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 securing or handling containers, environmental conditions like wind should be considered. The word loaded is the maximum gross weigh rating of the container. To be able to ensure that the centre of gravity is kept as central and low as possible, the load has to be distributed all over the container.
In order to maintain safety, having an evenly distributed load is beneficial to avoid excessive tilting, and lack of vehicle stability. A cargo which is even helps to avoid unacceptable vehicle axle loading, and unacceptable load concentrations.
The eccentricity of the center of gravity varies, with the load distribution within the container. 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 length of the container measured from one end of the machinery, the eccentricity corresponds to 5 percent.
Make certain that the container is free to be handled and care has to be taken to make sure it is safely attached to the container, in order to make certain that the machinery utilized is right for the cargo. Particular attention should be paid to the possibility of the container tilting because of the eccentricity of the center of gravity. When raising any container whose centre of gravity is mobile or eccentric, such as a bulk container, a tank 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 load, extreme care needs to be taken when lifting these.
Different methods for handling containers other than the ones aforementioned may be taken into account, but just after careful assessment of the equipment by means of which the container is to be handled. With regards to global container standards, the methods of operation are foreseen. Safety is vital in each and every situation and time should be taken prior to starting in order to make sure all situations are handled in the best possible way and overall efficiency is maintained.