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 taken into consideration. The term 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 cargo should be equally distributed throughout the container.
Having an evenly distributed cargo it is beneficial to avoid lack of vehicle stability, and excessive tilting, so as to maintain safety. An even load helps to prevent unacceptable vehicle axle loading, and unacceptable load concentrations.
With the distribution of load in the container, the eccentricity of the center of gravity varies. It is extremely essential that the designers of handling equipment and containers take this into account 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 equipment, 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 sure that the machine utilized is perfect for the cargo. 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, such as 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 load, great care needs to be taken when raising these.
A variety of methods for handling containers other than the ones already mentioned could be taken into account, but only 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 each and every situation and time must be taken prior to starting in order to make sure all situations are handled in the best possible way and overall efficiency is maintained.