Container Handling Suggestions
The meaning of a "loaded container" for the purpose of securing and container handling; is a container other than in the empty or tare condition. Containers must be treated as loaded, unless otherwise confirmed. In order to maintain safety, when handling or securing containers, environmental conditions such as wind need to be taken into consideration. The word loaded refers to the container's maximum gross weigh rating. To be able to guarantee that the centre of gravity is kept as low and central as possible, the load must be evenly distributed all around the container.
In order to maintain safety, having an equally distributed cargo is helpful to avoid excessive tilting, and lack of vehicle stability. An even cargo helps to prevent unacceptable load concentrations, and unacceptable vehicle axle loading.
The eccentricity of the center of gravity varies, with the distribution of load in the container. It is extremely important that the designers of containers and handling machinery take this into consideration during the engineering process. Like 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.
To be able to make certain that the machine used 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 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 mobile or eccentric, such as 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 cargo, great care should be taken when lifting these.
There are many methods for using handling containers which could be taken into consideration. However, there needs to be an evaluation of the equipment 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 every situation and time should be taken prior to starting in order to make certain overall efficiency is maintained and all situations are handled in the best way possible.