Container Handling Tips
The meaning of a "loaded container" for the purpose of container handling and securing; is a container other than in the empty or tare condition. Containers should be treated as loaded, unless otherwise confirmed. In order to maintain safety, when handling or securing containers, environmental conditions like for instance wind should be taken into consideration. The word loaded refers to the maximum gross weigh rating of the container. To be able to guarantee that the centre of gravity is kept as low and central as possible, the load should be distributed all around the container.
In order to maintain safety, having an equally distributed cargo is beneficial to avoid lack of vehicle stability, and excessive tilting. A cargo which is even helps to prevent unacceptable vehicle axle loading, and unacceptable load concentrations.
With the distribution of load in the container, the eccentricity of the center of gravity differs. It is extremely important that the designers of containers and handling equipment consider in the engineering process. For instance, when 60% of the load by mass is distributed in 50% of the container length measured from one end of the machinery, the eccentricity corresponds to 5%.
To be able to make certain that the equipment utilized is right for the load, care has to be taken to make certain it is safely attached to the container and that the container is free to be handled. Particular attention should be paid to the risk of the container tilting due to the eccentricity of the center of gravity. When raising any container whose centre of gravity is mobile or eccentric, such as a tank container, a bulk container a thermal container with a refrigerating unit or a container with a liquid bulk bag, either clip on or integral, or any container with a hanging cargo, great care must be taken when lifting these.
Different methods for handling containers other than the ones aforementioned could be taken into consideration, but just after careful evaluation of the machinery by means of which the container is to be handled. With regards to global container standards, the methods of operation are envisaged. Safety is paramount in every situation and time has to be taken prior to starting in order to make sure all situations are handled in the best way possible and overall efficiency is maintained.