LOAD RESTRAINT: What you need to know

(i) The load should not become dislodged from the vehicle.
(ii) Any load movement should be limited, such that in all cases where movement
occurs, the vehicle’s stability and weight distribution cannot be adversely affected
and the load cannot become dislodged from the vehicle.
Loads that are permitted to move relative to the vehicle include loads that are
effectively contained within the sides or enclosure of the vehicle body such as:
(a) Loads which are restrained from moving horizontally (limited vertical
movement is permissible);
(b) Very lightweight objects or loose bulk loads (limited horizontal and vertical
movement is permissible);
(c) Bulk liquids (limited liquid movement is permissible);
To achieve this, the load restraint system must be capable of withstanding the forces
that would result if the laden vehicle were subjected to each of the following separately:
0.8 ‘g’ deceleration in a forward direction,
0.5 ‘g’ deceleration in a rearward direction,
0.5 ‘g’ acceleration in a lateral direction,
and to 0.2 ‘g’ acceleration relative to the load in a vertical direction.
Note: ‘g’ (the acceleration due to gravity), is equal to 9.81 metres/sec/sec for
the purpose of these standards.

QUESTION THE LOAD’S CHARACTERISTICS SUCH AS:

Friction levels – are you carrying low friction items such as glass or metal that need to be paired with high friction surfaces during transit? Quality rubber matting offers an excellent, high-friction surface.

Weight, size & centre of gravity – what effect will the load have on vehicle stability? Will the load cause the vehicle to roll? Can it be contained within the vehicle safely?  

Packaging – are the goods packaged in a way that allows effective restraint to be applied?  The wrong packaging can make it difficult, or even impossible to apply adequate restraint.

SELECT A VEHICLE WITH:

Adequate load capacity – make sure the vehicle can handle the weight and volume of goods being carried. Avoid excessive overhang of goods. 

Roll stability – does the vehicle have enough stability to handle the load?  Vehicle roll-over is more likely with loads that have a high centre of mass.

Correct height – don’t forget to consider environmental obstacles on the route.  

LOADS CAN BE RESTRAINED USING A ‘TIE-DOWN’ OR ‘DIRECT RESTRAINT’ METHOD, OR COMBINATION OF METHODS IF NECESSARY

Tie-down method – lashings clamp the load onto the vehicle creating a level of friction force that prevents forwards, sideways and backwards movement. The weight of the load contributes to the friction force, however, weight alone is not enough to meet performance standards, hence the requirement for lashings.

It’s important to use enough quality lashings to account for the following variables:

• Weight of the load
• Blocked or unblocked load
• Level of friction between surfaces

Direct restraint method – when a load is difficult to ‘tie-down’ it can be restrained directly by ‘blocking’, ‘containing’, or ‘attaching’.

• Loads can be blocked using suitable headboards, side gates and tail gates.   
• Loads can be contained by other parts of the load or by structural components of the vehicle that prevent horizontal movement.
• Loads can be attached directly onto the vehicle by means of webbing straps, twist locks or chains. This method is ideal for low friction loads or wheeled loads.

‘LOAD POSITION’ SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECTS VEHICLE STABILITY, STEERING AND BRAKING.  

• Keep the centre of gravity as low as possible
• Spread the load evenly across the deck and aim for even distribution of weight across the axles
• Load heavy items first
• Check stability to remove the risk of rollover
• Avoid excessive overhand of the goods

CHECK THE FOLLOWING:  

• Condition of restraints – are the lashings in good order and well maintained, even minor damage can reduce effectiveness.
• Does the lashing equipment meet performance standards? 
• Quantity of restraints – are there enough in place?