Following general checks and precautions for your own safety must be followed in due course
according to the manuals for hatch covers, cargo gear (cranes), gantry cranes and other lifting
appliances not handling cargo (i.e. E/R travelling cranes):
General
All operators of the equipment must be familiar with the instructions in the manual. The persons in charge for the operation of the lifting appliances exclusively are thecrew who received documented training.
Due to safety reasons the operating of equipment has always to be done by two persons assisting each other. Equipment may only and exclusively be used for the intended purpose unless in emergency cases. Work sensible, calm and professional with these heavy parts and avoid accidents. As long as it’s not sure that lifting hooks are correctly connected with the lifting points,let it be checked by a second person.
Transport and lift Hatch Cover / Tween Deck Panel as low as possible (on safety height)over the coaming or other hatches.
Four eyes principle to be applied; the driver has also to ensure safe passage of theGantry. Minimum a second person on deck to observe the surrounding, both equipped
with VHF
This rule is mandatory during any operation of Cranes, Gantry or Hatchcovers and
third parties on board (Stevedores, Surveyor etc.)
Hatch Covers
It is strictly forbidden to be on/under the hatch covers during operation of the covers. During the operation of the hatch covers no one should be allowed to stand in thedanger zone of the hatch which is, in particular, the stowing room of the covers, the
possibly available free space between the stowing room and the winch house, the passageway between the coaming and the deckhouse and on the hatch coaming.
Covers in open position must be secured against tilting or rolling back. Before opening or closing the covers please check that there is nothing that could impede the operation or fall down.Gantry Cranes
Always ensure that:
Safety device like whistle, light and emergency stop are properly working. Any loads or objects must be taken off from top of the hatch cover/TD panels. Hatch cover/TD panels are free for lifting or lowering and for movement. Check correct position of the crane-wheels on rail. Check the movement of the power cable, if it is aligns with crane movement. Always make 100% certain that the hatches are properly connected to the liftingpoints.
Operate the system with special care in high wind forces, ship is heavily rolling or pitching. Check the weather and environmental conditions as well as trim and heel of the shipsuitable for gantry crane and hatch cover operation at least for the next few hours.
No transportation of persons is allowed on the gantry crane construction except indesignated user areas!
Shifting of tween deck panels
Always ensure that:
Make sure that the slings for this purpose are intact and of sufficient size. The greaterthe spread angle of the slings the greater the resulting force.
For Tween Deck operations just use original wire ropes and shackles / connections. The panels should always lay in their correct row. Use the original supplied tools for closing the cleats of the panels between each otherif applicable.
If you are building bulkheads keep in mind not to remove the sling before all bolts arein secured position and building back the bulkheads must be done accordingly vice
versa (see instruction manual).
For proper and trouble-free operation always use original spare parts and service. No transportation of persons is allowed.Control/Instructions for use of lifting devices/gear & lifting points
One of the most important items is the control if the lifting gear is fitted to the correct lifting
points as described in the instruction manual. Mostly you will even find a drawing inside the
instruction manual. If you are not sure about any mentioned item, please call your Inspection
Department for support.
Cargo cranes
For all vessels with cargo cranes and cranes with SWL above 1t training is required and shall
be documented. Reference can also be obtained in the MCA Code of Safe Working Practice
for Merchant Seamen.
A guideline for the hand signals is shown in Nautical Circular N046 but must be always
agreed on scene.
Mandatory parts to be trained and to be checked:
Moving and Parking Signals and Communication Hoisting and Lowering Emergency Handling in case of any Failure
