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Publications and guidance

General

Quick guide to health and safety in ports (INDG446) (PDF) [37]

Port Skills and Safety - Health and safety in ports guidance sheets

This guidance has been produced by the ports industry, with assistance from HSE, to help those with duties under health and safety legislation to identify key risks. This guidance also gives examples of good practice, which dutyholders can use to assist their risk assessments.

Port Skills and Safety[38] website has guidance on:

Management of health and safety in ports

Workplace transport

Port Skills and Safety[65] website for guidance on:

Lifting operations

Port Skills and Safety[73] website for guidance on:

Falls from height

Port Skills and Safety[80] website for guidance on:

Dusty cargoes

Port Skills and Safety[91] website for guidance on:

Musculoskeletal disorders

Slips and Trips

HSE's slips and trips website[97]

Confined spaces

Port Skills and Safety[105] website for guidance on:

SIP015 - Guidance on Confined Spaces in Ports[106]

Freight container safety

Port Skills and Safety[115] website for guidance on:

Port Skills and Safety SIP003 – Guidance on Container Handling [116]

Approved Continuous Examination Programme (ACEP) and Periodic Examination Scheme (PES)

Other HSE guidance

Link URLs in this page

  1. Ports and dockshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/ports/index.htm
  2. Overview - Ports industryhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/ports/hse.htm
  3. Key industry stakeholdershttps://www.hse.gov.uk/ports/stakeholders.htm
  4. Enforcing authoritieshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/ports/enforcing.htm
  5. Overview - Legal requirementshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/ports/legal-requirements.htm
  6. Dangerous goods - (DGHAR) https://www.hse.gov.uk/ports/dangerous-goods.htm
  7. Fishing vesselshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/ports/fishing-vessels.htm
  8. FAQs on ports and dockshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/ports/faqs.htm
  9. Overview - Freight container safetyhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/ports/containers.htm
  10. Freight container regulationshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/ports/regulations.htm
  11. Container design and manufacture approvalhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/ports/container-approval.htm
  12. Container examination schemeshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/ports/container-examination.htm
  13. RAIB - accident reportshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/ports/raib.htm
  14. Overview - Topicshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/ports/topics.htm
  15. Workplace transporthttps://www.hse.gov.uk/ports/transport.htm
  16. Lifting operationshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/ports/lifting-operations.htm
  17. Working at heighthttps://www.hse.gov.uk/ports/falls.htm
  18. Dusty cargoeshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/ports/dusty-cargoes.htm
  19. Musculoskeletal disordershttps://www.hse.gov.uk/ports/msd.htm
  20. Whole-body vibrationhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/ports/vibration.htm
  21. Slips and tripshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/ports/slips-and-trips.htm
  22. Confined spaceshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/ports/confined-spaces.htm
  23. Overview - Access to vesselshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/ports/access-to-vessels.htm
  24. Linkspans and walkwayshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/ports/linkspans-walkways.htm
  25. Standards at quayside ladders https://www.hse.gov.uk/ports/quayladder.htm
  26. Overview - Resourceshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/ports/resources.htm
  27. Publications and guidancehttps://www.hse.gov.uk/ports/publications.htm
  28. Case studieshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/ports/case-studies.htm
  29. Statisticshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/ports/statistics.htm
  30. Useful linkshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/ports/links.htm
  31. Safety in docks Approved Code of Practicehttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l148.htm
  32. Duties under the Dangerous Goods in Harbour Areas Regulations 2016 (DGHAR)https://www.hse.gov.uk/ports/dangerous-goods.htm
  33. Fishing vessels and HSEhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/ports/fishing-vessels.htm
  34. Loading and Unloading Fishing Vessels Regulations 1988 (HSR28)https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsr28.htm
  35. Memorandum of Understandinghttps://www.hse.gov.uk/agency-agreements-memoranda-of-understanding-concordats/assets/docs/mcamou.pdf
  36. Memorandum of Understanding between HSE/Office of Rail and Roadhttps://www.orr.gov.uk/media/10891
  37. Quick guide to health and safety in ports (INDG446)https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg446.pdf
  38. Port Skills and Safetyhttps://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/
  39. SIP001 - Guidance on Workplace Transport (Port and Terminal Planning)https://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/resources/sip-001-guidance-workplace-transport-port-and-terminal-planning
  40. SIP002 - General cargo - Health and Safety in Ports Guidancehttps://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/resources/sip-002-guidance-general-cargo
  41. SIP003 -Container Handling - Health and Safety in Ports Guidancehttps://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/resources/sip-003-guidance-container-handling
  42. SIP004 - Timber handling - Health and Safety in Ports Guidancehttps://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/resources/sip-003-guidance-container-handling
  43. SIP005 - Mooring - Health and Safety in Ports Guidancehttps://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/resources/sip-005-guidance-mooring-operations
