For evidence of damage or corrosion – if suspect take out of use
Only handle with appropriate equipment – if correct specialised equipment not available handling must be supervised by a competent person
Only use forklifts if fitted with side or top lift frames or if container has fork pockets. Grappler lifting arms may also be used if container has grappler lifting points.
Loaded containers should not be lifted from the top fittings by slings or brothers (or in any non-vertical way) unless:
They are designed and approved to withstand the resulting compressive forces; or
An adequate assessment of the handling method, forces generated, container strength and system of work by a competent person shows it to be safe.
Most containers can be lifted from bottom corner castings using a transverse lifting beam. Otherwise a full size lifting frame with twist locks or vertical wire lifts should be used.
Road/rail vehicles transporting containers must be equipped with holding down twist locks, pin locks or equivalent.
Reliance on corner plates, gather guides or fixed corner cones is only acceptable at the restricted speeds allowed in docks and container parks.
If containers are stacked 2 high on roll trailers they must be locked together or otherwise secured. The top container must not be heavier than the bottom one.
