Container Handling Suggestions
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 should be treated as loaded, unless otherwise confirmed. To be able to maintain safety, when handling or securing containers, environmental conditions like 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 low and central as possible, the load must be distributed throughout the container.
To be able to maintain safety, having an equally distributed cargo is helpful to avoid excessive tilting, and lack of vehicle stability. A cargo 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 essential that the designers of containers and handling machines take this into account in the engineering process. For example, when 60% of the load by mass is distributed in 50% of the container length measured from one end of the machinery, the eccentricity corresponds to 5%.
In order to make sure that the equipment utilized 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. Specific attention must be paid to the risk of the container tilting due to the eccentricity of the center of gravity. When lifting any container whose centre of gravity is mobile or eccentric, like for example a tank container, a bulk container a thermal container with a refrigerating unit or a container with a liquid bulk bag, either clip on or integral, or any container with a hanging load, great care should be taken when lifting these.
Different methods for handling containers other than the ones aforementioned can be taken into consideration, but just after careful assessment of the machine by means of which the container is to be handled. With regards to international 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 certain overall efficiency is maintained and all situations are handled in the best possible way.