Container Handling Suggestions
The definition of a "loaded container" for the purpose of container handling and securing; is a container other than in the empty or tare condition. Containers should be treated as loaded, unless otherwise confirmed. In order to maintain safety, when securing or handling containers, environmental conditions like wind must be taken into consideration. The term loaded refers to the maximum gross weigh rating of the container. To be able to ensure that the centre of gravity is kept as low and central as possible, the load has to be distributed throughout the container.
In order to maintain safety, having an equally distributed load is beneficial to prevent excessive tilting, and lack of vehicle stability. An even cargo helps to avoid unacceptable vehicle axle loading, and unacceptable load concentrations.
With the load distribution in the container, the eccentricity of the center of gravity differs. It is extremely essential that the designers of containers and handling equipment take this into consideration 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 percent.
Make certain 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 sure that the machine used is perfect for the load. Specific attention should be paid to the possibility of the container tilting due to the eccentricity of the center of gravity. When raising any container whose centre of gravity is mobile or eccentric, like a tank container, a bulk 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 load, great care must be taken when lifting these.
There are many methods for utilizing handling containers which could be taken into account. However, there needs to be an assessment of the equipment means by which the container is to be used. With respect to international container standards, the methods of operation are foreseen. Safety is vital in each and every situation and time must be taken prior to starting in order to make sure all situations are handled in the best possible way and overall efficiency is maintained.