Vehicle loading, securing of loads and safe handling of goods
Domain 4 tests load distribution, securing and safe goods handling. The examiner looks for axle-load arithmetic, friction and lashing logic, and safe behaviour around tail lifts, pallets and dangerous goods.
Weight and distribution
Never exceed gross vehicle weight, axle limits or trailer kingpin limits. Place heavy items low and between the axles; keep the centre of gravity forward of the rear axle but not so far forward that the steering axle is overloaded. Use the load plan and weighbridge if in doubt. A load that is legal on total weight can still overload one axle.
Securing
EN 12195-1 uses acceleration coefficients: 0.8g forward, 0.5g sideways and 0.5g rearward. Friction resists part of the force; clean, dry anti-slip mats raise μ, while ice, oil or dust reduce it. Use positive fit against a headboard or side walls where possible. Top-over lashings need correct tension (STF) and a good angle; direct lashings need an anchor point rated for the load. Check straps for cuts, UV damage and worn ratchets. Curtains are weather protection, not load securing.
Handling
Use gloves, safety shoes and tail-lift guards; keep feet clear of the tail-lift edge; lower loads close to the ground; and use pallet trucks on firm, level ground. For dangerous goods, check ADR paperwork, labels, segregation and fire extinguishers.
Worked example
A 10,000 kg load sits on anti-slip mats with μ = 0.2. Forward force at 0.8g = 8,000 kg-equivalent; friction gives 0.2 × 10,000 = 2,000 kg; the lashings must supply 6,000 kg. If each top-over lashing gives about 1,400 kg horizontal under the stated geometry, five lashings are needed (5 × 1,400 = 7,000 kg). Four would leave a shortfall. Check the angle and the manufacturer's rating; do not simply count straps.
Traps
Securing only against the rear doors; over-tensioning and crushing the load; using damaged straps; forgetting friction; assuming a curtain-sided trailer secures the load; and ignoring axle limits after a backload.