Section 2 Requirements for assignment of ECL(1)

2.1.1 A ship designed to carry containers that is provided with safe access and securing arrangements in accordance with the requirements of Sections 1 and 2 of these Rules will be eligible to be assigned the special features notation ECL(1).

2.2.1 Dimensions of working areas are to be in accordance with Table 1.5.1 Container securing dimensions - ECL(1), ECL(2) and ECL(3).

2.2.2 Access to working areas is to be in accordance with the requirements for access and movement about the ship as defined in these Rules.

2.2.3 Isolated pedestals for outboard container fixing are not generally acceptable as places to perform securing tasks. Where possible, a fixed platform is to be provided to enable access to the pedestal from the adjacent hatch cover, see Figure 1.5.3 Outboard working area. Where this is not possible, isolated pedestals may be accepted provided they have adequate access, fall protection and work platforms.

2.2.4 Working areas are to provide a firm and level working surface. Trip hazards, where unavoidable, are to be clearly marked, see Ch 1, 2.6 Signs and indications.

2.2.5 Where lashing is from the hatch cover, a suitable platform should be provided, where practicable, preferably at the same level as the top of the hatch cover.

2.2.6 Working areas are to have anti-slip surfaces or coatings.

2.3.1 Openings and edges into, through or over which a person may fall are to be fitted with fall protection.

2.3.2 Where fall protection is required, any horizontal gaps in fall protection are not to exceed 300 mm.

2.3.3 Any openings in lashing positions through which people can fall should be possible to be closed on all occasions when it is necessary to access the lashing position.

2.3.4 Fencing is to be permanently installed except where this either interferes with cargo handling operations or damage to the fencing is likely, in which case permanently attached folding or hinged fencing may be permitted. Removable fencing arrangements providing an equivalent level of protection will be specially considered.

2.3.5 The top rail of fencing is to have a height of at least 1000 mm from the base.

2.3.6 The intermediate rail(s) of fencing are to be positioned so that vertical spacings do not exceed 500 mm.

2.3.7 Fencing is to be of sufficient strength to prevent persons from falling and sufficiently robust to withstand operation.

2.3.8 Fittings for folding, hinged or removable fencing are to be robust and capable of ensuring that the fencing remains upright in operational use. Fasteners are to be captive to prevent their loss or fall.

2.3.9 Any non-rigid railing such as chain or wire rope is to have a sag at the mid-point between posts of not more than 150 mm. Wires are to be made taut by means of turnbuckles.

2.3.10 Where fencing forms part of a walkway that is subject to the requirements of the International Convention on Load Lines the requirements of that Convention are to be satisfied.

2.3.11 Toeboards are to be provided where persons below could be exposed to falling objects, such as around the sides of elevated lashing bridges and platforms, or where persons may be working near an edge.

2.4.1 Dimensions of transit areas are to be in accordance with Table 1.5.1 Container securing dimensions - ECL(1), ECL(2) and ECL(3).

2.4.2 Walkways, transit areas, steps and ramps are to have anti-slip surfaces or coatings.

2.5.1 Safe means are to be provided to enable movement between locations that are on different decks, or at different heights.

2.5.2 Ramps, steps or ladders are to be provided where the elevation changes abruptly by more than 300 mm.

2.5.3 Ladders should be provided to enable access to hatch coamings and pedestals where access is required for lashing operations.

2.5.4 Access openings which are situated in transit areas are to be protected by fencing.

2.6.1 Deck obstructions, head-height obstructions and protrusions in access ways, such as cleats, ribs and brackets, that may give rise to a trip hazard are to be highlighted in a bright, conspicuous colour. Where necessary, warning signs are to be posted.

2.6.2 Changes in walkway height, edges, access openings and other fall or trip hazards (e.g. deck obstructions) are to be identified by yellow paint or black and yellow stripe hazard marking.

2.6.3 Openings that may present a trip or fall hazard should be highlighted in a contrasting colour around the rim of the opening.

2.6.4 Where necessary for safety, walkways on deck are to be delineated by painted lines or otherwise marked by signs.

2.6.5 Signs relating to safe access are to be pictorial where possible.

2.6.6 Where practicable, fences and handrails are to be highlighted with a contrasting colour to the background.

2.6.7 Any specific lashing requirements are to be displayed at or near to the lashing position.

2.7.1 Where a fixed ladder gives access to a lashing position through an opening in the platform, the opening shall be protected with a hinged cover which can be closed after access. Alternatively, the opening is to be protected by fencing. Grabrails should be provided to ensure safe access through the opening.

