Fact sheet out now!

Shipping Australia has been at the forefront of supporting the implementation processes associated with forthcoming international changes to container weight verification.

These amendments primarily affect shippers who, from 1 July 2016, will be required to provide an accurate weight of the packed container and are provided two options for determining the weight.

This verified weight is required to be reflected in the relevant shippng documentation before container is processed for entry into a terminal and subsequent loading on to a ship.

In order to assist in complying with these requirements SAL, along with key stakeholders, has developed a factsheet which provides essential information for shipping lines, shippers and others who may be involved in shipping packed containers.

The fact sheet “Container Weight Verification – Just the facts you need to know” is available here

Wide circulation is encouraged and will promote greater awareness and compliance among stakeholders.

SAL strongly believes that these changes will reduce the risks in containder handling and assist improve the safety and stability of a ship carrying containers.

However, like other SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) provisions, the ultimate effectiveness will be determined by the level of compliance.

This is where the regulatory authority can further contribute to safer shipping by auditing compliance with these weight declaration requirements.  

Regulatory audits are currently undertaken on containerised dangerous goods declarations, extending this to container weight declarations will further enhance safety.

Safe Work Australia has developed a series of information sheets that provide guidance on managing the health and safety risks when unpacking shipping containers, including exposure to hazardous chemicals like fumigants and solvents.

Using the correct procedures will reduce the risk that workers may be exposed to chemicals including fumigants and solvents when unpacking shipping containers. 

According to Dr Taylor, Director of Occupational Hygiene “there are a wide range of health effects that can result from exposure to  these chemicals, including skin, eye, and respiratory irritation, headaches, nausea, and respiratory disease.”

The information sheets will help employers and workers to minimise these risks.

Download the information sheets here.

Spillcon 2016 - Global, Regional, Local

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority and the Australian Institute of Petroleum invite you to attend the international oil spill conference for the Asia Pacific region, Spillcon 2016 being held in Perth, Western Australia from 2-6 May 2016. The conference program includes a raft of high calibre national and international speakers who will address the conference on their particular areas of expertise.

There will also be an expansive number of exhibitors along with an impressive on-water display. A separate one-day Response Issues Seminar will be held on the fifth day of the conference, which will provide an excellent opportunity for interactive debate between presenters and delegates.

To register to attend, please click here

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