Oily Floor and a Bent Load Bar in Louisville
At a warehouse in Louisville, Marcus is loading a 48-foot dry van with 20 non-bulk 55-gallon drums of UN1993, Flammable liquid, n.o.s. (Class 3, PG II), each about 450 lb, and 12 pallets of 5-gallon pails of UN3082, Environmentally hazardous substance, liquid, n.o.s. (Class 9, PG III), each pallet about 600 lb. The dock is behind schedule. A warehouse employee suggests putting the 12 pallets on top of the drums to save floor space, using one load bar across the rear doors. Marcus sees that the drums have no pallets, the trailer floor is slick with oil, and the load bar is bent. The employee also wants Marcus to move the vehicle off the dock while the employee finishes loading, so the employee can “throw the last pallets in.” Marcus has a spill kit and load bars in his cab. The consignee will unload at a facility with no dock leveler, and the drums will be moved by forklift.
1. What are the securement and loading problems, and how should the load be arranged?
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The proposed arrangement is unsafe. The 55-gallon drums are the heaviest packages and should sit on the trailer floor, not under pallets of pails. Stacking 600-lb pallets on drums can crush or tip them and damage closures. The oily floor reduces friction, so the load needs dunnage, friction mats, or a clean floor plus adequate restraints. A single bent load bar across the rear is not enough to block 20 drums and 12 pallets; use multiple load bars, straps, or a bulkhead, and secure the pallets separately. Keep the Class 3 drums away from heat and ignition sources, and make sure labels are visible. Marcus should not move the vehicle until the load is fully loaded, blocked, braced, and checked.
2. Can Marcus move the vehicle while the warehouse employee is still loading? Explain.
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No. Moving the vehicle while an employee is still in the cargo area is dangerous and can cause a fall or a load shift. The driver is responsible for securement before the vehicle moves. If the warehouse wants the truck off the dock, Marcus should wait until the employee is out and the load is secured, then move it. He should not let the employee throw the last pallets in while the truck is moving. If the dock needs the space, the shipper should finish loading or move the freight to another door. Safety and securement come before the schedule.
3. At delivery, the consignee has no dock leveler and wants to use a forklift with a driver who has no hazmat training. What should Marcus do?
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The consignee’s forklift operator is performing hazmat handling, so the operator should be trained for the materials and the employer should provide the training. Marcus should ask the supervisor to confirm the operator is trained and that a spill kit and proper unloading area are available. He should not let an untrained worker move damaged or leaking packages. He should keep the vehicle attended or secured, watch for leaks, and refuse to unload if the consignee cannot provide trained personnel and safe equipment. He can offer the shipping paper and emergency information, but he cannot provide the required training on the spot.