Section 1 General

1.1.1 These Rules are applicable where an optional class notation for the ergonomic lashing of containers is requested and are additional to those applicable in other Parts of the Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships, July 2022.

1.1.2 These Rules specify the requirements for working spaces, movement about the ship, fall protection and working arrangements on deck with the purpose of providing both crew and port workers with safe working arrangements when performing container securing, inspection and other related tasks.

1.1.3 These Rules address ship design and equipment design and selection covering the general areas addressed in Sections 6 and 8 of IMO MSC.1/Circular.1352/Rev.1 – Amendments to the Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing (CSS Code) – (15 December 2014)The Annex of this document has been consolidated into CSS Code. Other requirements of Circ.1352, including operational aspects and the periodic inspection and maintenance of loose container securing fittings, are not addressed here but need to be considered in order to ensure safe and effective operation and, where appropriate, to satisfy the requirements of the Flag Administration.

1.1.4 These Rules should be read in association with Pt 3, Ch 14 Cargo Securing Arrangements of the Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships, July 2022.

1.2.1 These Rules are applicable to container ships. In addition, they may be applied to other ships for which arrangements are specifically designed and fitted for the purpose of carrying containers on deck.

1.2.2 A ship designed to carry containers that is provided with safe access and securing arrangements in accordance with these requirements will be eligible to be assigned the special features notation ECL (Ergonomic Container Lashing), with supplementary descriptors as follows:

1.3.1 CSM: Cargo Securing Manual, as defined in MSC.1/Circular.1353/Rev.2 – Revised Guidelines for the Preparation of the Cargo Securing Manual – (7 December 2020).

1.3.2 CSAP: Cargo Safe Access Plan, as defined in MSC.1/Circular.1353/Rev.2 – Revised Guidelines for the Preparation of the Cargo Securing Manual – (7 December 2020).

1.3.3 Securing arrangements: the arrangement of lashing rods, twistlocks, deck fittings, etc. as described in the CSM.

1.3.4 Lashing equipment: items such as lashing plates, lashing rods, turnbuckles and twistlocks.

1.3.5 Fencing: the guardrails, handrails, safety rails, toeboards, safety barriers and similar structures that provide protection against the fall of persons.

1.3.6 Stanchions: the vertical supports of fencing.

1.3.7 Stringers: the uprights or sides of a ladder.

1.3.8 Pedestal: pillar type structure to support container stacks. Generally at the outboard sides of a vessel; the top is usually at the same height as the adjacent hatch cover.

1.3.9 Lashing positions: including positions in between container stows on and adjacent to hatch covers; at the end of hatches; on lashing bridges; on pedestals; outboard lashing positions on hatch covers; and any other position where people work with container securing.

1.4.1 The requirements of the following Sections are based on consideration of the following principles:

1. The design is to consider the tasks to be performed, the persons who will carry them out, the location of the work, the working environment and the equipment to be used.

2. The design is to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls on the level, falls from height, injuries whilst manually handling lashing gear, being struck by falling lashing equipment and electrical risks.

3. The design is to provide protection against falls from height. Locations where protection should be provided include working platforms, pedestals, walkways and transit areas, ladders and openings, including access openings.

4. The design is to reduce the risk of work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs).

5. Working areas, particularly at hatch cover ends and outer positions, should be provided with a platform on which to work safely. The platform should have fencing and should be at an appropriate height to allow lashing tasks to be performed without climbing or excessive reaching, stretching or bending.

6. The design is to provide sufficient working areas clear of obstructions to perform the securing tasks, including handling of the lashing rods and tightening of the turnbuckles, with allowance for team working and supervision.

7. The design is to provide access to containers stacked on deck to check securing arrangements.

8. Account is to be taken of the practical abilities of workers to lift, reach, hold, control and connect the lashing components in all situations anticipated in the cargo securing plan.

9. The components of lashing equipment are to be compatible with each other and suitable for the application. The weight of lashing rods and turnbuckles should be minimized consistent with the necessary mechanical strength. The heads of lashing rods should be designed so that the rod cannot disengage from the container corner fitting accidentally.

10. The orientation (locked/unlocked) of twistlocks is to be readily apparent in operational situations. They are not to be easily dislodged or unlocked due to operational motion. Unlocking poles are to be lightweight and easy to use.

11. Working on the top of containers is to be avoided. Where it is unavoidable, a safe means of access is to be provided. This may be provided by the container cargo operation terminal.

12. Where it is not feasible to eliminate working on the tops of container stows, the twistlock design should minimize the need for such working, for example by the use of semi-automatic twistlocks, fully automatic twistlocks or similar design.

1.5.1 Stowage and securing arrangements are to comply with the requirements of these Rules for all intended container stowage arrangements.

1.5.2 Provision for the securing of non-standard containers is to be included where these are permitted in the design of the ship.

1.5.3 Any restrictions in container stowage and securing arrangements that are incompatible with safe working are to be clearly identified in the CSM or CSAP as appropriate.

1.5.4 Reefer container locations are to allow safe access for connection and monitoring.