Passenger and Cargo Safety (PSV and Goods Transport)
What this domain tests
How you protect people and load: seating capacity, doors and aisles, plus weight distribution and load security in goods vehicles. This is the domain where an overloading conviction or a shifted load can end a career.
PSV rules
- Every passenger must be seated; standing passengers are not permitted in matatus and buses, and nobody rides on the roof or hangs from the door.
- Seat belts must be worn by every occupant where fitted.
- The vehicle carries only its licensed passenger capacity, and the PSV licence and crew badges are displayed.
- Crew presentation and conduct are regulated: no touting, no drinking on duty, no unauthorised persons in the cab.
- Luggage must be stowed so it cannot block the aisle, doors or emergency exits.
Cargo rules
- Distribute weight low and over the axles - heavy items never behind the rear axle or over the steering axle alone.
- Secure every load with rated straps or chains; sheet loose aggregates and cover loads that could blow off.
- Mark any rear overhang and keep it within permitted limits.
- Dangerous goods need correct placards, segregation and documented handling; no passengers travel with them.
- Weighbridges on the main corridors enforce axle and gross weight limits; overloads attract fines and, if the load makes the vehicle unsafe, the driver is liable too.
Worked example
You are loading 100 bags of maize into a lorry with a long rear body. Loading them all at the tail puts excessive weight behind the rear axle, lightens the steering axle and makes the vehicle unstable. The correct method is to spread the bags forward, centred over the drive and rear axles, and to sheet and strap the load before moving.
Traps that cost marks
Carrying an extra passenger "just for a short distance", letting passengers ride in a goods compartment, and relying on gravity or a tarpaulin to hold a load instead of straps.