Container Handling Tips
The meaning of a "loaded container" for the purpose of securing and container handling; is a container other than in the empty or tare condition. Containers must 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 account. The term loaded refers to the maximum gross weigh rating of the container. In order to guarantee that the centre of gravity is kept as central and low as possible, the load must be equally distributed all around the container.
Having an equally distributed load it is helpful to prevent excessive tilting, and lack of vehicle stability, so as to maintain safety. An even load helps to avoid unacceptable load concentrations, and unacceptable vehicle axle loading.
With the distribution of load in the container, the eccentricity of the center of gravity differs. It is extremely important that the designers of handling equipment and containers consider in the engineering process. Like for example, when 60 percent of the load by mass is distributed in 50 percent of the length of the container measured from one end of the machine, the eccentricity corresponds to 5 percent.
In order to make sure that the equipment utilized is right for the cargo, care has to be taken to make sure it is safely attached to the container and that the container is free to be handled. Specific attention should be paid to the possibility of the container tilting because of the eccentricity of the center of gravity. When lifting 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 integral or clip on, or any container with a hanging cargo, great care has to be taken when lifting these.
Various methods for handling containers other than the ones already mentioned could be taken into consideration, but just after careful assessment of the machine by means of which the container is to be handled. With regards to global container standards, the methods of operation are envisaged. Safety is vital in each and every situation and time has to be taken prior to starting in order to make sure all situations are handled in the best possible way and overall efficiency is maintained.