Container Handling Tips
The definition of a "loaded container" for the purpose of container handling and securing; is a container other than in the tare or empty condition. Containers should be treated as loaded, unless otherwise confirmed. In order to maintain safety, when handling or securing containers, environmental conditions such as wind must be taken into account. The term loaded refers to the maximum gross weigh rating of the container. In order to guarantee that the centre of gravity is kept as low and central as possible, the cargo must be distributed throughout the container.
In order to maintain safety, having an equally distributed cargo is helpful to prevent lack of vehicle stability, and excessive tilting. A load which is even helps to avoid unacceptable vehicle axle loading, and unacceptable load concentrations.
With the load distribution in the container, the eccentricity of the center of gravity varies. It is very important that the designers of containers and handling equipment consider in the engineering process. Like for instance, 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 equipment, the eccentricity corresponds to 5%.
Make sure that the container is free to be handled and care has 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 load. Particular 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 eccentric or mobile, like a tank container, a bulk container a thermal container with a refrigerating unit or a container with a liquid bulk bag, either integral or clip on, or any container with a hanging load, extreme care has to be taken when lifting these.
There are a lot of methods for using handling containers that can be taken into account. However, there needs to be an evaluation of the machine means by which the container is to be utilized. With regards to worldwide container standards, the methods of operation are envisaged. Safety is paramount in each and every situation and time has to be taken prior to starting in order to make certain all situations are handled in the best possible way and overall efficiency is maintained.