Container Handling Tips
The meaning of a "loaded container" for the purpose of container handling and securing; is a container other than in the tare or empty condition. Containers must be treated as loaded, unless otherwise confirmed. To be able to maintain safety, when handling or securing containers, environmental conditions like for example wind has to be considered. The word loaded is the maximum gross weigh rating of the container. To be able to make sure that the centre of gravity is kept as central and low as possible, the load needs to be distributed all around the container.
Having an equally distributed load it is advantageous to avoid excessive tilting, and lack of vehicle stability, so as to maintain safety. A load which is even helps to prevent unacceptable vehicle axle loading, and unacceptable load concentrations.
With the load distribution within the container, the eccentricity of the center of gravity differs. It is extremely essential that the designers of containers and handling machinery take this into consideration during the engineering process. For example, when 60 percent of the load by mass is distributed in 50 percent of the container length measured from one end of the machinery, the eccentricity corresponds to 5%.
Make certain that the container is free to be handled and care needs to be taken to make certain it is safely attached to the container, in order to make certain that the machine used is right for the load. Particular attention has to 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 eccentric or mobile, like for instance 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 load, great care needs 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 equipment by means of which the container is to be handled. With respect to international container standards, the methods of operation are envisaged. Safety is paramount in each and every situation and time should be taken before starting in order to make sure overall efficiency is maintained and all situations are handled in the best possible way.