Page 57 - AMS Driver Training Manual Version 2 2024

A V O N M A T E R I A L S U P P L I E S L T D ( A M S L T D ) D R I V E R T R A I N I N G M A N U A L V E R S I O N 2

Load security all vehicles

Please always ensure that you have everything you require to secure your load
effectively and safely to the trailer that you are using before leaving the yard to collect
it.

Never rely solely on sheets to hold your load in place as they will not prevent your
load from moving during transit and this could result in a serious road traffic accident.

The rated sheet must completely cover and secure the load without any gaps.

If your load does move during transit then please report this to your manager as soon
as it is noticed and safe to do so.

Your load, your responsibility so check it and if in doubt
ASK your manager.

POSSIBLE SCENARIOS

As with all forms of transport, accidents do occur despite safety precautions. The main
accidents that occur involving curtain sided vehicles are as follows:

Load shifts leading to rollover; Heavy breaking and accelerating as well as
cornering sharp bends in the road can cause loads to shift. Therefore, load shift is a
common occurrence especially if there is no form of restraint available. The load
moves against the flexible curtain, which is (usually) not designed to be a restraint
method, contributing to vehicle tip over.
Load ejection during transit; When sufficient load shift occurs, the load can impinge
against the curtain, which is not designed as a form of restraint. The load can then
burst through the curtain resulting in major accidents.
Falling objects when the curtain is opened; Newly formed bulges in the curtain
usually indicate load shift. The curtain must not be opened if a bulge is visible, or if
it is suspected that the load is pressing against the curtain. Other access routes to
the load must be used with caution. Despite these precautions it is still possible for
some parts of the load to fall to the ground.
Personnel falling from trailer bed; Securing the curtain and fixing straps etc may
require personnel to mount the trailer during unloading. Working at height in this
manner increases the risk of personnel falling, as much as 2m, from the trailer or
lorry bed.
Musculoskeletal injuries (MSDs) These injuries are associated with personnel when
they undertake tasks such as manual handling. Opening curtains, fitting slats and
retrieving fallen boxes are all examples of possible causes of musculoskeletal
injuries. Furthermore, MSDs are the most common cause of work-related injury.

Page 56 of 197

Reviewed May 2024