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Perform comprehensive container inspections with digital ISO checklists
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Published 7 Feb 2025
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5 min read
An ISO container inspection is a process of assessing the structural integrity of intermodal containers based on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) requirements. It aims to guarantee the durability of shipping containers before transporting cargo through multiple modes such as trucks, rail, or ships. Regular assessments, such as using container inspection checklists, can help prevent damages that can lead to more serious problems and incidents.
Safety officers use an ISO container inspection checklist to ensure compliance with international regulations, maximize the utilization of ISO containers during their life cycle, and prevent container fires.
While easily avoidable, container fires may occur on a weekly basis, and a major container ship fire can happen at sea roughly every 60 days. On the maiden voyage of the Maersk Honam, a fire broke out in one of 7,860 containers which caused the death of 5 crew members and an estimated total loss of $1 billion.
Here are 5 critical checkpoints that safety officers should watch out for in ISO container inspections to prevent similar incidents from occurring:
ISO 6346:1995 is the international standard for coding, identification, and marking of freight containers. It specifies a physical presentation of marks on the ISO container to identify its size and type and verify the accuracy of its use. The ISO mark should be clearly displayed on the upper right corner and roof of the shipping container.
An ISO container should undergo static longitudinal restraint, concentrated loads, and stacking tests to be approved for transport under customs seal and gain CSC safety approval. Usually located on the exterior doors, the combined data plate should be a permanent, non-corrosive, fireproof rectangular plate with alphanumeric characters of proportionate width and thickness stamped into, embossed on, or indicated on its surface.
Safety officers should follow the 7-point visual inspection method in checking the condition of shipping containers before transit. Keep an eye out for the condition of these intermodal container parts:
Improper cargo lashing, especially for dangerous goods, can lead to container fires as cargo moves or is damaged inside the ISO container during transit. Safety officers should inspect the cargo before and after packing and the cargo holds before and after loading.
One of the leading causes of container fires is misdeclared cargo. Safety officers should examine shipping documents and confirm the consistency of the commercial invoice, packing list, and bills of lading to the actual cargo inside the ISO container.
When transporting products, businesses and shipping companies—may they be internal or third-party, aim to ensure that products will safely arrive from their origin to their final destination. To assist with that, regular inspections should be conducted, particularly on the containers of the products.
Take note of the following instructions to perform a comprehensive and reliable container inspection procedure:
Before anything else, establish which specific container is to be inspected. Then mention other important information such as the name of the inspector, date and location of inspection, and country or place of origin of the shipment.
Make sure that the container is empty before starting the actual inspection.
Next, examine the container from the outside. Things to look out for include defects, damages, alarming stages of rust, and other signs of deterioration. Go through each external aspect of the container and assess if it’s a pass or fail. Add necessary notes or create immediate actions for failed ones.
Lastly, do a comprehensive review of the inside of the container. Similar to the exterior inspection, keep an eye out for damages, leaks, and cracks, as well as suspicious odors that might be caused by cleaning materials or other chemical residues. For reefer containers or those that need their temperatures regulated, check the temperature controls and make sure that they are working properly.
Record all these using a pre-existing ISO container inspection checklist or template so that it’s properly documented, efficient, and easy to track for future reference.
An ISO container inspection checklist is a pre-made document that businesses, safety officers, and third-party shipping services can use when assessing a container. Not only does it provide all the important information you need, but it also guides you through the entire process of the inspection—preventing you from missing any critical areas and aspects while inspecting.
Through the use of ISO container inspection checklists, businesses can determine whether a shipping container is durable and safe for product transportation.
The format of an ISO container inspection checklist can vary depending on the business, but its contents are generally very similar. It mainly consists of the following items:
Container number
Shipper
Name of inspector
Date of inspection
Country/place of origin
Undercarriage
Doors
Left side
Right side
Front wall
Floor
Roof
ISO Container Inspection Checklist Sample Report | SafetyCulture
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