Safe Packing and Handling of Cargo to and from Offshore Locations -
New eLearning Training
Modules 1 & 2

The safe packing and handling of cargo is a major part of most industrial processes and historically, due to the nature of the work, this has often proved to be hazardous. Most accidents and incidents involving cargo are caused by human error for example loads not being secured properly, incorrect slinging techniques, leaving loose items such as tools on top of loads, mixing hazardous cargos together and not having the proper labelling, to mention but a few.

To address these problems, the Marine Safety Forum initially established an industry work group consisting of ASCO, BP Amoco, Gulf Offshore,
Seaforth Maritime, Shell, SWIRE and Texaco to create guidance. The guidance is now in its fourth revision and a lot more key players have come onboard such as Venture Production, Total E&P, Talisman Energy, Maersk Oil, ConocoPhillips, Britannia Operator Ltd, Weatherford (UK) and Peterson SBS.

The workgroup also received assistance from UKOOA, COS, MCA, HSE, IADC and other relevant bodies.

The guidance has been well received and so to maintain the high profile, assist the roll-out and generally support the latest revision of the “Guidelines for the Safe Packing and Handling of Cargo to and from Offshore Locations”, NSL, in association with the current OGUK industry
workgroup, has developed a completely new eLearning Modular Training Programme. In an attempt to make sure the right people are receiving the relevant guidance, the training is broken down into two modules as follows:

Module 1 - General Cargo Handling
Module 2 - Transportation of Dangerous
Goods and Waste Management

Areas addressed in Module 1 – General Cargo Handling:

1 Legislation and Regulations
2 Types of Cargo Carrying Units (CCUs)
3 Design Standards and Certification
4 Offshore Tanks – Chemical / Oil / Fuel, etc.
5 Portable Gas Equipment
6 Pre-use Inspection of CCUs and Slings
7 CCU Cargo Guidance (inc Dropped Objects)
8 Slinging Loads and Lifting Loads
9 Special Cargo
10 Handling Tubulars
11 Road Transportation
12 Carriage of Goods by Sea
13 Carriage of Goods by Air
14 Non-conforming Cargo
15 Documentation
16 Examples of Bad Practice

Areas addressed in Module 2 – Transportation of Dangerous Goods and Waste Management:

1 Main Agencies and Bodies
2 Regulations and Codes of Practice
3 Responsibilities
4 Classification of Dangerous Goods
5 Packing Groups
6 Marking and Labelling
7 Documentation
8 Hazard Warnings
9 Transportation of Dangerous Goods by Sea
10 Transportation of Dangerous Goods by Air
11 Transportation of Dangerous Goods by Road
12 Controlling Waste Offshore
13 Special Waste
14 Recyclable Waste

These training courses have been put together to help raise the awareness of all personnel involved in cargo handling operations, whether on or offshore. They highlight the possible hazards encountered when dealing with heavy loads, the consequences of dropped objects and the importance of checking compatibility of cargo items.

Personnel are tested as they progress through the course so at the end, there is a sense of achievement and it also confirms that they have an
understanding of the guidance, i.e. they do not get a certificate unless they answer all the questions correctly.

These eLearning modules can be accessed online via our website, or conducted under supervision, in the elearning computer suite at our
Dyce training centre where they can also be supported by Practical Training. Even better, we can deliver the training onsite at your premises, using your typical loads, CCUs and lifting appliances.

In addition, we are in the process of revising our Cargo Handling Pocketbook to more accurately reflect the new guidance.

Finally, there is a set of Cargo Handling Posters to keep the safety message up front and remind personnel of their obligations

For More information Download Brochure,
or contact Derek Emslie, +44(0)1224 208988 ,
eMail derek.emslie@nsl-aberdeen.com