TT Club To Work With PEMA On Safer Port Equipment
Published:14-May-2009
TT Club has agreed to work with Port Equipment Manufacturers Association (PEMA) to promote best practice in designing safe port operating equipment worldwide.
The move comes after PEMA's recent AGM in Amsterdam, where Laurence Jones, director of global risk assessment for TT Club, presented the results of his recent research into causes of equipment accidents and loss in the port and terminal sector.
Given its position as a leading insurer globally to the marine terminal market, TT Club has a wealth of insights into the key factors contributing to such accidents. PEMA president Ottonel Popesco said: "We are delighted to co-operate with TT Club in increasing knowledge and awareness of such a vital aspect of the port equipment business."
TT Club's research showed that, although human factors were the major cause of accidents, existing systems and technologies could be included in the design of equipment to help operators avoid accidents. Mr Jones also called for continuing development of new technology to improve the safety of personnel and equipment, citing the example of quay-crane booms colliding with ships, a frequent accident that is easily prevented by the installation of a simple boom anti-collision electronic sensor.
Mr Jones said: "For about $10,000 per crane this alone can save millions of dollars in damage, as well as injuries and downtime. Due to price sensitivity, crane manufacturers often do not provide boom anti-collision as standard or offer a low-cost mechanism that does not provide adequate protection. My aim is to encourage all terminals to specify electronic boom anti-collision sensors so that crane manufacturers fit them as standard."
Peregrine Storrs-Fox, TT Club's risk management director, was pleased with the co-operation agreement with PEMA. He said: "As the leading insurer globally to the marine terminal market, TT Club has a key perspective on the factors contributing to accidents occurring. By combining the club's experience with PEMA's extensive knowledge of the sector, we will be able to promote the safe design of port equipment intelligently and effectively, and so help reduce port accidents and loss."
TT Club will be hosting a workshop jointly with PEMA called Port Equipment Safety and Loss Prevention - Strategies and Technologies to Minimise Risk at the 34th TOC Europe conference, which takes place from 16 June to 18 June in Bremen. The workshop, which will be held on the morning of Thursday 18 June, will focus on the major causes of equipment accidents and loss, operational and management strategies to minimise risk and new technologies to improve safety and reduce loss. The workshop is open to all delegates, exhibitors and visitors attending TOC Europe.
