Container Handling Tips
The meaning of a "loaded container" for the purpose of container handling and securing; is a container other than in the tare or empty condition. Containers must be treated as loaded, unless otherwise confirmed. In order to maintain safety, when handling or securing containers, environmental conditions like wind has to be considered. The word 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 evenly distributed all over the container.
To be able to maintain safety, having an evenly distributed cargo is beneficial to avoid excessive tilting, and lack of vehicle stability. A load which is even 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 differs. It is very important that the designers of containers and handling equipment consider during the engineering process. Like for instance, when 60% of the load by mass is distributed in 50% of the container length measured from one end of the equipment, 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 certain that the machine used is perfect for the load. Particular attention has to 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 eccentric or mobile, such as 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 cargo, extreme care must be taken when lifting these.
There are numerous methods for utilizing handling containers that can be taken into consideration. Nonetheless, there has to be an evaluation of the machine means by which the container is to be used. With respect to worldwide container standards, the methods of operation are foreseen. Safety is paramount in each and 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.