SiP002 – Guidance on General Cargo

The guidance covers the handling of general cargo, often referred to as “break-bulk”. This version (2.0) was fully revised and updated by a PSS Working Group including representatives from trade unions and the Health and Safety Executive and released in April 2025.

There is an open access version available to download. This version is available free of charge to PSS non-members and is intended for all companies operating in the UK ports industry with a duty of care and responsibility for the safe design, construction, operation, management and maintenance of ports and terminal facilities and management of port and terminal activities.

Following this guidance is not compulsory and individual risk assessments should always be undertaken by competent individuals before undertaking any port operation. By following this guidance, companies and individuals will normally be doing enough to comply with the law. Health and safety inspectors seeking to secure compliance with the law may refer to this guidance.

Companies operating outside the UK may find the guidance helpful but should note that it refers solely to UK legislation.

PSS members also have access to an illustrated version and additional resources to support this SiP. These resources will be developed over time to include a compliance checklist, images to facilitate learning, videos of best practice and short versions of individual SiP chapters for use by port operatives. Members are encouraged to contribute to this collection by submitting and relevant resources to info@portskillsandsafety.co.uk.