  44. SIP006 - Bulk liquids - Health and Safety in Ports Guidancehttps://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/resources/sip-006-guidance-bulk-liquids
  45. SIP007 - Dry bulk cargo loading/unloading - Health and Safety in Ports Guidancehttps://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/resources/sip-007-guidance-loading-and-unloading-dry-bulk-cargo
  46. SIP008 - Dry bulk cargo storage - Health and Safety in Ports Guidancehttps://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/resources/sip-008-guidance-storage-dry-bulk-cargo
  47. SIP009 - Lighting - Health and Safety in Ports Guidancehttps://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/resources/sip-009-guidance-lighting
  48. SIP010 - Guidance on Workplace Transport (Ro-Ro and Sto-Ro Operations) https://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/resources/sip-010-guidance-ro-ro-sto-ro
  49. SIP011 - Guidance on Sources of Occupational Health Information for Portshttps://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/resources/sip-011-guidance-sources-occupational-health-information
  50. SIP012 - Guidance on Ro-Ro Passenger and Cruise Operationshttps://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/resources/sip-011-guidance-sources-occupational-health-information
  51. SIP014 - Guidance on Safe Access and Egress in Portshttps://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/resources/sip014-guidance-safe-access-and-egress
  52. SIP015 - Guidance on Confined Spaces in Portshttps://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/resources/sip015-guidance-confined-spaces-ports
  53. SIP016 - Guidance on Emergency Planning in Portshttps://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/resources/sip016-guidance-emergency-planning-ports
  54. SIP019 - Selection and Use of Buoyancy Equipmenthttps://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/resources/sip-019-guidance-selection-and-use-buoyancy-equipment
  55. SIP020 - Guidance on Water Safety in Portshttps://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/resources/sip-020-guidance-water-safety-ports
  56. SIP021 – Guidance on Safe Access to Fishing Vessels and Small Craft in Portshttps://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/resources/sip021-guidance-safe-access-fishing-vessels-and-small-craft
  57. Managing health and safety in dockwork HSG 177https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg177.htm
  58. HSE's Managing for Health and Safety at Work websitehttps://www.hse.gov.uk/managing/index.htm
  59. HSE's workplace transport websitehttps://www.hse.gov.uk/workplacetransport/index.htm
  60. Load safety website (this link directs to the National Archive)https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20200519162103/https://www.hse.gov.uk/workplacetransport/loadsafety/index.htm
  61. HSE guidance on trailer coupling and uncouplinghttps://www.hse.gov.uk/workplacetransport/information/coupling.htm
  62. HSE guidance on work-related road safetyhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/roadsafety/index.htm
  63. Advice and guidance on the application of road traffic legislation to roads in dockshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/foi/internalops/sims/cactus/5_08_03.htm
  64. DfT/DVLA - At a glance guide to the current medical standards of fitness to drivehttps://www.gov.uk/transport/driving-and-medical-conditions
  65. Port Skills and Safetyhttps://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/
  66. SIP001 - Guidance on Workplace Transport (Port and Terminal Planning)https://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/resources/sip-001-guidance-workplace-transport-port-and-terminal-planning
  67. SIP010 - Guidance on Workplace Transport (Ro-Ro and Sto-Ro Operations)https://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/resources/sip-010-guidance-ro-ro-sto-ro
  68. SIP012 - Guidance on Ro-Ro Passenger and Cruise Operations https://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/resources/sip-011-guidance-sources-occupational-health-information
  69. Lifting equipment at work: A brief guidehttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg290.htm
  70. HSE's Work Equipment websitehttps://www.hse.gov.uk/work-equipment-machinery/index.htm
  71. BS 7121-2-9:2013 Code of practice for the safe use of cranes. Inspection, maintenance and thorough examination. Cargo handling and container cranes.http://shop.bsigroup.com/
  72. The Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment) Regulations 2006 MGN332 Maritime and Coastguard Agencyhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mgn-332-mfamendment-1-lifting-operations-and-lifting-equipment
  73. Port Skills and Safetyhttps://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/
  74. SIP002 General cargo - Health and Safety in Ports Guidancehttps://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/resources/sip-002-guidance-general-cargo
  75. SIP003 Container Handling - Health and Safety in Ports Guidancehttps://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/resources/sip-003-guidance-container-handling
  76. HSE's falls from height websitehttps://www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/index.htm
  77. HSE's falls from vehicles websitehttps://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20200731110308/https://www.hse.gov.uk/fallsfromvehicles/index.htm
  78. Standards at quayside laddershttps://www.hse.gov.uk/ports/quayladder.htm
  79. Marine and Coastguard Agency's Marine Guidance Notehttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mgn-332-mfamendment-1-lifting-operations-and-lifting-equipment
  80. Port Skills and Safetyhttps://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/
  81. SIP002 - General cargo - Health and Safety in Ports Guidance https://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/resources/sip-002-guidance-general-cargo
  82. SIP003 - Container Handling - Health and Safety in Ports Guidancehttps://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/resources/sip-003-guidance-container-handling
