How to Unload a Shipping Container Safely

Recent studies have shown that the risk of accidents damaging goods during unloading manoeuvres has escalated in recent years, resulting in losses for all involved. Loading and unloading cargo from freight containers is a delicate procedure that must be handled with care if the shipment is to arrive safely at its intended destination without contamination or being compromised in any other way. Here are some tips on how to unload shipping containers safely.

1. Unload in the Right Environment

Firstly, it is important to ensure that the container vehicles are parked on an even surface as the vehicles can tip over or cause damage to the goods packed in their interior just by being parked on a sloping ramp. Uneven surfaces are a death trap for containers and a safe stand must be employed at all times to ensure the driver is parking the vehicle on an even surface. Container yards are also constantly busy and are known for their frenzied atmosphere due to the time pressures of unloading shipments fast. Those who are unloading must make sure that they are visible to the driver at all times and that a second person is employed as a hedge to clear traffic in the surrounding area. Terminals should also install better lighting conditions and extra mirrors to help drivers and loaders use the space more effectively as you can see at many a South Asian container terminal.

2. Proper Storage

Another major reason why cargo is damaged or harmed during the unloading process is that the cargo has not been properly stowed or stored in the vehicle. This means packages and goods that are not fastened to shelves will move around during the drive and loose items will drop to the floor or get dislodged when the container doors are flung open. Those who are performing the task of unloading should ensure that they do not open the container doors suddenly or with great force by using bolts. At least two people should position themselves laterally to the container before opening the doors. All devices and products inside the vehicle must be secured and padded using protective materials. Coupling grabs and safety belts can be indispensable in this regard. It is mandatory to don a respiratory mask when unloading chemicals and other toxins and for special procedures to be followed when hazardous goods are involved.

3. Releasing Restraints with Care

Strapping on transport restraints is an important step to prevent items from falling or moving around during travel but removing the restraints must also be done with great care. Impatient dockyard workers may snap or hurriedly release restraints in a manner that will cause items to fall off the shelf or get loose. It is crucial to take a minute to explore how packages have been fastened to the shelves or placed in the container and then remove them slowly and carefully. It is also prudent to unload in a successive manner so that you do not unfasten all the items in the container at once but do so as you unload each section whether you are at South Asia Gateway Terminal or any other venue.

4. Avoid Falls and Drops

One must also be careful when open-top containers are unloaded as these vehicles are opened from above and not from the side. Falls are very common during these types of manoeuvres and the chance of causing big injuries and even fatalities are high. This is why the loading bridge must be placed on a firm and solid stand while the lifting platform must also be stable. Those who are involved in unloading open-top containers must also gauge a safe place to side step to in case of an emergency while using fall protection measures is also recommended.