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. To be able to maintain safety, when handling or securing containers, environmental conditions like wind should be considered. The term loaded is the maximum gross weigh rating of the container. In order to make certain that the centre of gravity is kept as low and central as possible, the cargo should be evenly distributed all over the container.
To be able to maintain safety, having an evenly distributed cargo is beneficial to avoid lack of vehicle stability, and excessive tilting. A load that is even helps to prevent unacceptable vehicle axle loading, and unacceptable load concentrations.
With the distribution of load within the container, the eccentricity of the center of gravity differs. It is very essential that the designers of containers and handling equipment take this into account 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 equipment, the eccentricity corresponds to 5%.
To be able to make certain that the equipment 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 has to be paid to the risk of the container tilting because of the eccentricity of the center of gravity. When raising any container whose centre of gravity is eccentric or mobile, 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 load, extreme care must be taken when lifting these.
Various methods for handling containers other than the ones already mentioned may be taken into consideration, but only after careful assessment of the equipment by means of which the container is to be handled. With respect to global container standards, the methods of operation are foreseen. Safety is vital in every situation and time should be taken prior to starting in order to make certain overall efficiency is maintained and all situations are handled in the best way possible.