Question 53 ONC04 - Mate of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is C **Explanation for Option C (metal bale hooks):** The use of **metal bale hooks** is strictly forbidden when handling break bulk hazardous materials. This is due to the significant risk of puncturing or damaging the packaging (such as drums, bags, or cartons). If the packaging is breached, the hazardous material could spill, leak, or react, leading to severe consequences such as explosions, fires, toxic exposure, or environmental contamination. Tools that could compromise container integrity, especially metal hooks that introduce a concentrated point of stress and potential sparking, must be avoided. **Explanation for Incorrect Options:** * **A) cargo nets:** Cargo nets are a standard and acceptable means of securing and lifting irregularly shaped or diverse packages of break bulk cargo, including hazardous materials, provided the netting material itself does not react with the contents and adequately supports the load without crushing or damaging the containers. * **B) pallets:** Pallets are essential and widely used tools for unitizing cargo (including hazardous materials) to facilitate safe and efficient handling by forklifts or other lifting equipment. Using pallets helps distribute weight evenly and prevents individual containers from being crushed. * **D) slings:** Slings (made of appropriate materials like synthetic fiber webbing or specialized wire rope with proper padding/protection) are commonly used for lifting large, heavy, or unitized break bulk cargo, including hazardous materials. They are a necessary component of the lifting process, provided they are used correctly to avoid damaging the packaging.