Container Handling Suggestions
A "loaded container" by definition is a container other than in the empty or tare condition, in reference to container handling. Unless otherwise confirmed, containers should be treated as loaded. To be able to maintain safety, when securing or handling containers, environmental conditions like wind must be taken into account. The word loaded refers to the maximum gross weigh rating of the container. In order to make sure that the centre of gravity is kept as central and low as possible, the cargo must be evenly distributed throughout the container.
In order to maintain safety, having an evenly distributed cargo is beneficial to prevent lack of vehicle stability, and excessive tilting. A load that is even helps to avoid unacceptable vehicle axle loading, and unacceptable load concentrations.
With the distribution of load in the container, the eccentricity of the center of gravity differs. It is very important that the designers of containers and handling machines take this into account in the engineering process. Like for instance, when 60 percent of the load by mass is distributed in 50% of the container length measured from one end of the machinery, the eccentricity corresponds to 5 percent.
To be able to make sure that the machine used is right for the load, care has to be taken to make certain it is safely attached to the container and that the container is free to be handled. Particular attention must be paid to the possibility 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 tank container, a bulk container or a container with a liquid bulk bag or a thermal container with a refrigerating unit, either integral or clip on, or any container with a hanging cargo, great care must be taken when raising these.
Various methods for handling containers other than the ones already mentioned can 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 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 overall efficiency is maintained and all situations are handled in the best possible way.