Does ship hold cargo cleaning pose health risks to workers?

There are always risks associated with the use of cleaning chemicals and machinery, even in our own homes. But any health risks to workers carrying out ship hold cargo cleaning are easily managed with the right product information, equipment and attention to safety protocols.

That’s why all of RBM HoldSolutions products and equipment come with instruction manuals and/or Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). We’ve also made these resources available here on our website. 

Detailed instruction manuals for each of our products, including RBM HoldBlock, RBM HoldWash-HD, RBM ShipWash, RBM BilgeCoat, include: 

• Application instructions
• Mixing procedures
• Removal procedures 
• Coverage data and important safety information 

Manuals for our RBM Application Set and RBM Hydroblaster equipment come with:

• Written and visual operating instructions
• Care & maintenance tips
• Troubleshooting guidance.

MSDS for our products contain specific details regarding:

• Product composition
• Hazards identification
• First aid measures
• Handling and storage info
• Exposure controls
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements for the cleaning crew.

Should your crew require, we can provide a Protective Clothing Kit suitable for use with all RBM products. This kit contains 6 pairs of Hooded Coveralls, 6 pairs of Nitrile Gloves, 6 pairs Splash Goggles, and 6 Particulate Masks.

We at RBM HoldSolutions® take both personal safety and product handling very seriously. We provide extensive training tools for ship hold cargo cleaning teams to effectively and safely apply our products. And RBM staff are available to instruct crew on safe and efficient application of our products. In Vancouver, up to three hours of training and supervision are included with each purchase of our solutions, when and where available.

Please do not hesitate to contact RBM HoldSolutions® should you have any questions.