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