HSE reminds operators to ensure that they load materials safely on to vehicles
At the end of June, a lorry overturned in a Liverpool residential street, shedding a large amount of scrap metal. The driver was reportedly trapped in the cabin but the police, who attended the scene, were able to free the driver before the ambulance arrived.
According to HSE, Merseyside police have recently reported several incidents in which vehicles loaded with scrap metal have overturned. The cause being poor loading of scrap with lighter material underneath and heavy unsecured items such ELVs on top.
Operators are advised to ensure that they load materials safely, including the following:
- Ensure the stack is stable before any lashings are put in place
- Place heavier items at the bottom & distribute the load weight across the width of the load bed.
- Ensure the centre of gravity is as low as possible & near the centreline of the vehicle
- Do not stack the load too high as this could make the vehicle unstable.
- Scrap cars, in particular, must not be stacked unless they are carried in a sided vehicle where the sides extend above the height of the load
- However, vehicle sides alone may not be sufficient to stop items bouncing out. The load should be sheeted if lashings are not used
- Remember that heavy loads can and do move and the weight of the load alone should never be relied on to hold the load in place.
DVSA Load Security Video
For further relevant published guidance (HSE and Partnership publications) go to:
DfT Code of Practice Safety of Loads on Vehicles
To see the advisory note: Notification of Waste and Recycling incidents – Rollovers – June 2020
