Radio Communication Can Assist
Container Gantry Crane Operators
in Marine Terminals
Container gantry crane operators load and discharge hundreds of containers in a
systematic fashion. The crane operators rely on their line of vision and on signals or
directions from employees on the ship and on the ground below to guide them in
their lifts. Risk of injuries can be reduced by the use of radio communication by the
crane operators and longshore personnel.
Hazards of Container Operations
Container ships come in and out of ports on a
regular basis. At each port, containers must be
discharged and loaded. This requires close
coordination by terminal and longshore personnel
working on the ground, on the ship and
in the crane. Employees on the ground and on
the ship must pay close attention to their surroundings
at all times. Employees have been
crushed by containers (either falling or being
set down), run over by vehicles, and crushed
by moving cranes. Cargo operations are particularly
hazardous when things do not go as
planned, such as when a twistlock becomes
jammed, when a container is placed in the
wrong position on the ship, or when a vehicle
is accidentally lifted along with the container.
The Need for Communication
Depending on the particular operation,
employees under the crane and/or aboard ship
may need to communicate with the crane
operator. These employees must be able to
communicate rapidly and accurately with the
crane operator to help direct the operation and
ensure that safety is maintained. During routine
operations, employees typically communicate
with the crane operator using hand signals
recognized at the port. However, during
non-routine tasks or in an emergency, employees
may need more interactive communication
with the crane operator. Non-routine tasks
include handling oversized or unusually
shaped cargo, hoisting personnel, and handling
damaged containers or jammed twist-locks. Emergency situations can occur when
one employee sees another employee beneath
a load, or when a container is not properly disconnected
from a chassis, resulting in accidental
lifting of the tractor and chassis with an
employee inside.
Radio Communication
 A means of communication is required between the operator's cab and the base of the gantry of all rail-mounted cranes. This requirement can be met by telephone, radio, a sound-signaling system or other effective methods, but not solely by hand-signaling, 29 CFR 1917.45(g)(10). The availability and use of radios to communicate with the crane operator is a particularly effective way to reduce the risk of injuries associated with container operations. In addition:
- The radio should be tested prior to use to
ensure that the transmission is clear and
reliable.
- Each crane should use a separate channel, if
frequencies are available.
- The operator's radio should be equipped with
a hands-free system.
- Radios should not be used for personal communication
or discussions not related to the
operation at hand.
- Make sure that the crane operator and other
ground personnel communicating with the
crane operator have been trained on how to
properly use the radio equipment.
Radio communication across the terminal also
plays an important part in responding to accidents
and in safely moving equipment and personnel across the terminal. OSHA believes that
by using radio communication between personnel
working on the ground, on the ship and in
the crane, the number of accidents in this hazardous
work environment can be reduced.
This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs, policies or
standards. It does not impose any new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of
compliance requirements of OSHA standards or regulations, refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal
Regulations. This information will be made available to sensory impaired individuals upon request.
The voice phone is (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889-5627.
For more complete information:
 |
Occupational
Safety and Health
Administration |
U.S. Department of Labor
www.osha.gov (800) 321-OSHA
OSHA 3267-09N-05
|
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