Container Handling Tips
The meaning of a "loaded container" for the purpose of securing and container handling; 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 instance wind should be considered. The word loaded refers to the maximum gross weigh rating of the container. To be able to make certain that the centre of gravity is kept as low and central as possible, the load needs to be evenly distributed all over the container.
To be able to maintain safety, having an equally distributed load is helpful to prevent lack of vehicle stability, and excessive tilting. A load that is even helps to prevent unacceptable load concentrations, and unacceptable vehicle axle loading.
The eccentricity of the center of gravity differs, with the distribution of load within the container. It is extremely important that the designers of handling machinery and containers consider during the engineering process. For example, when 60% of the load by mass is distributed in 50 percent of the container length measured from one end of the equipment, the eccentricity corresponds to 5 percent.
In order to make certain that the machinery used is right 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. Specific attention must be paid to the possibility of the container tilting due to the eccentricity of the center of gravity. When lifting any container whose centre of gravity is eccentric or mobile, like 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.
Different methods for handling containers other than the ones aforementioned can be taken into account, but just after careful evaluation of the machine by means of which the container is to be handled. With respect to international container standards, the methods of operation are foreseen. Safety is vital in 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.