A guide to the safe loading of vehicles
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Published by Joanna Simons
There are many precautions that commercial fleet managers must take into consideration when loading vehicles, due to the fact that a load which is poorly secured can cause what might be a relatively damage-free accident to become an incident that is far more serious, possibly even placing lives in danger.
For example, the force created during a road traffic accident collision can result in a vehicle's load being turned into a deadly projectile, which could cause damage, injury and even kill.
It is the responsibility of the operator to make certain that a number of different requirements are met.
These include ensuring that fleet vehicles being used to carry loads are suitable for the goods they are transporting, making sure that the load is secured to the vehicle in the appropriate manner and also guaranteeing that the drivers of the fleet vehicles - and the loading staff - are competent enough to be able to carry out their duties.
The Department for Transport (DfT) notes that each year in the UK, around 4,000 successful prosecutions for unsafe loads which are brought against operators and drivers.
However, the governmental body notes the actual number of accidents that take place as a result of poor or unsafe loading is likely to be much higher due to the fact that many other incidents are not reported to the authorities.
The DfT explains that shoddy loading can have a number of other knock-on effects that can result in financial penalties being imposed.
For example, if a vehicle is poorly loaded and the items on the vehicle come loose and fall into waters that are controlled, firms could face a fine of up to £20,000 under the Water Resources Act 1991 - as well as charges associated with cleaning up the affected area.
Key points for ensuring load safety:
• It is the responsibility of the vehicle operator to ensure that suitable vehicles and securing equipment are provided for each load carried.
• The driver of the vehicle is responsible for ensuring that the load in question is adequately secured at all times during transit - not just at the beginning of the journey.
• When a vehicle is due to carry a range of small, loose items, its bodywork should be higher than the load and also be strong enough to ensure that no part of the load can break through it.
• Usually, a load should be arranged in a manner that will mean that the driver does not have their field of vision obstructed by it.
• However, when wide or long-projecting loads are being carried, or if the load obscures obligatory registration plates, rear marking, reflectors or lights, care has to be taken to make sure that the vehicle and its load comply with the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 (SI No 1796).
• Anti-corrosion treatments of load bearing components are highly desirable in order to help ensure that the design and construction of the carrying vehicle is suitable for the loads that it is likely to carry in the course of its service.
• If a vehicle and its load are due to be carried on a ship, provisions may be made for the additional load restraints that will be needed to secure the vehicle and its load to the desk of the vessel.
The DfT has issued a guide, entitled Safety of Loads on Vehicles, which is now in its third edition.
The paper offers an extensive list of guidelines, rules, facts and other information that those providing fleet solutions are likely to find invaluable when it comes to ensuring that they are compliant with the laws regarding vehicles and their loading and transportation requirements.
The DfT document Safety of Loads on Vehicles can be accessed by clicking here
