Customs clearing agent stifles to death in sealed container

A Customs clearing agent was stifled to death in a 40ft sealed container stuffed with toxic substance at Pakistan International Containers Terminal (PICT), due to lack of safety awareness. According to details, the body of clearing agent Zaheer Abbas was recovered from sealed container at PICT. The incident took place when the deceased went inside the Dangerous Goods (DG) 40ft container containing palletized Organ phosphorus Pesticides, solid and toxic class 6.1 UN 2783.
He inhaled the fumes of the said substance that caused unconsciousness, which led to fatality. After investigation, it was revealed that this container was grounded on Zaheer's request as he wanted to collect PPRO sampling. However, the deceased after PPRO sampling went inside the container without intimating the terminal staff and sans taking necessary precaution and supervision as he was told by the importer to collect some sort of badges from the entire cargo pallets. He got unconscious and fell down in between the container that could not be seen from outside the container and unfortunately, this led to his demise.
Meanwhile, the PICT officials were of the view that he was not conversant of cargo nature and the necessary precautions required to attend such cargo in a confined space like 40ft container therefore he had taken serious risk of his life by going into the container. Due to lack of awareness, the deceased decided to go inside Dangerous Goods container ignoring all the risks associated with the cargo.
Therefore, it is important for terminal staff involved to understand the various safety risks associated with such activities and other activities being performed in this business to emphasize the significance of safety procedures. The PICT officials also requested the Customs clearing agents association to encourage its members to provide necessary safety awareness to their staff before assigning them to handle dangerous goods.
They further said that PICT gave high importance to the safety of the staff and other stakeholders working within our premises therefore they had taken various initiatives including regular general safety training sessions, providing PPE to stakeholders entering the terminal. When contacted, Arshad Jamal, Senior Vice Chairman of All Pakistan Customs Agents Association (APCAA) said that association had raised safety issues before all concerned authorities, requesting them to separate Dangerous Goods consignments with other cargos.
He said, "APCAA has firm stance on this issue, we again reiterate the authority concerned to take immediate measures and ensure the presence of skilled workforce and allocation of separate area for handling Dangerous Goods to avoid further human losses in future."