RR1078 - The use of vehicle structure in load securing on heavy goods vehicles
Securing loads for safe transport is a legal requirement in the UK. It helps to protect the driver of the vehicle, other road users and pedestrians during the vehicle's journey from vehicle rollover or load detachment, and the driver and unloading personnel from the risks inherent in unloading a load that has been able to move in transit.
This report assesses the legislation applicable to the transport of goods in the UK under both road traffic and health and safety at work legislation. It assesses the guidance available to operators and consignors and the methods of securing loads that are commonly-used at present.
It is suggested that the concept of the load securing system, which comprises the structure of the vehicle, physical barriers to movement, and/or lashings, be given more prominence in current practice. In order to make effective use of the vehicle structure, it is important to ensure that the structure is in sound condition, and that vehicle headboards and bulkheads, in particular, are both strong enough to resist forward movement of the load and also maintained in serviceable condition to protect the driver from ingress of the load to the cab.
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