Container Handling Tips
A "loaded container" by description is a container other than in the tare or empty condition, in reference to container handling. Unless otherwise confirmed, containers should be treated as loaded. To be able to maintain safety, when handling or securing containers, environmental conditions such as wind need to be taken into consideration. The term loaded is the maximum gross weigh rating of the container. To be able to ensure that the centre of gravity is kept as central and low as possible, the cargo must be equally distributed all around the container.
To be able to maintain safety, having an equally distributed load is beneficial to avoid lack of vehicle stability, and excessive tilting. A cargo that is even helps to prevent unacceptable vehicle axle loading, and unacceptable load concentrations.
The eccentricity of the center of gravity varies, with the distribution of load in the container. It is extremely essential that the designers of containers and handling equipment take this into consideration in the engineering process. Like for instance, when 60% of the load by mass is distributed in 50% of the container length measured from one end of the equipment, the eccentricity corresponds to 5%.
Make certain that the container is free to be handled and care has to be taken to make sure it is safely attached to the container, in order to make sure that the machinery utilized is perfect for the cargo. 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 eccentric or mobile, like for instance 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 should be taken when lifting these.
Different methods for handling containers other than the ones already mentioned can be taken into account, but only after careful evaluation of the machine by means of which the container is to be handled. With regards to worldwide container standards, the methods of operation are foreseen. Safety is vital in every situation and time must be taken prior to starting in order to make sure overall efficiency is maintained and all situations are handled in the best possible way.