When your employees load and unload ISO containers at your facility, workplace safety is a top concern. Without the proper safety equipment, workers are at risk of serious incidents that may cause injuries or even fatalities.
In blogs one and two of this three-part series, we highlighted specific isotainer safety challenges, including a wide variety of ISO container configurations and a lack of standard safety protocols.
In the final blog of this series, we offer safety solutions to help your company protect employees who load and unload ISO containers:
Incorporate An Elevating Platform
With all the possible configurations and loading scenarios your workers could encounter when handling ISO containers, it’s unlikely your existing loading platforms and other safety equipment have the flexibility to provide safe access in all situations.
Railings and safety platforms provide protection from some types of falls, but most loading platforms aren’t able to prevent workers from falling through the isotainer. A better safety solution would be to install an elevating truck platform with flip-up panels that only expose the areas you need to access.
This type of elevating platform makes it possible for workers to easily and safely access multiple isotainers and hatches, with the flexibility to accommodate the wide variety of configurations found in today’s ISO containers.
One plant in Louisiana found they were able to load isotainers more quickly with the elevating platform, in part because they stored all of their tools on the platform itself. Integrating boxes and storage areas that attach to platform handrails could help employees avoid wasting time and effort when accessing an ISO container.
Install Flip-Up Panels Or An Isotainer Tread
Since the gangway may be raised and lowered to the optimal height for unloading, an elevating platform reduces the risk of slip-and-fall accidents. By integrating flip-up floor panels, you’re able to open the panels you need to provide complete access to hatches on an isotainer, while keeping the rest of the platform closed for walking.
While safety is the prime consideration when finding a solution for accessing isotainers, choosing an elevating platform with flip-up panels may also improve efficiency, depending on your operation.
Another option is to add an isotainer tread to your loading gangway. This gives your loading or unloading spot increased versatility, allowing you to safely access all of the vehicle types you currently use as well as isotainers and seatainers.
In today’s global economy, your plant or facility is likely to see more and more raw materials and feedstock coming from overseas in isotainers and seatainers. While ISO containers do present some unique safety challenges, combining the right equipment with a proactive approach goes a long way in maintaining a safe, effective work environment.
How safe is your work site? Take the free assessment to learn whether your facility is prepared for a safety audit.
