Securing Equipment In Transport
Prevents Losses And Accidents
As a contractor, you make a significant investment in equipment and materials. To protect that investment, you’ve probably implemented procedures to reduce the likelihood of construction site theft. But what happens when equipment and materials are being transported to a jobsite? Taking the necessary steps to protect against shifting and falling cargo not only protects your investment, but protects other drivers from accidents.
EMC loss control professionals offer the following guidelines to ensure a safe and profitable trip when transporting equipment and materials from one site to another.
Inspecting Cargo — As part of a pretrip inspection, make sure the truck is not overloaded, and the cargo is balanced and secured properly. After starting a trip, inspect the cargo and its securing devices within the first 50 miles, making adjustments as needed. Recheck the cargo and securing devices after three hours or 150 miles and after every break taken during driving.
Don’t Be Top-Heavy — It is important to distribute the cargo, so it is as low as possible. Cargo piled up high or heavy cargo on top means you are more likely to tip over. It is especially dangerous on curves or if you have to swerve to avoid a hazard.
Balance The Weight — Too much weight on the steering axle can cause hard steering. Underloaded front axles can make the steering axle weight too light to steer safely. Too little weight on the driving axles can cause poor traction.
Blocking And Bracing — Use blocking in the front, back, and/or sides of a piece of cargo to keep it from sliding. Shape blocking to fit snugly against cargo and is secured to the cargo deck to prevent cargo movement.
Use Tiedowns To Prevent Sliding — Although most tiedowns are attached to the vehicle structure, some are attached to the cargo and provide direct resistance to the cargo from movement.
- Tiedowns and securing devices should not contain knots.
- Each tiedown should be attached and secured so that it does not become loose or unfastened, opened, or released during transit.
- Edge protection should be used whenever a tiedown will be subject to abrasion or cutting at the point where it touches an article of cargo or vehicle.
Covering Cargo — Cover cargo to protect people from spilled cargo and to protect the cargo from weather. Check your cargo covers in the mirrors from time to time. A flapping cover can tear loose and possibly block your view or someone else’s. Remember spill protection is a safety requirement in many states. Be familiar with the laws in the states in which you drive.
