Container Handling Tips
A "loaded container" by definition is a container other than in the tare or empty condition, in reference to container handling. Unless otherwise confirmed, containers must be treated as loaded. In order to maintain safety, when handling or securing containers, environmental conditions such as wind must be considered. The term loaded is the container's maximum gross weigh rating. To be able to ensure that the centre of gravity is kept as central and low as possible, the load has to be equally distributed throughout the container.
To be able to maintain safety, having an equally distributed load is beneficial to prevent lack of vehicle stability, and excessive tilting. A cargo 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 differs. It is extremely essential that the designers of containers and handling equipment consider 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 machine, the eccentricity corresponds to 5 percent.
In order to make sure that the machinery used is right for the cargo, care has to be taken to make sure it is safely attached to the container and that the container is free to be handled. Particular attention needs to be paid to the risk 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, such as a tank container, a bulk 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 cargo, extreme care should be taken when raising these.
There are numerous methods for using handling containers which could be taken into account. Nevertheless, there has to be an assessment of the equipment means by which the container is to be used. With regards to international container standards, the methods of operation are envisaged. Safety is vital in each and every situation and time should be taken before starting in order to make certain all situations are handled in the best possible way and overall efficiency is maintained.