Page 59 - 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

For the avoidance of doubt, grab loaders are also bound under this requirement.
Sitting the grab bucket and crane arm does not constitute a safe load. Our grab
loaders are fitted with ¾ length sheet systems and must be deployed before resting
the bucket in the last ¼ of the body.

Be aware that these incidences are likely to be reported to the Traffic
Commissioners office, which in turn could have further repercussions.

If any driver reports that the sheeting system on a vehicle is defective, the Fleet
office will address this as an immediate concern, the vehicle should not be loaded
and it will be directed to a repair agent.
9.25.2 Loading best practice

Loads should be secured so that they do not move relative to the bed during
transport.
Load restraint is not the same as load containment. Some loads may require a
combination of both.
Loads should be placed against the trailer headboard if possible. If this is not
possible for reasons of weight distribution, the gap to the headboard should be filled
or an intermediate bulkhead could be used.
Friction alone should not be relied on as a method of load securing.
Over strapping the load was identified as the least-risk method for load restraint.
However, it would not be suitable for all types of load. There is no ‘one size fits all’
solution to securing a load safely.
There are costs involved in securing a load, both in terms of equipment and
additional time, however against this must be set the costs of the potential
consequences of load shift, such as product damage, vehicle damage, delays,
death or injury, and prosecution in the event of an accident.
Communication between all parties involved in the loading, transport and unloading
may help to avoid problems surrounding load security.
If you are hauling aggregates then you should have been loaded down the centre
of your vehicle, ensure you check that your load is trimmed and cannot leave the
body of the vehicle whilst on the highway. If the loader has not loaded your vehicle
safely then you may need to tip off your entire load and be reloaded again. Never
tip off half the load as this can cause the vehicle to become unstable when re-tipping
the load.
As the majority of tipper bodies are not water tight, the driver should allow excess
water from a wet load to drain from the body prior to leaving site.
The type of material being transported and its flow capabilities must be considered
before loading. Some loads, especially those that are wet, sticky or solid can have
a tendency to move at different rates during the tipping operation, which can create
a dangerous situation.

Page 58 of 197

Reviewed May 2024