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 securing or handling containers, environmental conditions such as wind has to be taken into account. The word loaded is the maximum gross weigh rating of the container. In order to ensure that the centre of gravity is kept as central and low as possible, the load must be evenly 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 cargo which is even helps to avoid unacceptable vehicle axle loading, and unacceptable load concentrations.
The eccentricity of the center of gravity varies, with the distribution of load in the container. It is extremely important that the designers of containers and handling machines consider in the engineering process. Like 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 machine, the eccentricity corresponds to 5 percent.
Make certain 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 machine used is right for the cargo. Specific attention has to 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 eccentric or mobile, like for example 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, great care has to be taken when lifting these.
A variety of methods for handling containers other than the ones already mentioned can be taken into account, but only 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 foreseen. Safety is vital in every situation and time must be taken prior to starting in order to make sure all situations are handled in the best way possible and overall efficiency is maintained.