Container Handling Tips
The definition 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. In order to maintain safety, when securing or handling containers, environmental conditions like wind should be taken into consideration. The term loaded refers to 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 cargo has to be distributed throughout the container.
Having an equally distributed cargo it is advantageous to avoid lack of vehicle stability, and excessive tilting, so as to maintain safety. An even cargo helps to avoid unacceptable vehicle axle loading, and unacceptable load concentrations.
The eccentricity of the center of gravity differs, with the distribution of load in the container. It is extremely important that the designers of handling equipment and containers consider in the engineering process. Like for example, 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%.
Make certain that the container is free to be handled and care needs to be taken to make certain it is safely attached to the container, in order to make sure that the equipment utilized is right for the cargo. Specific attention has to 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 eccentric or mobile, like a bulk container, a tank 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.
A variety of methods for handling containers other than the ones already mentioned can be taken into account, but only after careful assessment of the equipment by means of which the container is to be handled. With regards to global container standards, the methods of operation are foreseen. Safety is paramount in every situation and time should be taken before starting in order to make certain all situations are handled in the best way possible and overall efficiency is maintained.