We are re-examining the subject of radiometric controls carried out inside the terminal in order to discuss a series of voluntary measures that have been adopted to defend the health of workers who might come in contact with contaminated goods.
Thanks to pressure from terminal representatives on the”Port’s hygiene and safety committee”, Genoa Port Authority approved in 2015 an ordinance that introduces a series of radiometric controls to be followed within the Genoa Port in addition to those already required by law.
The ordinance requires that the dispatcher of the goods signals, while still on the ship, the presence of goods subject to surveillance and that the terminal or the port company provides the first team to board a portable radiation detector.
Another aspect of the ordinance is the definition of certain times for inspections. To guarantee partners and clients of the port, goods subject to verification must be monitored within 24 hours of unloading on weekdays and within twelve hours of the first available work day in other cases.
The ordinance is meant to protect the health of workers on the job and attest to the terminal’s commitment to find and propose innovative solutions in managing port life.
Once it’s been unloaded, the goods subject to verification are brought to a bordered area, the R00, where a probe, such as a Gamma Tracer, is able to analyze in detail and monitor possible dangerous radiation. The radiometric data that’s collected is shared in real time with the offices of shift manager and Safety employees. The presence of this technological equipment distinguishes VTE in the world of Italian terminal operators and beyond.
What happens if the probe reveals anomalies? An emergency plan is set in place that anticipates the temporary removal of workers, contacts the dispatcher of the goods, and brings in a qualified expert who carries out the necessary precautions. It warrants mentioning, however, that so far, we have never experienced any alarming situations.
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