Safe Loading and Securing of Cargo
Principles of load security
A load must be secured so it cannot shift, slide, roll or fall, in normal driving and in emergency braking. Forces to consider are forward (braking), rearward (acceleration), lateral (cornering) and vertical (bumps). The load's centre of gravity should be as low and as central as possible, and the axle loads must respect the permitted maximums.
Methods
- Lashing: top-over lashing presses the load down; direct lashing holds it back.
- Blocking and dunnage: filling gaps so the load cannot move.
- Tarpaulins and nets: for weather protection and light goods.
- Headboards and side gates: structural restraint.
Lashings must be inspected and re-tensioned; straps must be rated and free of cuts. Load distribution must keep the drive axle and steering axle within limits - too little weight on the steering axle impairs steering; too much on the rear axle overloads it.
Traps
- Counting the number of straps rather than their rated strength and angle.
- Forgetting that a load can shift rearward under acceleration.
- Ignoring the effect of load distribution on axle loads and steering.
- Using damaged or unrated straps.
Worked example
A pallet of 1 000 kg must be restrained against 0.8 g forward deceleration, i.e. roughly 8 kN. If each rated strap provides 2 kN of restraint at the chosen angle, at least four correctly tensioned straps are needed - plus blocking to prevent sliding. Rule of thumb: secure against braking first, then check lateral and rearward movement.
Emergency Situations, Accident Prevention, First Aid and Incident Reporting
Prevention first
Accident prevention rests on anticipation, correct speed, safe following distance, and vehicle condition. Recognise hazards early: junctions, pedestrian crossings, cyclists in blind spots, roadworks and weather changes.
When an emergency occurs
- Brake failure: use engine braking, downshift, apply the parking brake gradually, look for an escape route.
- Blowout: hold the wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, avoid harsh braking, steer to a safe stop.
- Fire: stop, switch off the engine, evacuate, call emergency services, use the extinguisher only on a small fire from a safe distance.
- Skid: steer in the direction you want to go, avoid sudden braking.
First aid
Scene safety first: protect the scene, warn traffic, call emergency services. Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger. Check responsiveness and breathing; if not breathing normally, start CPR. Control severe bleeding with direct pressure. Keep the casualty warm and monitor until help arrives. Use the vehicle's first-aid kit and fire extinguisher.
Incident reporting
Record time, location, vehicles involved, injuries, damage and witnesses. Complete the accident report form, exchange details, inform the operator and, where required, the police. Do not admit liability.
Traps
- Moving an injured motorcyclist "to help" - usually wrong unless danger is immediate.
- Using water on an electrical or fuel fire.
- Failing to protect the scene before giving first aid.
- Admitting fault at the scene.
Rule of thumb
"Protect – Alert – Rescue": secure the scene, call for help, then treat.