2.7.2 Where covers are near vertical when in the open position, or where a handhold is fitted to the underside of the cover, the cover is to be fitted with a vertical locking dead-stop.

2.7.3 Access opening covers should preferably be gratings or equivalent rather than solid plates.

2.8.1 Ladders with a potential fall height exceeding 6,0 m are to be fitted with a positive fall arrest device, such as safety rails or cables that can be secured to a safety harness.

2.8.2 Ladders with a potential fall height exceeding 3,0 m are to be provided, where possible, with safety cages.

2.8.3 Ladders from which a person may fall into a hold are to be provided, where possible, with safety cages.

2.8.4 Ladders are to be large enough for persons to safely enter and leave.

2.8.5 Handholds are to be provided at the top of ladders to enable safe access to the platform to be gained.

2.8.6 The upper rung is to be level with the platform or no more than 300 mm below the level of the platform.

2.8.7 Where a fixed ladder gives access to the outside of a lashing position, the stringers are to be connected at their extremities to the fencing of the lashing position, where practicable, irrespective of whether the ladder is sloping or vertical.

2.8.8 Where a fixed ladder gives access to a lashing position from the outside of the platform, the stringers of the ladder are to be opened above the platform level, where practicable, to give a clear width of between 700 mm to 750 mm.

2.8.9 Ladders are to be mounted at least 150 mm from the nearest permanent object at the back of the ladder.

2.8.10 Safety cages, where required, are to meet the following requirements:

1. The distance from the ladder rung to the back of the safety cage is not to exceed 750 mm.

2. Hoops are to be uniformly spaced at intervals not exceeding 900 mm.

3. Hoops are to be connected by vertical strips secured to the inside of the hoops, each equally spaced around the circumference of the hoop.

4. At the cage entrance, the distance from the ladder rung to the back of the safety cage may be increased to not more than 800 mm.

5. Where practicable, stringers are to be carried above the floor level of the platform by at least 1,0 m and the ends of the stringers are to be given lateral support.

6. The top step or rung is to be level with the floor of the platform unless the steps or rungs are fitted to the ends of the stringers.

2.9.1 No requirements for ECL(1).

2.10.1 No requirements for ECL(1).

2.11.1 No requirements for ECL(1).

2.12.1 Three high lashing rods are not permitted.

2.12.2 Extension pieces are not permitted. This requirement may be waived provided there is clear indication in the CSM.

2.12.3 Anchor points of turnbuckles should be positioned such that there is no bending of the lashing rods.

2.12.4 Stowage places, such as bins, are to be provided for lashing equipment.

2.12.5 Bins for defective lashing equipment are to be provided and clearly identified.

2.12.6 Stowage bins and their carriers should be designed and of sufficient strength to be lifted off the vessel and re-stowed.

2.13.1 Electrical arrangements and equipment are to satisfy the applicable requirements of Pt 6, Ch 2 Electrical Engineering of the Rules for Ships in addition to the requirements of this Section.

2.13.2 Lighting is to provide adequate illumination of walkways, transit areas, ladders, ramps and lashing positions. Account is to be taken of shadows created by containers which may be stowed in that area, for example different length containers in or over the work area. The illumination intensity should take into consideration the distance to the uppermost reaches where lashing equipment is utilised.

2.13.3 A separate lighting system is to be provided for each working space between container bays.

2.13.4 Lighting is to be permanently installed, where possible, and guarded against breakage.

2.13.5 Where lighting required by this Section is controlled by switches, the switches are to be readily accessible.

2.13.6 Reefer power outlets are to provide safe, watertight electrical connection.

2.13.7 Reefer power outlets are to be heavy duty and interlocked such that the outlet cannot be energised until a plug is fully engaged and the actuator rod has been pushed to the ‘on’ position. Pulling the actuator rod to the ‘off’ position must manually de-energise the circuit.

2.13.8 Reefer power outlets are to de-energise automatically if the plug is withdrawn while in the ‘on’ position. Also, the interlock mechanism must break the circuit while the pin and sleeve contacts are still engaged.

2.13.9 The design and positioning of reefer power outlets are to ensure that the Operator is not standing directly in front of the socket when switching takes place.

2.13.10 The positioning of reefer power outlets is to allow for cabling to be laid out without causing a trip hazard. The cables should be protected from lashing equipment falling on them during lashing operations.

2.14.1 The arrangements and equipment referred to in these Rules, excluding loose container securing fittings, are to be examined and tested on completion of the installation and annually thereafter.