FISA Safety Bulletin - Timber Handling Risk Zones - July 2020

A recent near miss incident on a quayside highlighted the need for vigilance when handling timber in ports and logyards.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Whether in a port, forest or logyard situation, entering a designated Risk Zone (RZ) in a machine or on foot should only be conducted if:

• A SSOW (Safe system of work) is in place and all operatives informed - this could include horn signals / radios or a proximity alarm system
• Pedestrians entering a machine RZ must make sure the machine operator has seen them, stopped the machine and has clearly signalled them to proceed.
• Work together !
• Machine operators automatically stop works if they see anyone unauthorised approaching or entering the Risk Zone
• All operatives wear minimum 3 point PPE – including appropriate Hi Viz wear
• Machinery has Risk Zone clearly indicated – but this ‘number’ should also be discussed at all pre com and tool box talk meetings
• Ship owners and operators should actively manage the crew and encourage safe working practices at all ports regardless of visit frequencies.
• Port operators should actively manage the quayside to encourage a safe working environment.