Load Restraint
When transporting equipment, the load must be restrained to prevent excessive movement during all expected conditions of operation. Excessive force can be caused by factors such as braking, accelerating, cornering, travelling on uneven surfaces, travelling on side slopes, strong winds or other severe weather conditions. The system used to restrain the load must satisfy the following as specified in Section F1 of the Load Restraint Guide:
- The load should not become dislodged from the vehicle
- Any movement should be limited, such that in all cases where movement occurs, the vehicles stability and weight distribution cannot be adversely affected and the load cannot become dislodged from the vehicle
As listed in the below diagram, forces must be considered when selecting the correct method and equipment to restrain the load for transportation:
If the weight to be restrained is 5 tonne, then:
- 80% (0.8W) of the weight of the load should be restrained from moving forward (braking) = 4 tonne (your restraint equipment needs to have a load restraint capacity of 4 tonne)
- 50% (0.5W) of the weight of the load should be restrained from moving in either lateral direction (left or right, cornering) = 2.5 tonne
- 50% (0.5W) of the weight of the load should be restrained from moving rearwards (accelerating or braking in reverse) = 2.5 tonne
- 20% (0.2W) of the weight of the load should be restrained from moving upwards (rough roads) = 1 tonne
Load restraint equipment comes in many different forms, with the most common being either webbing tie downs, chain, nets or a combination of these. The type of restraint used will depend on the load that you are restraining. It is also good practice to spread that restraint over multiple chains or webbing tie downs.
It is also important that you trust the source of the load restraints to ensure compliance to Australian Standards.
If you are unsure of the above and would like to discuss further, please do not hesitate to contact the team at LiftQuip Australia on 08 7089 8335, or drop in to Unit 2, 483-485 South Road, Regency Park, SA, 5010.
