Container Handling Tips
The definition 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. To be able to maintain safety, when handling or securing containers, environmental conditions like wind need to be taken into account. The word loaded is the container's maximum gross weigh rating. In order to ensure that the centre of gravity is kept as low and central as possible, the load has to be equally distributed all over the container.
In order to maintain safety, having an equally distributed load is beneficial to prevent excessive tilting, and lack of vehicle stability. An even load helps to prevent unacceptable load concentrations, and unacceptable vehicle axle loading.
With the distribution of load within the container, the eccentricity of the center of gravity varies. It is extremely essential that the designers of handling machinery and containers take this into account during the engineering process. For example, when 60 percent of the load by mass is distributed in 50 percent of the length of the container measured from one end of the equipment, 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 machine utilized is right for the load. Particular attention should be paid to the risk of the container tilting because of the eccentricity of the center of gravity. When lifting any container whose centre of gravity is mobile or eccentric, like for instance 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 load, extreme care must be taken when raising these.
There are many methods for utilizing handling containers that can be taken into account. Then again, there has to be an assessment of the machine means by which the container is to be used. With regards to global container standards, the methods of operation are envisaged. Safety is paramount in every situation and time needs to be taken prior to starting in order to make sure all situations are handled in the best possible way and overall efficiency is maintained.