Container Handling Suggestions
The meaning of a "loaded container" for the purpose of container handling and securing; is a container other than in the empty or tare condition. Containers should be treated as loaded, unless otherwise confirmed. To be able to maintain safety, when securing or handling containers, environmental conditions such as wind should be taken into account. The word loaded is the container's maximum gross weigh rating. In order to guarantee that the centre of gravity is kept as central and low as possible, the load should be distributed throughout the container.
In order to maintain safety, having an equally distributed cargo is beneficial to prevent lack of vehicle stability, and excessive tilting. A load that is even helps to avoid unacceptable load concentrations, and unacceptable vehicle axle loading.
With the load distribution in the container, the eccentricity of the center of gravity varies. It is extremely essential that the designers of handling machines and containers consider in the engineering process. For instance, when 60 percent of the load by mass is distributed in 50% of the container length measured from one end of the machine, the eccentricity corresponds to 5 percent.
In order to make sure that the machinery utilized is right for the load, care has to be taken to make certain it is safely attached to the container and that the container is free to be handled. Particular attention has to 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 for example a bulk container, a tank 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 load, great care should be taken when lifting these.
Different methods for handling containers other than the ones already mentioned can be taken into consideration, but only after careful assessment of the equipment by means of which the container is to be handled. With regards to worldwide container standards, the methods of operation are foreseen. Safety is paramount in each and every situation and time must be taken prior to starting in order to make sure overall efficiency is maintained and all situations are handled in the best possible way.