  83. SIP004 - Timber Handling - Health and Safety in Ports Guidancehttps://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/resources/sip-004-guidance-timber-handling
  84. SIP005 - Mooring - Health and Safety in Ports Guidance https://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/resources/sip-005-guidance-mooring-operations
  85. SIP014 - Guidance on Safe Access and Egress in Ports https://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/resources/sip014-guidance-safe-access-and-egress
  86. SIP020 - Guidance on Water Safety in Portshttps://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/resources/sip-020-guidance-water-safety-ports
  87. SIP021 - Guidance on Safe Access to Fishing Vessels and Small Craft in Portshttps://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/resources/sip021-guidance-safe-access-fishing-vessels-and-small-craft
  88. HSE's Control of Substances Hazardous to Health websitehttps://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/index.htm
  89. HSE's Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) websitehttps://www.hse.gov.uk/copd/index.htm
  90. HSE's Fire and Explosion websitehttps://www.hse.gov.uk/fireandexplosion/index.htm
  91. Port Skills and Safetyhttps://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/
  92. SIP007 Dry Bulk Cargo Loading/Unloading - Health and Safety in Ports Guidance https://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/resources/sip-007-guidance-loading-and-unloading-dry-bulk-cargo
  93. SIP008 Dry Bulk Cargo Storage - Health and Safety in Ports Guidancehttps://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/resources/sip-008-guidance-storage-dry-bulk-cargo
  94. HSE's musculoskeletal disorders websitehttps://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/index.htm
  95. Manual handling assessment chartshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg383.htm
  96. HSE's whole-body vibration websitehttps://www.hse.gov.uk/vibration/wbv/index.htm
  97. HSE's slips and trips websitehttps://www.hse.gov.uk/slips/index.htm
  98. HSE's website on confined spaceshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/confinedspace/index.htm
  99. Entry into enclosed spaces - containers https://www.ttclub.com/news-and-resources/publications/risk-management-pocket-guides/risk-management-pocket-guide-enclosed-spaces-containers/
  100. Entry into enclosed spaces - shipshttps://www.ttclub.com/news-and-resources/publications/risk-management-pocket-guides/risk-management-pocket-guide-enclosed-spaces-ships/
  101. Confined spaces: A brief guide to working safelyhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg258.htm
  102. MCA guidance on confined spaceshttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mgn-659-mf-entry-into-enclosed-spaces
  103. Wood pellet biofuelhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/confinedspace/updates/wood-pellet-fuels.htm
  104. Fumigation : Health and safety guidance for employers and technicians...https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg251.htm
  105. Port Skills and Safetyhttps://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/
  106. SIP015 - Guidance on Confined Spaces in Portshttps://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/resources/sip015-guidance-confined-spaces-ports
  107. Safe transport of containers by sea https://www.ics-shipping.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/safe-transport-of-containers.pdf
  108. Working with Containers - an FTA best practice guide http://www.fta.co.uk/export/sites/fta/_galleries/downloads/international_supply_chain/working_with_containers.pdf
  109. HSE Information sheet - DIS 1: Freeing jammed freight containers and container fittings on ships https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/dis1.pdf
  110. Global dialogue forum on safety in the supply chain in relation to packing of containershttp://www.ilo.org/sector/activities/sectoral-meetings/WCMS_161401/lang--en/index.htm
  111. Report on Safety in the Supply Chain in Relation to Packing of Containershttp://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/trans/doc/2011/wp24/ILO_Safety_in_the_Supply_Chain_in_relation_to_packing_of_containers_-_discussion.pdf
  112. IMO/ILO/UN ECE Guidelines For Packing Of Containershttp://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/trans/doc/2011/wp24/IMO_ILO_UNECE_Guidelines_packing_cargo_1997_01.pdf
  113. Industry Code of Practice 'Safety and Health in Dock Work'http://www.ilo.org/safework/info/standards-and-instruments/codes/WCMS_107876/lang--en/index.htm
  114. Priced guidance from the International Cargo Handling and Co-ordination Associationhttp://www.ichca.com/publications
  115. Port Skills and Safetyhttps://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/
  116. Port Skills and Safety SIP003 – Guidance on Container Handling https://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/
  117. Freight container approval: Arrangements in Great Britain (the Green Guide)https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/dis8.htm
  118. Freight container examination schemes or programmes: Conditions for approval (the Yellow Guide)https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/dis9.htm
  119. International Maritime Organisation (IMO) International Convention for Safe Containershttps://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/Pages/Containers-Default.aspx
  120. Freight Container (Safety Convention) Regulations 1984, SI 1984, No 1890http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1984/1890/contents/made
  121. Docks information sheet 5 - Ships' Radar in Porthttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/dis5.pdf
  122. Docks information sheet 6 - Hot work in dockshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/dis6.pdf
  123. Risks from Handling Explosives in Portshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/explosives-ports.htm

Glossary of abbreviations/acronyms on this page

DGHAR
Duties under the Dangerous Goods in Harbour Areas Regulations 2016
RAIB
Rail Accident Investigation Branch

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Updated 2023-04-04