Container incidents

Three separate incidents have been reported involving container double and personnel doors.

1. A control van personnel door fell off whilst someone was trying to open it; fortunately the individual jumped clear as the heavy door fell to the ground. The hinges of the door had been broken during sea transit in severe seas and the door was only held in position by the rubber seal and the door closing/lock mechanism.
   The contractor now ensures that all container hinges are checked prior to opening when the container arrives for mobilisation and that all hinges are regularly greased and examined as part of routine maintenance.
2. In the second incident a workshop/tool container door fell off its hinges. This was a result of rust causing severe wear and tear, which led to the hinges eventually breaking with the weight and the torque of the door being opened and closed.
   Door hinges require regular maintenance as the elements can cause them to rust and seize up. Again this emphasises the need for hinges to be regularly greased and examined as part of routine maintenance.
3. The third incident occurred in rough seas and high wind. A control container personnel door swung shut unexpectedly catching a person’s fingers in the door.
   The contractor involved now ensures that container doors are held by suitable close/lock mechanisms in a closed position or if it is necessary to have a door held open, then it is securely held.