Container Handling Suggestions
A "loaded container" by description is a container other than in the empty or tare condition, in reference to container handling. Unless otherwise confirmed, containers must be treated as loaded. In order 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. In order to make sure that the centre of gravity is kept as central and low as possible, the load has to be distributed throughout the container.
Having an evenly distributed load it is helpful to avoid excessive tilting, and lack of vehicle stability, in order to maintain safety. An even load helps to avoid unacceptable load concentrations, and unacceptable vehicle axle loading.
The eccentricity of the center of gravity varies, with the load distribution within the container. It is extremely important that the designers of containers and handling equipment consider in the engineering process. Like for example, 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%.
To be able to make sure that the machinery utilized is perfect for the cargo, care needs to be taken to make certain it is safely attached to the container and that the container is free to be handled. Specific attention needs to be paid to the risk 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 for example a tank container, a bulk 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 raising these.
There are numerous methods for using handling containers that could be taken into account. Nevertheless, there has to be an assessment of the equipment means by which the container is to be used. With regards to international container standards, the methods of operation are foreseen. Safety is paramount in every situation and time needs to be taken before starting in order to make sure all situations are handled in the best possible way and overall efficiency is maintained.