4 Preparing to open the doors

4.1          External checks

4.1.1       Once the seal has been removed the CTU doors may be opened, however before doing so, a few more checks should be made.

4.1.1.1       Check the exterior for signs, marks or other labels that may indicate that the cargo may put those involved in unpacking the CTU at risk.

4.1.1.2       The labels shown above indicate that opening the doors should follow a particular process. Only the right hand door on a CTU carrying a flexitank should be opened (see figure 5.17). CTUs that have been fumigated (see figure 5.18) or where there is a coolant or conditioner (see figure 5.19) should be opened and ventilated before entering the CTU.

4.1.2       Dangerous atmospheres

4.1.2.1       CTUs carrying dangerous goods also should be opened with care as there is a risk that the carrying packages have been damaged and the goods spilled.

4.1.2.2       Fumigants are highly toxic. Cargoes most likely to have been fumigated include foodstuffs, leather goods, handicrafts, textiles, timber or cane furniture, luxury vehicles and cargo in timber cases or on timber pallets.

4.1.2.3       CTUs transported under fumigation are required to be marked and declared in accordance with the applicable dangerous goods regulations. However, absence of marking cannot be taken to mean fumigants are not present. CTUs marked as having been ventilated after fumigation may also contain fumigant that was absorbed by the cargo and released during transit (see annex 9).

4.1.2.4       CTUs that are fumigated should be properly marked. On occasion, marks may become obliterated or lost during transport. As CTUs may then not be appropriately marked, the doors and vents should be checked. Tape applied to door gaskets or to the vents may indicate the risk of fumigant presence (see figure 5.20).

Figure 5.20 Vent tapped over

4.1.2.5       In addition to the presence of fumigants, toxic gases associated with the cargo’s manufacturing process have been found in dangerous levels, for example shoes may have high levels of toluene, benzene and 1,2-dichloroethane.

4.1.2.6       In the short term, vapours irritate the eyes, the skin and respiratory tract. Inhalation of vapours can cause pulmonary oedema. The substance can have an effect on the central nervous system, the kidneys and the liver, causing functional deficiency.

4.1.3       If there are concerns that there are signs of a dangerous atmosphere, a safety data sheet (SDS) should be requested from the consignor or from the shipper, as appropriate and sampling the air inside the CTU before opening could be considered.