Workplace transport safety An employers' guide - ARRI Lighting Rental

Health and Safety
Executive
n some systems use runners over the front and back ends of the trailer, allowing
the operator to pull the sheet across the load from the side;
n crank handles are another popular solution, allowing drivers to move the sheet
from the ground.
857 Most of these systems need the operator to secure the sheet at the sides if a
proper seal is needed.
858 No matter what type of sheeting equipment is fitted or used, there should
always be safe access onto and down from the vehicle if people have to climb.
Using well-designed and well-positioned fixed ladders and handholds can improve
access.
859 For more information about safe access to vehicles, see Site-based access
to vehicles (paragraphs 498-522) and chapter Preventing falls from workplace
vehicles.
860 Sheets should be:
n large enough to cover the load with a large overlap (at least 6 inches) of the
tailgate and sides;
n in good condition to avoid tearing, which can throw a person off balance (you
should check the sheets regularly); and
n as light as possible for the purpose, to make handling them safer.
861 Some lightweight sheets allow air to pass through, making them less likely
to catch in the wind. There may be a loss of waterproofing, but this should be
considered if it is practical.
862 Tarpaulins only protect against the weather and so should not be used to
secure a load if they are used as load sheets.
863 Purpose-made load sheets (which include webbing straps) have a ‘rated load
capacity’ and can be used to secure a load up to that weight.
864 If in doubt, you should assume that a sheet is not strong enough to secure a
load.
865 See chapter Loading, safe unloading and load safety for further information on
securing loads.
866 If you use nets:
n they should never be used to secure a load beyond their maximum rated
capacity;
n they should be properly tightened, as instructed by the manufacturer; and
n the mesh size should be less than the smallest item the net is expected to hold
(although this will not always apply to nets used over loose bulk loads).
867 Ropes and straps should be:
n in good condition and inspected regularly;
n long enough to be tied to the anchor points that are designed for this (straps
should not be left hanging loose); and
n heavy and strong enough not to be pulled loose by the wind under the
sheeting.
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