Containers with gas-free certificate

Starting 1st January 2021 we will receive a gas-free certificate for every container we receive from outside the European Union. With this we not only guarantee the safety for our employees regarding gases in containers but we can also start unloading containers at our warehouse without delay.

The goods that we import from outside the European Union are transported in sea containers. Containers containing partial shipments are opened and sorted out in the port. The port always checks these containers for the presence of gases.

In addition to these sea containers with partial shipments we also unload approximately 35 full containers annually that are delivered to our warehouse in Vaasssen without being opened. But unloading a container is not without risks. When physically opening these containers there is a risk that a Dulimex employee will be exposed to dangerous gases, vapors or a reduced oxygen content. Since we, as an employer, are responsible for the health of our employees we have decided to abandon the random gas measurement and have the gas measurement carried out on every full container in the port instead.

Experience has shown that dangerous gases are found in 10 to 12% of the sea containers to be checked during customs checks. This has several causes:

• Shipping containers are often treated with pesticides to prevent insects and other pests to ensure there is no damage to the goods.
• During transport, packaging can be damaged, resulting in the release of gases.
• Hazardous concentrations of gas may be encountered in the case of evaporating cargo and packaging.
• The oxygen content in a container may be too low, making normal breathing impossible.

By having every container checked for gases and having it delivered to our warehouse with a gas-free certificate, our employees can carry out the work in a responsible manner. In doing so, we fulfill our employer's obligation to ensure a health and safety policy with a risk inventory and evaluation as a basis.