Define the operation and its interfaces

Before starting, establish the cargo, equipment, route, quay conditions and participating companies. A change of vessel or cargo can alter access, visibility and exposure to substances.

Coordination between companies must specify responsibilities, reporting channels and the conditions for authorising or suspending tasks. Information from the previous shift is useful only if it still reflects the actual situation.

Separate traffic and pedestrians

Vehicles may travel through storage areas, ramps, decks and quay edges. External drivers and visitors are not always familiar with terminal rules. Signs must support a safely designed route.

Internal traffic management must review crossings, reversing, blind spots and areas where cargo restricts visibility. It must also address pedestrian access to the workstation, not just vehicle routes.

Plan lifting and handling

A falling load, entrapment or equipment failure can affect people who are not involved in the manoeuvre. Suitable equipment, communications and exclusion zones must be defined before lifting begins.

The lifting plan and maintenance must address actual use, modifications and critical components. A snagged or partially restrained load cannot be freed by increasing the lifting force; the operation must stop and competent personnel must review the situation.

Control access, edges and water hazards

Accessing a vessel, working on containers and operating near an edge introduce fall hazards. The presence of water can worsen the consequences and must be incorporated into the planned response.

Gangways, protective measures, lighting and changes in level or position should be checked. Non-routine work requires its own review: protection that is sufficient during unloading may not be suitable for a subsequent repair.

Include occupational hygiene and work organisation

Bulk materials, enclosed spaces, noise and vibration require assessment according to the goods and tasks involved. A space cannot be assumed safe because of its appearance or because it has been used before.

Planning must allow time for inspections, communications and handovers. Loading incidents, equipment damage and weather changes must be reported to those who can decide whether operations should continue.

Example of an operational change

An area normally used for storage begins to be used for unloading directly onto lorries. The change introduces pedestrians, external vehicles and a crane into the same space.

The advance review adjusts routes, area separation, driver information and coordination of the manoeuvre. Once the operation begins, it is observed for unexpected crossing points and the layout is corrected before the new use becomes routine.