Safety Tip: LOAD SAFETY

Choose a suitable vehicle for your load.
Position and place the load so that it is secure.
Select suitable restraint equipment – it should be ‘rated’ and meet Australian Standards.
You may need to adjust your headlights when your vehicle is loaded.
Drive carefully and regularly check your restraints.

Different loads should be transported differently. There are general checks you can do, but the way you carry a load will depend on the load itself.

Bundle similar items together, in a more stable single unit.
Use restraints when packing wooden boards; anti-slip matting prevents items from sliding, especially long items.
Ropes can be difficult to keep tight across your load. When available use webbing straps as they can be more effective and are simple to use.
Nets and tarpaulins may be used to restrain lighter items.
Loose sheets of building materials may be restrained by fitting them tightly in trays, and then securing them properly with restraints.
Make sure heavy items are not loaded on top of lighter items.
Most headboards and loading racks aren’t strong enough to fully restrain heavy loads.
Use metal or heavy-duty plastic top corner protector angles to protect cartons.
High and narrow items such as stacks of smaller cartons usually need more than one restraint.
Fill spaces and gaps between piles with other items and make sure these are restrained as well

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