Container Handling Suggestions
The definition 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. In order to maintain safety, when handling or securing containers, environmental conditions like for example wind should be taken into consideration. The term loaded is the maximum gross weigh rating of the container. In order to ensure that the centre of gravity is kept as central and low as possible, the load should be evenly distributed throughout the container.
In order to maintain safety, having an equally distributed load is beneficial to prevent excessive tilting, and lack of vehicle stability. A load which is even helps to prevent unacceptable load concentrations, and unacceptable vehicle axle loading.
The eccentricity of the center of gravity varies, with the distribution of load in the container. It is extremely important that the designers of handling equipment and containers take this into account in the engineering process. For instance, when 60 percent of the load by mass is distributed in 50 percent of the length of the container measured from one end of the machinery, the eccentricity corresponds to 5%.
Make certain that the container is free to be handled and care needs to be taken to make certain it is safely attached to the container, in order to make sure that the machine used is perfect for the load. Specific attention must 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 eccentric or mobile, like for example a tank container, a bulk 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, great care must be taken when lifting these.
Various methods for handling containers other than the ones aforementioned may be taken into account, but just after careful evaluation of the machinery by means of which the container is to be handled. With respect to worldwide container standards, the methods of operation are foreseen. Safety is vital in every situation and time must be taken before starting in order to make certain all situations are handled in the best way possible and overall efficiency is maintained.