Container Handling Suggestions
A "loaded container" by description is a container other than in the tare or empty condition, in reference to container handling. Unless otherwise confirmed, containers must be treated as loaded. In order to maintain safety, when securing or handling containers, environmental conditions such as wind must be taken into consideration. The term loaded is the container's maximum gross weigh rating. To be able to guarantee that the centre of gravity is kept as central and low as possible, the cargo has to be distributed all over the container.
Having an equally distributed cargo it is beneficial to prevent excessive tilting, and lack of vehicle stability, so as to maintain safety. A load that is even helps to prevent unacceptable load concentrations, and unacceptable vehicle axle loading.
The eccentricity of the center of gravity differs, with the load distribution within the container. It is extremely important that the designers of containers and handling machines take this into consideration during the engineering process. For example, when 60 percent of the load by mass is distributed in 50 percent of the container length measured from one end of the machine, the eccentricity corresponds to 5%.
In order to make sure that the equipment utilized is perfect for the load, care needs to be taken to make sure it is safely attached to the container and that the container is free to be handled. Particular attention needs to be paid to the possibility of the container tilting because of 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 integral or clip on, or any container with a hanging load, extreme care must be taken when raising these.
Different methods for handling containers other than the ones already mentioned may be taken into consideration, but only after careful assessment of the equipment by means of which the container is to be handled. With regards to international container standards, the methods of operation are envisaged. Safety is paramount in each and every situation and time should be taken prior to starting in order to make certain all situations are handled in the best way possible and overall efficiency is maintained.