Container Handling Suggestions
A "loaded container" by description 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. To be able to maintain safety, when handling or securing containers, environmental conditions such as wind must 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 low and central as possible, the cargo has to be evenly distributed all over the container.
Having an equally distributed cargo it is advantageous to avoid lack of vehicle stability, and excessive tilting, so as to maintain safety. An even cargo helps to prevent unacceptable vehicle axle loading, and unacceptable load concentrations.
The eccentricity of the center of gravity varies, with the distribution of load in the container. It is extremely important that the designers of containers and handling machines consider during the engineering process. For example, 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%.
To be able to make sure that the machinery utilized is right 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 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 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, great care should be taken when raising these.
A variety of methods for handling containers other than the ones aforementioned may be taken into account, but just after careful assessment of the machine by means of which the container is to be handled. With regards to global container standards, the methods of operation are envisaged. Safety is vital in each and every situation and time should be taken before starting in order to make sure all situations are handled in the best way possible and overall efficiency is maintained.