Container Handling Suggestions
A "loaded container" by definition is a container other than in the empty or tare condition, in reference to container handling. Unless otherwise confirmed, containers should be treated as loaded. In order to maintain safety, when handling or securing containers, environmental conditions like wind should be taken into account. The word loaded is the container's maximum gross weigh rating. In order to make sure that the centre of gravity is kept as central and low as possible, the load must be equally distributed throughout the container.
To be able to maintain safety, having an equally distributed load is beneficial to avoid lack of vehicle stability, and excessive tilting. A load that is even helps to avoid unacceptable load concentrations, and unacceptable vehicle axle loading.
The eccentricity of the center of gravity varies, with the load distribution within the container. It is extremely important that the designers of containers and handling machinery take this into account in the engineering process. For example, when 60 percent of the load by mass is distributed in 50% 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 right for the cargo, care needs to be taken to make certain it is safely attached to the container and that the container is free to be handled. Specific attention should be paid to the risk of the container tilting due to the eccentricity of the center of gravity. When raising any container whose centre of gravity is eccentric or mobile, like for instance a bulk container, a tank 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 cargo, extreme care should be taken when lifting these.
A variety of methods for handling containers other than the ones already mentioned may be taken into consideration, but just after careful evaluation of the equipment 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 each and every situation and time has to be taken before starting in order to make sure all situations are handled in the best possible way and overall efficiency is maintained.