Packaging, Handling & Movement of Materials Specification

Supporting Materials

• Implementation Guide
• Cargo Conformance Checklist
• FAQs
• Poster

Challenge

Failure to package materials appropriately shows up as a non-conformance regularly in Uniform Non-Conformance Reporting data.  

The regulations in every jurisdiction (WA; NT; Qld, etc.) reference the National Transport Commission (NTC) Guidance on load restraint as the mandatory requirements for securing loads for transport.  However, the NTC Guidance is silent in relation to packaging of materials that go inside shipping containers or baskets loaded for transport, and this gap often results in packing that can be insufficient to contain the items inside the container.  When the container is opened, a safety issue can be present. 

Companies have Chain of Responsibility (COR) obligations.  The approach to meeting these obligations, as they apply to packaging, is not consistent across the WA/NT Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Industry.

Solution

Develop a Specification that is intended for use by all companies involved in supply chain activities that support the WA/NT Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Industry.  Outline requirements for the packaging and restraint of freight, and/or Cargo Carrying Units (CCUs) in a document that is intended to complement  the NTC Load Restraint Guide. 

Result

The Working Group has launched the Packaging, Handling & Movement of Materials Specification.  

This Specification is intended for use by all companies involved in supply chain activities that support the WA/NT Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Industry.

Qld Land Transport Working Group is evaluating the Specification for implementation.

This document outlines requirements for the packaging and restraint of freight, and/or CCUs.  It is to be used along with the National Transport Commission Load Restraint Guide 2nd Edition (2004)*.

The purpose of this Specification is to define standardised control measures for the safe packaging, handling and movement of materials onshore, as well as to/from offshore rigs and platform installations, where these requirements are not already defined in the NTC Load Restraint Guide.  This Specification is meant to clarify, and add to, the controls provided in  the NTC Load Restraint Guide.

The scope of this Specification covers activities including:

• Cargo preparation including loading and securing within the CCU.
• Packaging of materials at the carton / crate level to ensure internal restraint is sufficient to prevent cargo movement through to the end destination.
• Securing of Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG).
• Restraint of materials to a pallet / skid.

* The WA regulator has not yet commenced enforcing the 2018 version of this document, so the older reference is used.  Readers should apply the latest reference (2018) where required, making any necessary adjustments to the requirements of the Specification.

For more information:  [email protected].