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. To be able to maintain safety, when securing or handling containers, environmental conditions such as wind should be taken into account. The term loaded refers to the container's maximum gross weigh rating. In order to ensure that the centre of gravity is kept as low and central as possible, the cargo must be evenly distributed all over the container.
To be able to maintain safety, having an equally distributed load is helpful to avoid lack of vehicle stability, and excessive tilting. An even cargo helps to prevent unacceptable load concentrations, and unacceptable vehicle axle loading.
With the distribution of load within the container, the eccentricity of the center of gravity differs. It is very essential that the designers of handling machinery and containers take this into account during the engineering process. For instance, when 60% 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 percent.
Make sure that the container is free to be handled and care has to be taken to make certain it is safely attached to the container, in order to make certain that the equipment used is perfect for the load. Particular attention should be paid to the risk of the container tilting due to 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, extreme care needs to be taken when raising these.
Various methods for handling containers other than the ones already mentioned may be taken into account, but only after careful assessment of the machine by means of which the container is to be handled. With regards to worldwide 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 sure overall efficiency is maintained and all situations are handled in the best way possible.