Container Handling Suggestions
A "loaded container" by description 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. In order to maintain safety, when handling or securing containers, environmental conditions like for example wind should be taken into consideration. The word loaded refers to the container's maximum gross weigh rating. In order to ensure that the centre of gravity is kept as low and central as possible, the cargo needs to be distributed all over the container.
Having an evenly distributed cargo it is beneficial to prevent lack of vehicle stability, and excessive tilting, in order to maintain safety. An even cargo helps to avoid unacceptable load concentrations, and unacceptable vehicle axle loading.
The eccentricity of the center of gravity varies, with the load distribution in the container. It is very important that the designers of containers and handling machines take this into consideration in the engineering process. For instance, when 60% 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%.
In order to make certain that the machinery used is perfect for the load, care needs to be taken to make sure it is safely attached to the container and that the container is free to be handled. Specific 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 mobile or eccentric, like a tank container, a bulk container a thermal container with a refrigerating unit or a container with a liquid bulk bag, either integral or clip on, or any container with a hanging cargo, extreme care has to be taken when raising these.
Different methods for handling containers other than the ones aforementioned can be taken into account, but just after careful assessment of the equipment 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 each and 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 way possible.