Container Handling Tips
The meaning of a "loaded container" for the purpose of securing and container handling; is a container other than in the empty or tare condition. Containers must be treated as loaded, unless otherwise confirmed. To be able to maintain safety, when handling or securing containers, environmental conditions such as wind should be considered. The term loaded is the maximum gross weigh rating of the container. To be able to make certain that the centre of gravity is kept as low and central as possible, the load must be equally distributed all around the container.
In order to maintain safety, having an evenly distributed cargo is helpful to prevent lack of vehicle stability, and excessive tilting. An even cargo helps to avoid unacceptable load concentrations, and unacceptable vehicle axle loading.
The eccentricity of the center of gravity differs, with the load distribution in the container. It is very essential that the designers of containers and handling machines take this into consideration in the engineering process. Like for instance, when 60% of the load by mass is distributed in 50% of the container length measured from one end of the machine, the eccentricity corresponds to 5%.
Make certain that the container is free to be handled and care has to be taken to make sure it is safely attached to the container, in order to make sure that the equipment utilized is perfect for the load. Particular attention must 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 mobile or eccentric, 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 integral or clip on, or any container with a hanging cargo, great care should be taken when lifting these.
There are numerous methods for using handling containers that can be taken into account. Nevertheless, there needs to be an assessment of the machine means by which the container is to be used. 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 possible way and overall efficiency is maintained.