Container Handling Tips
A "loaded container" by definition is a container other than in the empty or tare condition, in reference to container handling. Unless otherwise confirmed, containers should be treated as loaded. To be able to maintain safety, when handling or securing containers, environmental conditions like wind should be considered. The word loaded is 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 needs to be evenly distributed all over the container.
Having an evenly distributed load it is advantageous to prevent lack of vehicle stability, and excessive tilting, in order to maintain safety. A load that is even helps to prevent unacceptable load concentrations, and unacceptable vehicle axle loading.
With the distribution of load in the container, the eccentricity of the center of gravity differs. It is extremely essential that the designers of containers and handling machines consider in the engineering process. For instance, when 60% of the load by mass is distributed in 50 percent of the container length measured from one end of the machinery, the eccentricity corresponds to 5 percent.
To be able to make certain that the machine used is right for the load, care has to be taken to make certain it is safely attached to the container and that the container is free to be handled. Specific attention must 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, such as a bulk container, a tank container a thermal container with a refrigerating unit or a container with a liquid bulk bag, either clip on or integral, or any container with a hanging cargo, great care must be taken when lifting these.
Different methods for handling containers other than the ones already mentioned may be taken into consideration, but just after careful evaluation of the machinery by means of which the container is to be handled. With respect to global container standards, the methods of operation are envisaged. Safety is paramount in every situation and time should be taken before starting in order to make sure all situations are handled in the best possible way and overall efficiency is maintained.