8.3 Positioning CTUs for packing

8.3.1       Wheeled operation

8.3.1.1       Road trailers and containers on chassis can be left at the packer’s premises for a period of time without a tractor unit. When this happens, the correct positioning of the CTU is particularly important as a safe shifting of the CTU at a later stage might be difficult. After positioning, brakes should be applied and wheels should be chocked.

8.3.1.2       Trailers with end door openings and general purpose freight containers on chassis can be backed up to an enclosed loading bay or can be positioned elsewhere in the premises. For this type of operation a safe access to the CTU by means of suitable ramps is required.

8.3.1.3       Where the CTU cannot be closed in situ because of the loading bay structure, or where to secure the area theCTUwould need moving then the packer should consider positioning the CTU so that the doors to the facility and/or the CTU can be closed and access gained by a removable ramp.

8.3.1.4       When a semi-trailer or a container on a chassis is to be packed, care should be taken to ensure that the trailer or chassis cannot tip while a lift truck is being used inside the CTU.

8.3.1.5       For more information on positioning and securing wheeled CTUs, see annex 5, section 2.1.

8.3.2       Grounded operation

8.3.2.1       CTUs may be unloaded from the delivery vehicle and be placed within secure areas for packing. Proper lifting equipment is required.

8.3.2.2       When landing CTUs it should be ensured that the area is clear of any debris or undulations in the ground that may damage the understructure (cross members or rails) of the CTU.

8.3.2.3       Grounded CTUs will deform to the ground on which they are placed, therefore it is important that the area should be firm, level and well drained. Failure may result in:

• The CTU racking if the ground is not level which may result in the doors being difficult to open and, more importantly, close;
• The CTU sinking into the soft area which may result in serious deformation;
• The CTU becoming flooded. Where there is a risk of flooding it should be placed on blocks to elevate it.

8.3.2.4       Packers should not position CTUs in such locations where there is a risk of recontamination. This means that, whenever possible, CTUs should be placed on a hard pavement clear of soil, vegetation, overhanging trees and away from flood lights.

8.3.2.5       CTUs should not be positioned where there is mud, vegetation or standing pools of water as these can harbour pests, insects and other animals or under flood lights which attract nocturnal organisms.

8.3.2.6       When a swap body standing on its support legs is to be packed, particular care should be taken to ensure that the swap body does not tip when a lift truck is used for packing. It should be checked that the support legs of the swap body rest firmly on the ground and cannot shift, slump or move when forces are exerted to the swap body during packing.

8.3.2.7       For more information on grounded operation of CTUs, see annex 5, section 2.2.

8.3.3       Access to the CTU

8.3.3.1       After the CTU has been positioned for packing, a safe access should be provided. For loading a CTU by means of forklift trucks driven into the CTU, a bridging unit between the working ground or loading ramp and the CTU floor should be used. The bridging unit should have lateral boundaries and be safely connected to the CTU for avoiding dislocation of the bridging unit during driving operations.

8.3.3.2       If the CTU floor is at a height level different to that of the loading ramp, a hump may appear between the loading ramp and the bridging unit or between the bridging unit and the CTU floor. Care should be taken that the forklift truck used keeps sufficient ground clearance over this hump. Lining the level differences with suitable timber material under the bridging unit should be considered.

8.3.3.3       If forklift trucks are employed for packing, any roofs or covers of the CTU should be opened if necessary. Any movable parts of such roofs or covers should be removed or suitably secured in order to avoid interference with the loading procedure.

8.3.3.4       Packing of CTUs in poor daylight conditions may require additional lighting. Electric lighting equipment should be used under the strict observance of relevant safety regulations, in order to eliminate the risk of electric shocks or incentive sparks from defective cables or heat accumulation from light bulbs.

8.3.3.5  For more information on access to CTU, see annex 5, section 2.3.