RHA launches DVSA-agreed guide to safe loading of pallets at CV Show 25 April 2014

RHA (the Road Haulage Association) has made important additions to its guidance notes on the safe loading of HGVs – in particular, on securing palletised freight on curtainsiders.

A system for improved securing of pallets on the upper deck of double-deck trailers has been proposed and is now moving to operational trials with the pallet network TPN.

DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) and HSE/HSL (Health & Safety Executive and Health & Safety Laboratory) have been part of the process and have agreed the new guidance.

RHA head of technical services Ray Engley has driven the project, with a working group from TPN, including: Trevor Edden of TWE Haulage; Mark Duggan of Eezehaul; Paul Johnson of Transervice Express Transport; Mark Watkins of MWT; Martyn Bowers of Pallet Express Systems; and Tom Cassin, health and safety manager at TPN.

The new notes set out current requirements in terms of the upper deck of curtainsiders: that pallets be single-stacked; constitute light freight (and goods must be secured to the pallet); and that internal straps are properly engaged.

Engley explains that it proposes the use of an additional, internal curtain-and-strap arrangement, developed by the working group, "which will be trialled by hauliers to ensure its continuing operational practicality".

The straps are integral with the curtain and go inboard under the top deck to improve containment, he explains. The curtain is operated from ground level.

Engley says a key benefit is that the straps contain pallets more effectively than using internal straps on their own. They improves safety and security both at the roadside and when the trailer is to be unloaded, he says.

An example of the internal curtain with straps will be shown by Montracon at the CV Show, at the NEC from April 29 – May 1.

The RHA's new guide sets out what the enforcement bodies are looking for, in terms of forward and aft security of pallets, particularly on part-loads and diminishing loads. It also highlights the solution, using adjustable internal sling straps secured at the front and rear of the truck body or trailer.

"Securing the top deck of double-deck curtain-siders has been a challenging issue for the industry," comments Engley.

"I am delighted that the association has been able to work with member companies to propose what we hope will be a solution for the future that meets the requirements of regulators and operators," he adds.

Mark Horton, DVSA's traffic enforcement scheme manager, says: "DVSA have stepped up their enforcement of safety regulations, not least in terms of double-deck curtainsiders.

"We have already seen significant improvements in the past year but the sector needs to make further improvements. The RHA has produced a valuable guide to what is required today and a pointer to the standards that will be expected in the future."

"Both TPN members and the hub have been very pleased to work alongside RHA's load security expert Ray Engley to achieve a potential solution to one of the most pressing safety and operational issues facing the sector," states Mark Kendall, operations director at TPN.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Road Haulage Association Ltd

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