Load safety code
Page 16
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A REVISED Code of Practice on the safety of loads on vehicles has been published by the Department of Transport in an effort to reduce the number of bridges hit by lorries which are loaded too high.
The maximum fine for an insecure load is £2,000, and the Code of Practice explains how to avoid such an offence.
Principles of load safety, choice of vehicle and arrangement of loads and load securing equipment are among the more general matters, with other more specific topics such as timber loads, containers, loose bulk loads and the regulations concerning the carriage of dangerous goods.
As an example, the illustration extracted from the Code shows how rolls or cylindrical items should be placed with their axis across the vehicle, to stop rolling.
The DTp recommends that when the bottom layer of rolls have been secured and the first roll of the second layer (A) loaded, the between layers lashings should be secured to the rear of the vehicle, and "top over" lashings if required.
The Dip adds that a tarpaulin sheet is normally added to assist with lateral restraint and to give weather protection.
Safety of Loads on Vehicles costs £4.90 from Her Majesty's Stationery Office.