  DATE \@ "dddd, MMMM dd, yyyy"  Friday, February 17, 2012 

OSHA Quick Card

Top/Side Handler Safety

As a worker in the Longshore Industry you and your 

co-workers are exposed to the risk of being struck by 

top/side handlers working on the marine terminal.  Always be aware of
traffic patterns and moving vehicles in order to avoid accidents and
injuries.  

Tips to Avoid Top Handler and Semi Tractor Accidents

All drivers: 

Use caution when approaching a gap in the stack where Top/side handlers
may be operating.

Yield the right of way to top/side handlers that are backing up and
provide a wide berth or stop to allow the top/side handlers to back
across the travel lane.

Obey all speed and traffic regulations (1917.44(d)) and

ensure installed safety devices are operational. (1917.43 (c)(5)). 

Be aware that there may be pedestrians working in your area and make eye
or radio contact if possible. 

Be prepared to STOP!

Things to remember about Top/Side Handlers  working in deep piles:

They cannot be seen until they emerge from the pile and have to back
across transit lanes to load containers onto chassis and bomb carts.

Top/Side handler operators: 

Always back slowly, smoothly and predictably out of the stacks and do
not cut across, between, or through bays. 

Ensure that the container being lifted does not strike other containers
while backing out the pile.

Semi tractor operators: 

 Always use caution whenever approaching a gap in a stack or bay. A
top/side handler may be working and back into the travel lane.

Stay back one container length while waiting to receive a container.

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