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 should be treated as loaded, unless otherwise confirmed. In order to maintain safety, when securing or handling containers, environmental conditions such as wind need to be considered. The term loaded is the container's maximum gross weigh rating. In order to ensure that the centre of gravity is kept as low and central as possible, the cargo must be equally distributed throughout the container.
In order to maintain safety, having an equally distributed cargo is helpful to prevent lack of vehicle stability, and excessive tilting. An even cargo helps to avoid unacceptable vehicle axle loading, and unacceptable load concentrations.
With the load distribution within the container, the eccentricity of the center of gravity differs. It is extremely important that the designers of containers and handling machinery take this into consideration during the engineering process. For example, when 60 percent 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%.
In order to make certain that the equipment used is right for the load, care has to be taken to make sure it is safely attached to the container and that the container is free to be handled. Particular attention should be paid to the possibility 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, great care should be taken when lifting these.
Various methods for handling containers other than the ones aforementioned can be taken into consideration, but only after careful assessment of the machine by means of which the container is to be handled. With regards to global container standards, the methods of operation are envisaged. Safety is vital in each and every situation and time needs to be taken before starting in order to make sure overall efficiency is maintained and all situations are handled in the best way possible.