The Netherlands - Coming to Grips with Toxic Gas in Sea Containers

After a number of serious worker exposures to toxic gas residuals in imported shipping containers, The Netherlands has taken a lead in managing the exposure risks. This problem is however by no means confined to Holland, as studies in different countries have confirmed this as an international problem.

Worker health has in some cases been very seriously affected by exposure, after opening and entering import containers. The gases have arisen from fumigation (eg methyl bromide, phosphine) but also from the cargoes themselves - eg formaldehyde (a listed carcinogen) and dichloroethane - an industrial solvent. Most workers have no idea they are being exposed, even on a daily basis, as symptoms may be delayed or only apparent after a considerable time.

Customs authorities in various countries have taken effective steps to protect the welfare of their staff who inspect containers, but private industry is only now coming to grips with the issue. The fact that these gases often may not have a smell or other indication of their presence, when present at toxic levels, makes this a complex problem.

In The Netherlands, containers are being categorised as high, medium or low risk, and the obligation is on employers to have a well considered risk assessment program. This involves monitoring for gas, and forced ventilation when unsafe levels are found.

Nordiko offers a fast and efficient solution to this problem, recognition of which is spreading to many other regions where import containers are opened.

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