Issue 01  1 January 2003

CONTENTS

1.   Introduction

2.   Main Structural Components

3.   Other Components

4.   Other Items

5.   Allowable Repairs

6.   Specification for Container Insulation Materials

1   INTRODUCTION

• These criteria are designed for use at all container inspections;

• The criteria should not vary between an in-service and on/off hire survey inspection and should be accepted on a universal basis by shipping lines, container leasing companies and container operators supporting these criteria for all general world-wide container interchanges;

• Items not specifically detailed in the criteria are covered by this general introduction only if they require repair;

• Any user of these criteria requiring a standard above that detailed in the criteria should negotiate directly with the depot and/or owner/operator concerned;

• The tolerances/permitted damages listed are not the minimum necessary to meet basic safety requirements but are selected to ensure the container is serviceable while minimising the need for repair and thereby preserving asset life;

• The repair method selected should be the most economical and suit the particular repair location.

• Materials of the same quality and dimensions as the original materials must be used for any repairs.

• Direct contact between Steel and Aluminium must be avoided at all times by use of suitable insulating materials

• This is defined as damage that is not to be repaired and includes:
  

• All flange damage except damage to weld connections;
  

• Deformation of structural members up to ISO +10mm on the side face and ISO +5mm on the end faces;
  

• Previous repairs should not be reworked unless the structural integrity of the container is compromised or it is unsuitable for cargo.

This is defined as damage that must be repaired because:

• The International Convention for Safe Containers, 1972, as amended (CSC) is violated and container safety is affected;
  

• The Customs Convention is violated;
  

• There is a reduction in the internal height dimension by more than 30mm and/or the internal width dimension by more than 50mm
  

• The container is unsuitable for cargo;
  

• Cracks in welds unless otherwise stated are present;
  

• Corrosion causing loss of structural integrity is present.

• A condition causing loss of watertightness or thermal tightness is present

• Corner Castings are cracked or deformed

This is defined as unavoidable change or deterioration of the condition of the container brought about by routine operational use and includes:

• General paint deterioration;
  

• Deterioration of door gaskets and fittings;
  

• Deterioration of door fixings arising from deterioration of doors

• Which is not affecting the water tightness

No welding is allowed on Aluminium extrusions or panels.

1.6   MANUFACTURING DEFECTS

Manufacturing defects or suspected manufacturing defects must be reported to the container Owner without delay.

Bent/Bowed 
Deflection in a component that causes a permanent change in the original geometry of the component over some portion of its length or width.

Broken 
Fractured or shattered into two or more separate pieces.

Cracked 
Having a fracture which penetrates the entire thickness of the material and causes it to split.

NB: If a weld between two different metal components has any separation in it, even if the entire thickness of the weld material is not involved, that weld must be considered to be ‘cracked’.

Cut 
Separated through the entire thickness of material along a sharp edge.

Delamination 
Separation of any component in a "sandwich construction" from the underlying foam.

Dent 
A localised depression in a component made by pressure, impact or a blow that causes a change in shape over a limited area of the component.

Holed 
Perforated through the entire thickness of material.

Torn 
Pulled apart by ripping or rending through the entire thickness of material.

Flange 
The projecting rim or edge on a component such as a bottom side rail, cross member etc

Web 
The material adjoining a flange

2   MAIN STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS

Diamond and part inserts to corner posts, sills, rails and channel section cross bearers are allowed provided that the insert is not within 250mm of top or bottom corner castings.

It is not necessary to carry out full-length replacement of sections. Partial replacements are allowable as long as the edges are properly sealed and the section is properly secured with: drive rivets, solid rivets, blind rivets or lock bolts.

Repair of wall and roof panels by the use of a hammer is not acceptable. Panels do not require to be returned to original profile but only to within acceptable damage limits.

Steel or stainless panels should be repaired by patching or insert provided that the patch overlaps the damaged area all round. Damage to underlying insulation foam must considered if an insert is used.

Prepare a STAINLESS STEEL rectangular patch with rounded corners that will overlap the damaged area by at least 25mm on all sides. The patch must be of the same material and thickness as the original panel. Drill 4.5mm holes around the border at 25mm centers in one line 13mm from the edge, seal and secure with stainless steel blind rivets.

Sealant (caulking) should be used to protect joints, patches rivets from ingress of water or air and to guard against contamination.

Use of sealant is not a substitute for proper repair technique.

Any sealant used should not contain constituents that might taint Cargo or which contain toxic compounds.

All cracked and broken welds must be repaired by re-welding; straightening may be carried out, subject to the surveyor’s discretion, before this is done.

Welding stainless steel should only performed by suitably qualified welders, if possible using TIG welding techniques

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