Container Handling Tips
A "loaded container" by definition is a container other than in the empty or tare condition, in reference to container handling. Unless otherwise confirmed, containers should be treated as loaded. In order to maintain safety, when securing or handling containers, environmental conditions like for example wind must be taken into consideration. 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 cargo must be distributed all around the container.
Having an equally distributed load it is beneficial to prevent excessive tilting, and lack of vehicle stability, so as to maintain safety. A load that is even helps to prevent unacceptable vehicle axle loading, and unacceptable load concentrations.
With the load distribution within the container, the eccentricity of the center of gravity varies. It is very essential that the designers of containers and handling machinery consider in the engineering process. Like for instance, when 60% 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%.
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 sure that the machinery used is perfect for the cargo. Specific attention should be paid to the risk of the container tilting because of the eccentricity of the center of gravity. When raising any container whose centre of gravity is eccentric or mobile, like a bulk container, a tank container or a container with a liquid bulk bag or a thermal container with a refrigerating unit, either integral or clip on, or any container with a hanging load, great care should be taken when raising these.
There are lots of methods for utilizing handling containers which could be taken into account. However, there has to be an evaluation of the machinery means by which the container is to be utilized. With regards to international container standards, the methods of operation are foreseen. Safety is paramount in each and every situation and time needs to be taken before starting in order to make certain all situations are handled in the best way possible and overall efficiency is maintained.