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 must be treated as loaded. To be able to maintain safety, when securing or handling containers, environmental conditions like for instance wind must be considered. The word loaded is the container's maximum gross weigh rating. To be able to ensure that the centre of gravity is kept as low and central as possible, the cargo should be distributed throughout the container.
In order to maintain safety, having an evenly distributed load is helpful to prevent excessive tilting, and lack of vehicle stability. 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 essential that the designers of containers and handling machinery take this into account in the engineering process. For instance, when 60% of the load by mass is distributed in 50% of the length of the container measured from one end of the equipment, the eccentricity corresponds to 5 percent.
Make sure that the container is free to be handled and care has to be taken to make sure it is safely attached to the container, in order to make sure that the equipment used is perfect for the load. Specific attention should 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, such as 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 cargo, extreme care must be taken when raising these.
Various methods for handling containers other than the ones already mentioned could be taken into consideration, but just after careful assessment of the machinery by means of which the container is to be handled. With regards to international container standards, the methods of operation are envisaged. Safety is paramount in every situation and time needs to be taken prior to starting in order to make certain overall efficiency is maintained and all situations are handled in the best way possible.