Workers at ports and distribution centres 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.
The HSE report included observations and measurements taken at six ports and two distribution centres in the UK between 2017-2019. Measurements of the atmospheres inside freight containers found a wide range of toxic substances and low oxygen levels at all eight sites.
Researchers identified a range of good practice control measures at the six ports. Examples of good practice included training workers about the risks, and workers testing for hazardous substances in the atmosphere inside freight containers before entering them.
However, researchers did not find adequate safe systems of work at the two distribution centres and a “general lack of awareness” by dutyholders about the risks associated confined spaces at the two sites.
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.
The HSE report is available here