Shipping container cleanliness criteria. (Shipping container cleaning procedure)

Guideline:

We describe and explain the best procedures for inspecting containers for cleaning that are known   to the shipping related industry. Important to take into account the need for safe, efficient and economical container performance. Any cleaning operation depends largely upon human beings. (Guide to cleaning container)

Safety and Environmental Concerns: Repair vendor person or Inspectors must observe safety precaution, when inspecting or cleaning containers. Follow the instructions when toxic conditions are suspected, if any residue or odor might be harmful to personnel or to the environment, the re-delivering agent must be located immediately and if the problem may relate to hazardous cargo, then segregate the container and seek specialist advice. Care should be taken during handling cleaning materials. (ISO standard container cleaning)

Container inspector and repairer are reminded that they are responsible for complying with Safety, environmental and other procedures approved by their applicable government. (Sea container cleaning standard).

Criteria For Container Cleanliness:

Dry-van containers must be clean enough to carry dry-van general cargo and open-top containers must be clean enough to carry open-to cargo. Nevertheless, conditions such as slippery floors that may impede safe loading and operation of open-top containers must be repaired, even though they may not be harmful to open-top cargo. (What is the container cleaning criteria)

 

Shipping container cleaning guide (General Principles):

1) Cleaning is required when material is present and is transferable to cargo, visibly wet, oily, or sticky.

2) Organic materials must be removed.

 

Cleaning is required when one or both of the following conditions is/are present:

1) (a) The material or odor is transferable to cargo.

AND

(b) The transferred material or odor will damage cargo carried or impede the safe loading operation of the container.

OR

2) The general appearance and cleanliness of the container would not be acceptable to the shipper.(Used or reused container cleaning, container washing)

 

How to clean shipping containers:

Shipping lines or agents typically clean container before releasing to shippers for loading. It is mandatory and must ensure that the container is clean before loaded. A repair vendor appoints to clean containers on behalf of shipping linea or agents.(How to clean the inside of shipping containers).

 

Five (5) steps of cleaning shipping containers:

1) Pre-Inspection: First of all, open the doors very slowly and wait a few minutes before entrance into container's inside. Perform with check of all areas inside the container. Check for liquids, oils, stains, seeds, and odor during the inspection process. (Container cleaning) Very carefully inspect the following:

* Side Panels

* End Wall Panels

* Roof Panels or Ceiling

* All Corners

* Doors Inner

* Flooring.

(Sea container cleanliness)

2) Sweeping: Before starting to wash process, it is the best to sweep Interior first to remove dust and residue. Start sweeping from the FRONT side and slowly move towards REAR (Door) side and ensuring that the doors of the container are open. Remove all fitted woods, nails and other debris.

3) Washing: Start the washing from the FRONT side and move towards the REAR(Door) side. Sometimes flooring may need scrubbing to remove oils. Recommend using a pressure washer.

4) Drying: Let the container dry in an open air after the washing. Container doors remain open so that any smell, moisture, and molds are prevented.

5) Post-Inspections: Check again all areas as before and ensure that container is fully cleaned and dry.