Container Handling Suggestions
The definition of a "loaded container" for the purpose of securing and container handling; is a container other than in the empty or tare condition. Containers must be treated as loaded, unless otherwise confirmed. In order to maintain safety, when securing or handling containers, environmental conditions like for example wind should be considered. The term loaded is the container's maximum gross weigh rating. To be able to ensure that the centre of gravity is kept as central and low as possible, the cargo has to be distributed all around the container.
In order to maintain safety, having an evenly distributed cargo is helpful to prevent lack of vehicle stability, and excessive tilting. An even load helps to avoid unacceptable load concentrations, and unacceptable vehicle axle loading.
With the load distribution within the container, the eccentricity of the center of gravity varies. It is very important that the designers of handling equipment and containers take this into account in the engineering process. Like for example, when 60 percent of the load by mass is distributed in 50 percent of the length of the container measured from one end of the machinery, the eccentricity corresponds to 5%.
Make sure that the container is free to be handled and care needs to be taken to make sure it is safely attached to the container, in order to make sure that the machinery used is perfect for the load. Specific attention should be paid to the risk of the container tilting because of the eccentricity of the center of gravity. When lifting any container whose centre of gravity is mobile or eccentric, like 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 load, great care must be taken when raising these.
There are a lot of methods for using handling containers that could be taken into account. Nonetheless, there has to be an assessment of the machinery means by which the container is to be used. With regards to international 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 overall efficiency is maintained and all situations are handled in the best possible way.