The use of Lashing Cages represents a huge increase in the safety of container terminal operations. Fortunately, old practices such as using ladders, using the spreader as a platform or even stevedores climbing on top of the containers jumping from one to another… etc., seem to be almost eradicated.
To guarantee the stevedores’ safety and to avoid human mistakes here you have several basic steps that must be followed before the use of the safety cage:
Before entering be sure that:
1. You fully understand the operational manual. If you do not have it ask your supervisor for a copy or call TEC Container. (+34 913 021 638) (teccontainer@teccontainer.com)
2. The radios are fully charged and function correctly.
3. You are wearing the correct Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE): Boots, helmet, protective gloves and high visibility clothes.
4. You have completed a visual inspection of the cage and there are no problems to report such as bumps, dents, cracks or rusty parts.
4. The lights confirm that the spreader is correctly positioned and its twist locks are secured.
Once inside the safety cage be sure that:
1. The doors are closed correctly. Our doors close inwards so a second firm push can help to check that.
2. You have read the safety signs and labels inside the cage. If those signs and labels are not legible or are broken or damaged, we will send you a new set to replace them. (+34 913 021 638) (teccontainer@teccontainer.com)
3. The secondary safety system is correctly placed and secured. This step is crucial because the secondary safety system can make the difference between a “minor incident” or a “major accident”.
4. Your harness is well connected to the anchor points of the safety cage or to the lifeline if the cage has it.
The crane operator must not start the elevation before:
1. The driver has set up the crane is in “slow mode”.
2. The main spreader is correctly positioned and this is confirmed by the lights. (Usually the yellow or orange light of the spreader).
3. The twistlocks are locked and this is confirmed by the lights. (Usually the green light of the spreader).
4. All the stevedores are ready to proceed and have given to the supervisor an evident confirmation.
5. Finally, the supervisor has given to the driver an evident confirmation to start.
And again, If you have any doubt, question, something is not clear or you feel that something can be improved, please contact immediately your supervisor or contact TEC Container at
(+34 913 021 638) (teccontainer@teccontainer.com)
