The safety of loads on vehicles is something which many of our clients, outside of the logistics sector, have a fairly limited knowledge of. Because of this unfamiliarity this is a risk area which often goes without assessment or challenge but is one which can cause accidents with serious consequences, read on t find out how to assess and manage your risks.
Securing loads on vehicles – good practice
When loads are being transported they must be secured at all times to the vehicle they are being transported on. It is the driver’s and company’s responsibility to ensure that this is carried out safely.
The basic principle is that the combined strength of the vehicle’s load restraint systems must be sufficient to withstand a force not less than the total weight of the load in a forwards direction and half the weight in a backwards and sideways direction. Please do bear in mind that this does not take into account a road traffic accident where the forces generated are much higher than in normal transportation.
Lateral and longitudinal forces are generated on the load when the vehicle accelerates, brakes, corners and travels over uneven terrain. Once the vehicle is in motion, loads can move in any direction even if the journey is a short one.
The Code of Practice, Safety of Loads on Vehicles states that:
When securing an item of plant or machinery for transport there should NEVER be less than four anchorage points used.
The restraining system should be arranged so that failure or slackening of a single component does not render the remainder of the system ineffective.
This means that if, for example, two chains are used to secure a load (one front and one rear) four anchorage points are achieved however if one chain fails two anchorage points are lost and load security is compromised.
We would strongly suggest that loads transported on your vehicles are secured with at least four separate restraints at all times – irrespective of the size, shape or weight of the load.
With this procedure in place if a chain, hook, strap, binder or ratchet experiences a failure of loosening there are still three other restraints securing the load in a forwards, backwards and sideways direction.
If you’ve got questions or need support on safety in the industrial, contracting or construction sectors please contact us for sensible and proportionate advice on 01453 800100
