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. To be able to maintain safety, when securing or handling containers, environmental conditions such as wind should be considered. The word loaded is the maximum gross weigh rating of the container. To be able to make certain that the centre of gravity is kept as central and low as possible, the cargo should be distributed all over the container.
Having an equally distributed load it is advantageous to prevent lack of vehicle stability, and excessive tilting, so as to maintain safety. A load that is even helps to avoid unacceptable load concentrations, and unacceptable vehicle axle loading.
With the load distribution within the container, the eccentricity of the center of gravity differs. It is very important that the designers of handling machinery and containers take this into account in the engineering process. 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 machinery, the eccentricity corresponds to 5 percent.
To be able to make sure that the machine used is perfect for the load, care has to be taken to make sure it is safely attached to the container and that the container is free to be handled. Particular attention must be paid to the risk 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 a bulk container, a tank container or a container with a liquid bulk bag or a thermal container with a refrigerating unit, either clip on or integral, or any container with a hanging load, 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 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 envisaged. Safety is vital in every situation and time must be taken before starting in order to make sure overall efficiency is maintained and all situations are handled in the best possible way.