrage if the CTU is not returned as soon as practically possible after
unpacking.
8.2 Cleanliness
8.2.1 If additional cleaning beyond a thorough sweep of the CTU is required the
consignees should consider the following techniques:
- Washing – wash the interior of the CTU using a low pressure hose and
a scrubbing brush (if required). To remove contamination a suitable additive or
detergent can be used;
-
Power washing – internal faces using a medium pressure washing
device;
-
Scraping – areas of contamination can be removed by light
scrapping. Care should be taken not to damage the paint work, or flooring.
8.2.2 After a CTU with dangerous cargoes, including fumigated cargoes, 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 substance has occurred
or is suspected. When the CTU offers no further hazard, the dangerous goods
placards, placards and any other marks or signs regarding the cargoes should be
removed. A CTU that retains these exterior signs and marks should continue to be
handled as though it still carried the dangerous goods.
8.2.3 Contamination of the CTU can be found in many different guises:
- Damage to the interior paint work where the surface finish becomes
cracked, flaky or softened by contact with a substance;
-
Stains and wet patches to any part of the CTU, especially the
flooring, which can be transferred to a cloth by light wiping. Small dry
stains that do not transfer to the cloth are considered as non-transferrable
and may not be considered as contamination;
-
Visible forms of animals, insects or other invertebrates (alive
or dead, in any lifecycle stage, including egg casings or rafts), or any
organic material of animal origin (including blood, bones, hair, flesh,
secretions, excretions); viable or non-viable plants or plant products
(including fruit, seeds, leaves, twigs, roots, bark); or other organic
material, including fungi; or soil, or water; where such products are not
the manifested cargo within the CTU.
8.2.4 Dunnage, blocks, bags, braces, lashing materials, nails into the floor and tape
used to cover vents and gaskets should all be removed.
8.3 Disposal
8.3.1 Local environmental regulations and legislation should be considered when
disposing of waste removed from the CTU.
8.3.2 Cargo residues should be removed and disposed of in line with the consignee's
procedures.
8.3.3 Wherever possible or practicable, dunnage bags and other materials should be
recycledfootnote.
8.3.4 Timber dunnage, blocks and braces should be checked for the appropriate IPPC
mark (see annex 7, section 1.14). Other timber should be disposed of
by incineration.
8.3.5 Liner bags and flexitanks are often removed by the supplier; however all will
be contaminated and should be disposed of at an appropriate facility.
8.3.6 Plants, plant products, visible pests, animals and other invasive
alien species should be disposed of as described in annex 6.
8.4 Damages
8.4.1 The various types of CTU suffer differing degrees of damage en route. Rail
wagons probably do not suffer much handling damage and are only likely to be damaged
by poorly secured cargoes. Road vehicles, especially articulated trailers, do suffer
from turning and reversing damage as the vehicle is manoeuvred. Freight containers
and swap bodies will suffer from the same manoeuvring damage, but may also suffer
from impact damage between other freight containers and swap bodies and handling
equipment.
8.4.2 Drivers of road vehicles will generally report any manoeuvring damage but if
the trailer or freight container has been collected from a terminal, will only be
able to report on damages incurred in the delivery phase. Damages incurred earlier
in the supply chain may go unreported unless marked on an interchange document.
8.4.3 The consignee will generally be held responsible for any damage incurred, other
than those that have been verifiably observed and endorsed by the CTU operator. For
unaccompanied CTUs this endorsement should be shown on the interchange document. It
is therefore important that any signs of damage, including recent damage, should be
identified and reported on arrival.