Don't use ropes
Page 62
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THREE hearty cheers for the National Freight Federation (NFC) for supplying badly needed guidance for hauliers for securing containers to vehicles not fitted with corner lock devices.
In a guide issued to member companies, the Federation points out that two things prevent a container from sliding: friction with the vehicle platform, and securing arrangements.
Maximum friction is obtained, the code goes on, by avoiding packing between container and platform, and by using a vehicle wide enough to accommodate the container between the side raves, if fitted. Where dunnage is unavoidable, the timber should be of uniform thickness, as wide as possible and at least twice the thickness, and only one layer should be used.
Securing arrangements require a series of anchoring points along the platform, each with a safe working load of 2 tons, acting parallel to the side member within 10deg to 60deg above horizontal.
Ropes should not be used, the guide advises, but rather fin, diameter chain. Hooks. shackles or rings should have a safe working load of 2 tons.
Other points mentioned are that chains should not be at an angle of more than 60deg to the horizontal; when making use of lashing rings found on old type non-ISO containers without corner castings, two chains should be used on each side to prevent rearward movement. Containers with corner castings should he secured by chains fixed to the upper castings and not to those at the base.
At the moment, no regulations are in being governing the securing of containers on vehicles. Legislation is badly required and, I understand, is being considered now.