Container Handling Tips
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 securing or handling containers, environmental conditions such as wind must be considered. The word loaded is the container's maximum gross weigh rating. To be able to make sure that the centre of gravity is kept as low and central as possible, the load should be equally distributed all around the container.
In order to maintain safety, having an equally distributed load is helpful to avoid excessive tilting, and lack of vehicle stability. An even load helps to prevent unacceptable vehicle axle loading, and unacceptable load concentrations.
The eccentricity of the center of gravity differs, with the load distribution in the container. It is extremely important that the designers of handling machines and containers take this into account during the engineering process. For instance, when 60 percent of the load by mass is distributed in 50 percent of the container length measured from one end of the equipment, the eccentricity corresponds to 5 percent.
In order to make sure that the equipment used is perfect for the cargo, care needs to be taken to make certain it is safely attached to the container and that the container is free to be handled. Particular attention has to be paid to the possibility 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 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.
Various methods for handling containers other than the ones already mentioned may be taken into account, but just after careful evaluation of the machine by means of which the container is to be handled. With regards to international 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 sure all situations are handled in the best way possible and overall efficiency is maintained.