Container Handling Suggestions
The definition of a "loaded container" for the purpose of securing and container handling; is a container other than in the tare or empty 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 must be taken into account. The word loaded is the maximum gross weigh rating of the container. In order to ensure that the centre of gravity is kept as central and low as possible, the cargo should be equally distributed all around the container.
Having an equally distributed load it is advantageous to avoid excessive tilting, and lack of vehicle stability, so as to maintain safety. A cargo that is even 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 very important that the designers of handling equipment and containers take this into consideration 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 machinery, 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 certain that the equipment used is perfect for the cargo. Specific attention has to be paid to the possibility 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, such as a tank container, a bulk 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 load, extreme care should be taken when raising these.
There are many methods for using handling containers that can be taken into account. However, there has to be an assessment of the machine means by which the container is to be utilized. With regards to global 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 all situations are handled in the best way possible and overall efficiency is maintained.