Container Handling Tips
A "loaded container" by definition is a container other than in the tare or empty condition, in reference to container handling. Unless otherwise confirmed, containers must be treated as loaded. To be able to maintain safety, when securing or handling containers, environmental conditions like wind should be taken into account. The term loaded refers to the maximum gross weigh rating of the container. In order to ensure that the centre of gravity is kept as central and low as possible, the load needs to be equally distributed throughout the container.
Having an evenly distributed cargo it is beneficial to prevent excessive tilting, and lack of vehicle stability, so as to maintain safety. A cargo that is even helps to prevent unacceptable vehicle axle loading, and unacceptable load concentrations.
With the distribution of load in the container, the eccentricity of the center of gravity varies. It is extremely essential that the designers of handling equipment and containers consider in the engineering process. Like 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 machinery, the eccentricity corresponds to 5 percent.
Make sure that the container is free to be handled and care has to be taken to make certain it is safely attached to the container, in order to make certain that the machine used is perfect for the load. Specific attention should be paid to the possibility 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 for instance 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 should be taken when raising these.
Various methods for handling containers other than the ones already mentioned can be taken into account, but only after careful assessment of the machinery by means of which the container is to be handled. With regards to worldwide container standards, the methods of operation are envisaged. Safety is vital in every situation and time has to be taken before starting in order to make sure overall efficiency is maintained and all situations are handled in the best way possible.