Hazardous & Dangerous

Dangerous Goods

Some dangerous goods, both bulk and packaged (crates, barrels, pallets, containers), require additional vigilance by those who manage them. In the wrong hands, these dangerous goods can be used as weapons, to manufacture explosives, to cause harm to people and create environmental damage (which is also economic damage). The maritime industry handles a massive amount of dangerous goods (HAZMAT = Hazardous Materials). Goods must be labelled. For some more sensitive materials, specific training is required for the handlers. If in doubt, port facility security personnel need ask to PFSO to inform themself adequately if there are any particular procedures.

Pay attention to strangers in the vicinity of dangerous goods and always wear the necessary protective clothing and equipment. Always notify the PFSO when you observe suspicious people nearly of hazardous goods.

IMDG Code 

The carriage of dangerous goods in packaged form shall comply with the relevant provisions of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, which is considered an extension to the provisions of SOLAS chapter VII. 

The IMDG Code was developed as an international code for the maritime transport of dangerous goods in packaged form to enhance and harmonise the safe carriage of dangerous goods and prevent pollution to the environment. The Code sets out in detail the requirements applicable to each substance, material or article, covering matters such as packing, container traffic and stowage, with particular reference to the segregation of incompatible substances.

Dangerous goods (abbreviated DG), are substances which when transported pose a risk to health, safety, property or the environment. Some dangerous goods pose a risk even when not being transported and these are known as hazardous materials (HAZMAT). Dangerous goods include radioactive, flammable, explosive, corrosive, oxidising, asphyxiating, biohazardous, toxic, pathogenic or allergenic materials. All goods that contain such materials or chemicals or that may have other characteristics that make them dangerous in specific circumstances are included.

Explosive

The potential explosion may be of a different sort: fixed, liquid or gas. These products may explode through shock or friction, thus not only by ignition but through fire or spark. Fireworks are an example that is commonly transported by container.

• Flammable gasses, such as LPG.
• Flammable liquids, such as Petrol.
• Fixed flammable products, some of which may ignite spontaneously or even through contact with water.
• Oxidising goods may be combined with a flammable product, forming an explosive mixture (Ammonium Nitrate is an oxidising product).
• Poisonous goods may cause bodily harm through oral intake, inhalation or skin contact.
• Radioactive goods.
• Corrosive goods can affect other products and cause severe burns to humans.

Inhalation of the fumes is also hazardous and diverse goods, not classed in one of the above, still, constitute a risk.

How to Recognise Illegal Dangerous Items 

Bombs, IED explosives (Improvised Explosive Device), any object, package or baggage which stands out or is where it shouldn't be or place unusually should be considered suspicious. 

The most dangerous places in the Port Facility that must check more frequently are:

• Public areas of easy access where the object has less chance to be noticed;
• Places where maximum damage can occur caused, near canteens, near dangerous goods.

Avoid staying in the vicinity of the suspicious object, using cell phones, walkie-talkies, transmitting devices or touching or moving the item to another location.

The proper reaction is to contact the PFSO for further instructions. The PFSO will notify the authorities, who will take additional measures as appropriate. It is of fundamental importance to know the evacuation procedures of the structure.

How to Recognise Suspect Behaviour

Wide clothing and not appropriate to the season or the weather conditions are considered suspect behaviour.

1. Forms within the clothing (e.g. a hidden weapon) are considered suspect.
2. Taking pictures of the facility, drawing plans, observing and questioning people about the security measures are considered suspect.
3. Aiming to avoid the security system or to get access to the facility and any activity which does not fit in the typical professional pattern of the area are considered suspect behaviour.

How to Recognise Suspicious Containers

There are several systems and models of container control for security. Here are some ideas to help port facility security personnel improve their awareness of security threats.

It can be helpful to check a suspicious container if there are unusual smells or sounds, traces of food or household waste near the container, any unusual holes, the presence of adhesive tape on the container, or a missing or damaged gasket. Furthermore, it is necessary to verify that the container number is present in the load manifest and that the HAZMAT label corresponds to the declared load.

VVTT - The Seal Inspection

The process of checking and inspecting the seal in containers is composed of four stages:

V – View seal & container locking mechanisms.
V – Verify seal number for accuracy.
T – Tug on the seal to make sure it is appropriately affixed.
T – Twist & Turn the seal to make sure it does not unscrew.

Suspicious Behaviour & Activities

In port areas, PFSOs should be diligent in reporting any incidents or security breaches to the Designated Authority. This importance of reporting to the Authority arises because suspicious persons or cars spotted today may have already been noticed previously by other security operators in the port, giving the signal of threatening behaviour. Adequate and timely information provided by port facilities helps authorities to identify and counter illegal activities. Remember, however, that while observing people behaving suspiciously, always think about your safety first, it is a good idea to keep safe wherever possible from a distance. At the slightest sign of recklessness, refrain from insisting and take a safe distance. If the person engaging in suspicious behaviour is not part of the facility, it is essential to notify security personnel or the PFSO.

The checks to be carried out are as follows: 

• Supervision of doors and gates; 
• Identity checks; baggage control, toolboxes; 
• Report lost access cards security shifts; 
• Supervision of keys, storage and mooring; 
• Remote locations in the facility that could be hiding places; 
• Lighting points: 
• Proper lighting of the entire structure is an excellent deterrent to illegal activities.