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 should be treated as loaded, unless otherwise confirmed. In order to maintain safety, when securing or handling containers, environmental conditions like wind should be considered. The term loaded is the maximum gross weigh rating of the container. To be able to ensure that the centre of gravity is kept as central and low as possible, the cargo needs to be distributed throughout the container.
Having an evenly distributed load it is beneficial to prevent lack of vehicle stability, and excessive tilting, in order to maintain safety. An even load helps to prevent unacceptable vehicle axle loading, and unacceptable load concentrations.
With the distribution of load in the container, the eccentricity of the center of gravity varies. It is extremely important that the designers of handling machinery and containers take this into account in the engineering process. 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 machine utilized is perfect for the cargo. 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, like for instance a tank container, a bulk container or a container with a liquid bulk bag or a thermal container with a refrigerating unit, either clip on or integral, or any container with a hanging cargo, extreme care must be taken when raising these.
There are lots of methods for using handling containers which could be taken into consideration. Then again, there needs to be an assessment of the equipment means by which the container is to be utilized. With respect to global container standards, the methods of operation are foreseen. Safety is paramount in every situation and time must be taken prior to starting in order to make certain all situations are handled in the best way possible and overall efficiency is maintained.