Container Handling Suggestions
The meaning of a "loaded container" for the purpose of container handling and securing; 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 like for instance wind should be taken into consideration. The term loaded refers to the container's maximum gross weigh rating. To be able to ensure that the centre of gravity is kept as low and central as possible, the cargo should be evenly distributed all over the container.
Having an evenly distributed load it is helpful to prevent lack of vehicle stability, and excessive tilting, in order to maintain safety. An even load helps to prevent unacceptable load concentrations, and unacceptable vehicle axle loading.
With the load distribution within the container, the eccentricity of the center of gravity varies. It is extremely essential that the designers of containers and handling machinery take this into account in the engineering process. Like 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.
In order to make certain that the machine used is perfect for the load, care needs to be taken to make sure it is safely attached to the container and that the container is free to be handled. Specific attention has to 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 mobile or eccentric, like for example 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, great care must be taken when raising these.
A variety of methods for handling containers other than the ones aforementioned could be taken into account, but just after careful assessment of the machinery by means of which the container is to be handled. With regards to international container standards, the methods of operation are envisaged. Safety is vital in every situation and time should be taken before starting in order to make certain all situations are handled in the best possible way and overall efficiency is maintained.