Safe Handling of Tank Containers - ITCO

ICHCA International Safety Panel Briefing Pamphlet No 30
10.2.2 Arising from that assessment, the terminal should produce written
procedures for receiving and identifying tank containers and how to handle
them safely. Such procedures should include ensuring that container
handlers are provided with all relevant information, instructions and training
for handling the various types of containers.
10.2.3 Training should be based upon the risk assessment and include alertness
on the part of the drivers of lifting and carrying equipment in regard to the
risks.
10.2.4 All equipment used must be serviceable, having inspections and tests as
required and must be suitable for the task.
10.2.5 Empty tank containers that last contained dangerous goods and have not
been cleaned must be declared as EMPTY UNCLEANED or RESIDUE
LAST CONTAINED under the provisions of the IMDG Code.
10.2.6 All empty tanks must be treated as still carrying the last cargo unless a valid
cleaning certificate is available.
10.3 Handling Tank Containers fitted with Compartments
10.3.1 Tank containers built with two or more discrete compartments may present a
number of loading and handling issues:
The manways to each compartment may not be easily seen, or be
obscured by the insulation and walkway, so container handlers may
not be aware that the tank container has more than one compartment.
Each compartment is capable of carrying a different cargo, each of
which may have a different mass which may affect the centre of
gravity of the tank container(see also Annex 2 section A2.1).
Where the tank container is carrying more than one dangerous good
then the shipper must ensure that each are compatible and may be
carried in the same tank container (although in different
compartments).
10.3.2 When loading a tank container with two or more compartments, the shipper
should ensure:
that each compartment is filled in line with the filling requirements (see
Annex 2 section A2.2) especially if the capacity of the compartment is
greater than 7,500 litres.
that the cargo is loaded so that the tank container is balanced;
that where more than one dangerous good is being shipped, that each
dangerous goods has all appropriate marks and / or placards at each
end and on each side adjacent to the compartment carry the particular
dangerous goods.
10.3.3 Balance can be achieved by:
loading an equal mass of each cargo into all the compartments so long
as the filling requirements are maintained.
counterbalancing a single cargo with water (in a two compartment tank
container)
loading a single cargo into the central compartment where there are
three compartments
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