An investigation into the handling and storage of dangerous goods at ports of entry: A case study of the Port of Tema

Abstract

As Ghana develops, the Port of Tema has seen an increase in the handling of good, which are substances either due to their inherent properties or in reaction to the environment are considered dangerous and therefore when not handled properly pose significant injury or harm to people, property and the environment. These are usually chemicals and raw materials for industries and come in the form of explosives, toxic, poisonous, irritating substances etc. According to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code of 2004, these substances are classified under 9 classes based on their risk. The handling of these goods at the Port of Tema creates hazardous environment and threaten lives. This study presents an investigation into the handling and storage of such goods at the Port of Tema and makes recommendations for their safe handling to protect lives and the environment. To achieve its aims, the study employed qualitative method of analysis to examine the types of dangerous goods handle at the port, the hazards and other problems associated with their handling and measures taken by the port authority to protect lives and the  environment. Though the study found out that the port authority has taken
some measures but revealed, however, that more need to be done regarding standardizing the handling and storage of these goods in order to protect lives and the environment in full compliance with the IMDG Code and IMO Port Recommendations (MSC1216).

Key Words: dangerous goods, hazard, port, code.