Container Handling Suggestions
The meaning of a "loaded container" for the purpose of securing and container handling; is a container other than in the tare or empty condition. Containers should be treated as loaded, unless otherwise confirmed. To be able to maintain safety, when securing or handling containers, environmental conditions like wind has to be taken into consideration. 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 central and low as possible, the cargo should be distributed throughout the container.
To be able to maintain safety, having an evenly distributed load is beneficial to avoid excessive tilting, and lack of vehicle stability. An even cargo 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 machines take this into account during the engineering process. Like for example, when 60% of the load by mass is distributed in 50% of the length of the container measured from one end of the machine, the eccentricity corresponds to 5%.
To be able to make certain that the machinery used is perfect for the cargo, care has to be taken to make certain it is safely attached to the container and that the container is free to be handled. Specific attention should be paid to the possibility 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 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, great care needs to be taken when lifting these.
Various 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 respect to worldwide container standards, the methods of operation are foreseen. Safety is vital in every situation and time should be taken before starting in order to make certain overall efficiency is maintained and all situations are handled in the best possible way.