Yes, Shipping containers have doors with locking systems, enabling easy opening from the inside. This design ensures the secure exit of people inside and promotes adequate ventilation as needed.
This blog covers unlocking standard shipping container doors internally, securing them safely, safety tips for opening and closing, and the possibility of unlocking from the inside due to diverse locking systems.
What are Shipping Container Latches?
These shipping container latches or safety locks are essential for security in shipping containers, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring the contents’ safety. Various lock types like padlocks, twist locks, and specialized lock boxes offer different security levels.
Containers with double cargo doors use steel bars and a cam and lock system for additional security. Some containers have lock boxes for extra protection. These locks are typically made of durable materials like steel to resist tampering or forced entry.
Related: What Is a Shipping Container Lock? | All You Need to Know
Mechanisms linked to unlocking standard shipping container doors internally
Shipping containers’ doors usually come with locking systems for easy opening from the inside. Below are various standard techniques and parts linked to navigating the shipping container locks of doors internally:
- Cane Bolt and Spring Latch: Containers typically come equipped with a cane bolt and spring latch situated at the lower right corner of the door. This mechanism allows individuals inside the container to lift and rotate the cane bolt for door opening.
- Locking Bars: Some containers have locking bars on both doors that can be unlocked from the inside for easier opening.
- Retainers and Lock Rod Handles: Retainers keep the handles secure horizontally, and pulling up on the lock rod handle disengages the door locks.
- Emergency Door Release: In specific scenarios, an emergency door release system might be present, like a handle that turns the CAM lock, accessible from the inside to open the door.
Ways to Open a Shipping Container Door
First, open the right door of the shipping container by lifting both latches upward. Keep these two key points in mind: avoid opening both doors at once to prevent jamming, and always start with the right door since it partially covers the left. Secure the latches upright, firmly grasp both handles and pull.
Maintain balance by positioning one foot slightly ahead of the other and keeping your knees slightly bent. Next, open the left door by lifting its latches. After unlocking the right door, ensure nothing falls out before proceeding. Repeat the same steps for the left door: raise both latches and free them from any constraints.
Ways to Safely Secure Shipping Container Doors
1. Begin by firmly and securely closing the left door of the shipping container:
- Pull the locking bar handles on the exterior of the metal container towards you.
- Ensure the cargo door is closed and all latches and bars are correctly aligned for a snug fit.
- Secure the handles by pushing them to the left and flipping the tabs on the locking bars down.
- Rotate the cane bolt inside the container to the left until it fits into its designated hole.
2. Proceed to shut the Right door of the Shipping Container. Once you've locked the left door, close and secure the right one to finish the job.
- Pull the locking bar handles outward and towards you.
- Grasp the handles and shut the steel container door, ensuring proper alignment of the bottom cams and bars.
- Slide the handles to the right to keep them shut.
- Press down on the tabs of the locking bars.
- Shift the slide bolt to the left.
Safety Tips for Opening and Closing Shipping Container Doors
Guidelines on how to safely open and close shipping container doors to avoid accidents and the risk of getting trapped within:
- Stay Away from Door Hinges and Locks: When you close the doors, make sure to keep your hands and body away from where the door bends and locks to avoid getting caught or pinched when it shuts.
- Look for Things in the Way: Before you open or close the doors, check around to see if anything is blocking them that could make them hard to open.
- Push Both Handles Together: To open the doors, push both handles together until they are flat with the container door and lock them. This makes sure the door handles are properly set for opening safely.
- Be Careful with Lock Rods: When you deal with the lock rods, lift the handles out of their holders and turn them together as much as they can to help the doors open and close smoothly.
Use Safety Latches: Storage containers have special latches to keep the doors closed tight during transport. Learn where they are and how to use them to close and lock the doors correctly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is possible to open a shipping container from the inside because of the diverse locking systems. These mechanisms on various container door varieties offer a secure and effective way for people to exit as required. By adhering to safety guidelines and understanding the door variations, individuals can manage the task of unlocking and shutting shipping container doors securely.
On-Site Storage Solutions
At On-Site Storage Solutions, we prioritize secure yet accessible storage solutions. Our containers are expertly designed with mechanisms for safe and efficient internal opening. For reliable storage options in the US and Canada, call us at (888) 405-8772 to explore our range of secure containers today!
