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 term loaded is the container's maximum gross weigh rating. To be able to make certain that the centre of gravity is kept as low and central as possible, the cargo should be equally distributed all around the container.
In order to maintain safety, having an equally distributed load is helpful to avoid excessive tilting, and lack of vehicle stability. An even load helps to prevent unacceptable load concentrations, and unacceptable vehicle axle loading.
With the distribution of load in the container, the eccentricity of the center of gravity varies. It is extremely important that the designers of containers and handling machines consider in the engineering process. For instance, when 60 percent of the load by mass is distributed in 50% of the length of the container measured from one end of the equipment, the eccentricity corresponds to 5 percent.
In order to make sure that the machinery utilized 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. Particular attention has to be paid to the possibility of the container tilting due to the eccentricity of the center of gravity. When raising any container whose centre of gravity is mobile or eccentric, 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, extreme care should be taken when raising these.
There are numerous methods for utilizing handling containers which can be taken into account. However, there needs to be an assessment of the machinery means by which the container is to be utilized. With regards to worldwide container standards, the methods of operation are envisaged. Safety is vital in each and every situation and time must be taken before starting in order to make certain all situations are handled in the best possible way and overall efficiency is maintained.