Container Handling Tips
The definition 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 example wind need to be taken into account. The word loaded refers to the container's maximum gross weigh rating. To be able to guarantee that the centre of gravity is kept as low and central as possible, the load should be distributed throughout the container.
Having an equally distributed load it is helpful to avoid lack of vehicle stability, and excessive tilting, so as to maintain safety. A cargo which is even helps to prevent unacceptable vehicle axle loading, and unacceptable load concentrations.
With the load distribution within the container, the eccentricity of the center of gravity varies. It is extremely important that the designers of handling machines and containers take this into consideration in the engineering process. For example, when 60 percent of the load by mass is distributed in 50 percent of the container length measured from one end of the machine, the eccentricity corresponds to 5 percent.
Make sure 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 certain that the machine used is perfect for the cargo. Particular attention must be paid to the possibility of the container tilting due to the eccentricity of the center of gravity. When lifting 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 has to be taken when raising these.
A variety of methods for handling containers other than the ones already mentioned can 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 worldwide container standards, the methods of operation are envisaged. Safety is vital in every situation and time has to be taken before starting in order to make certain all situations are handled in the best way possible and overall efficiency is maintained.