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 should be treated as loaded. In order to maintain safety, when handling or securing containers, environmental conditions like for instance wind has to be taken into account. The word loaded is the maximum gross weigh rating of the container. To be able to guarantee that the centre of gravity is kept as low and central as possible, the cargo must be evenly distributed throughout the container.
In order to maintain safety, having an equally distributed cargo is beneficial to avoid excessive tilting, and lack of vehicle stability. A load which 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 in the container. It is very essential that the designers of handling equipment and containers take this into account in the engineering process. Like for instance, when 60 percent of the load by mass is distributed in 50% of the length of the container measured from one end of the machinery, the eccentricity corresponds to 5%.
To be able to make sure that the machinery utilized is right 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 should 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 mobile or eccentric, 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 clip on or integral, or any container with a hanging cargo, great care has to be taken when raising these.
A variety of methods for handling containers other than the ones already mentioned can be taken into account, but only after careful evaluation of the machinery by means of which the container is to be handled. With regards to global container standards, the methods of operation are envisaged. Safety is paramount in every situation and time should be taken prior to starting in order to make sure all situations are handled in the best possible way and overall efficiency is maintained.