Workplace transport safety An employers' guide - ARRI Lighting Rental

Health and Safety
Executive
756 Before loading, check the load platform, bodywork and anchor points to make
sure that they are suitable for the load, are clean and are in a good working order.
Debris, broken boarding, rusted anchor points, dust (particularly brick dust) or oil that
may cause a slip could all pose a risk to safety.
757 Some loads (such as bricks or rubble) leave a dust behind that can make loads
slip while they are being transported. To improve load safety, drivers may need to
thoroughly sweep the vehicle bed before loading.
758 Wherever possible, loads should be carried separately from passengers. If
the cab is not separate from the load area (for example, a closed van), a bulkhead
should be fitted between the load compartment and the cab, which should be
strong enough to withstand a load shifting forwards in an emergency.
759 The most suitable securing method should be used for different types of load.
760 Operators should make sure they have the correct securing equipment for the
types of load carried. Where general cargoes are carried, various types should be
available.
761 Clamps, special bolts, steel-wire ropes, chains, webbing harnesses, sheets,
nets, ropes and shoring bars are all suitable to secure loads, but it is essential to
make sure that they are strong enough for the weight of the loads carried.
762 Sheeting rope hooks should never be used to secure loads. They are not
designed to bear heavy loads and may be in the wrong position to secure a load
safely.
763 Sheets themselves are only suitable for restraining loads if they have been
designed for this. See chapter Trimming, sheeting and netting for more information.
764 You should use sleeves and corner protectors to prevent damage to both the
load and the lashing or sheet if it passes over a sharp corner.
765 Lashings (such as ropes, webbing, chains, cables, clamps) should be in good
condition and be able to withstand all normal forces. Lashings should be properly
tightened at all times, although not overtightened as this can damage the lashings.
766 Some goods are difficult to restrain while they are being transported. Loads
should be suitably packaged. Where pallets are used, the driver will need to check
that:
n they are in good condition;
n loads are properly secured to them; and
n loads are safe on the vehicle. They may need to be securely attached to make
sure that they cannot fall off.
767 It is best for the individual parts of a load to be packed closely together. If this
is not possible, some type of packing (commonly known as ‘dunnage’) should be
used to fill any gaps.
768 A number of materials are suitable for use as dunnage. The most common are
timber, folded cardboard, hardboard, high-density foam and air bags. Dunnage
should take up as much of the empty space as possible.
769 You should take care not to damage the load by using unsuitable dunnage.
As a result, the type of load being carried will influence the dunnage material you
choose.
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