Container Handling Suggestions
A "loaded container" by description is a container other than in the tare or empty condition, in reference to container handling. Unless otherwise confirmed, containers must be treated as loaded. To be able to maintain safety, when handling or securing containers, environmental conditions such as wind should be taken into consideration. The term loaded refers to the maximum gross weigh rating of the container. To be able to ensure that the centre of gravity is kept as low and central as possible, the cargo should be equally distributed throughout the container.
Having an evenly distributed cargo it is helpful to prevent lack of vehicle stability, and excessive tilting, so as to maintain safety. 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 differs. It is very important that the designers of handling equipment and containers take this into consideration in the engineering process. Like for instance, when 60 percent of the load by mass is distributed in 50 percent of the container length measured from one end of the machinery, the eccentricity corresponds to 5%.
Make sure that the container is free to be handled and care needs to be taken to make certain it is safely attached to the container, in order to make sure that the equipment used is perfect for the cargo. Particular attention should 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, like for example 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 load, great care needs to be taken when lifting these.
There are lots of methods for utilizing handling containers which can be taken into consideration. However, there needs to be an evaluation of the equipment means by which the container is to be utilized. With respect to international container standards, the methods of operation are envisaged. Safety is vital in every situation and time should be taken prior to starting in order to make sure all situations are handled in the best possible way and overall efficiency is maintained.