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. To be able to maintain safety, when securing or handling containers, environmental conditions such as wind should be considered. The term loaded is the maximum gross weigh rating of the container. To be able to make sure that the centre of gravity is kept as low and central as possible, the cargo needs to be evenly distributed throughout the container.
In order to maintain safety, having an equally distributed cargo is beneficial to prevent excessive tilting, and lack of vehicle stability. An even load helps to prevent unacceptable load concentrations, and unacceptable vehicle axle loading.
The eccentricity of the center of gravity differs, with the load distribution in the container. It is very important that the designers of containers and handling machines take this into consideration in the engineering process. Like for instance, when 60% 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 equipment used is perfect for the load, care needs to be taken to make certain 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, 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 cargo, great care should be taken when lifting these.
Different methods for handling containers other than the ones aforementioned can be taken into consideration, but only after careful assessment of the equipment by means of which the container is to be handled. With respect to global container standards, the methods of operation are foreseen. Safety is paramount in every situation and time must be taken before starting in order to make sure all situations are handled in the best way possible and overall efficiency is maintained.