RR1178 - Freight containers: potential worker exposure to hazardous atmospheres at ports and distribution centres

Workers at ports and distribution centres in Great Britain (GB) routinely open and enter freight containers. Freight containers are confined spaces: they have limited or no ventilation in transit and hazardous atmospheres can build up inside. This depends on the contents, their condition, and the length of time in transit. Some hazardous atmospheres have the potential to harm workers if breathed in. For example, they may contain toxic substances such as fumigants and carbon monoxide, or have dangerously low oxygen levels. Potential harm includes asphyxiation and ill health. Dutyholders must have effective control measures in place to protect workers. HSE publishes guidance and an Approved Code of Practice for the Confined Spaces Regulations (1997) that will help dutyholders.

This report describes research into the potential for workers to be exposed, and control measures in use in GB. The research included a review of scientific literature, and observations and measurements made in 2017 to 2019 at volunteer sites - six ports and two distribution centres. The literature from 2000 to 2015 had reports of ill health incidents outside GB. Measurements of the atmospheres inside freight containers at the volunteer sites found a wide range of toxic substances and low oxygen levels. The researchers identified a range of good practice control measures at the six ports. Examples of good practice are training workers about the risks, and workers testing for hazardous substances in the atmosphere inside freight containers before entering them. The researchers did not find adequate safe systems of work at the two distribution centres. HSE is using these findings to inform engagement with the industry and local authority regulators.

Visit the RR1178 report (PDF) ^[12]

This report and the work it describes were funded by the Health and Safety Executive. Its contents, including any opinions and/or conclusions expressed, are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect HSE policy.

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