Updates: Securing loads on HGVs and goods vehicles

2024

9 December 2024 published amendments

New section added.

Updated the section 'Operator responsibilities'. Updates include:

- information about about risk assessments
- that the Traffic Commissioners can remove, suspend or restrict your operator licence if you do not have processes in place to transport loads safely and securely

Updated the section 'Driver responsibilities'. Updated 'If you load vehicles' to say you must use appropriate equipment.

Updated the section 'Load consignors'. Updated the 'Consignor responsibilities' to add to the list of what load consignors must do.

Updated the section 'Load securing and the law'. Added dangerous goods legislation to the list of legislation and regulations.

2. Load securing: the basics

Updated the section 'What a load securing system needs to do'. Updates include:

- a new section about friction
- new information about securing very large or tall loads
- a new section on covering your load

Updated the section 'What to check before loading a vehicle'. Clarified that removing part of a load may affect its security if it no longer has positive fit.

3. What to do if a load becomes unstable during a journey

Updated the section 'If the load shifts during the journey'. Updates include:

- changing some instances of 'should' to 'must', 'you must not' to 'do not', and 'do not' to 'you must not'
- what to do if the load is dangerously unstable

4. Ways to secure a load in an HGV or goods vehicle

Updated the section 'Attachment points'. Updates include:

- that any attachment point must be strong enough to withstand the expected loads
- an updated description of side raves
- what you must not do when using anchorage points

Updated the section 'Buckle straps and internal nets' to clarify the phrasing about items weighing up to and over 400kg.

Updated the section 'Chains'. Updated to say that chains may be more suitable than lashing straps for some loads and that you must not use a combination of lashing straps and chains to secure a load.

Updated the section 'Headboards and bulkheads'. Updates include:

- that you should load to the bulkhead between the cargo space and the cab
- that when parts of a divisible load are higher than the headboard, you must use additional load securing methods

Updated the section 'Ropes' to clarify what rope can and cannot be used for.

Updated the section 'Sheeting and netting' to clarify that sheets and nets can be used to contain a load, but not to secure it.

Updated the section 'Vehicle mounted equipment'. Added information on how to secure a crane, grab arm or boom over a load.

Updated the section 'Lashing straps'. Updates include:

- changing some mentions of 'good condition' to 'usable condition'
- that you should not use a combination of ratchet straps and chains in the same load or lashing
- replacing lashing straps if the fittings are missing
- when to use extra straps

5. How to load different HGVs, light goods vehicles, small vans and cars

Updated the section 'Bulk tippers'. Updates include:

- adding that you can use bulk tippers to carry silage and agricultural material
- when to use a sheet or net to cover the load

Updated the section 'Flatbeds and lowloaders'. Updates include:

- when to load against the headboard or within 30cm of it or use additional lashings
- how to secure plant equipment
- attaching winch cables if they're is fitted

Updated the section 'Tilts and Euroliners'. Clarified phrasing about items weighing up to and over 400kg.

Updated the section 'Multi-deck trailers'. Clarified phrasing about items weighing up to and over 400kg.

Updated the section 'Boxsiders'. Updates include:

- loading against or within 30cm of the headboard and within 30cm of the rear doors
- loads that can affect a box-sided vehicle’s stability

Updated the section 'Cars'. Updated the information on how to secure loads to roof racks.

Updated the section 'Vans'. Updates include:

- information about when a bulkhead is required
- clarifying that you must not store load items in the cab

6. How to carry different types of load in HGVs and goods vehicles

Updated the section 'Abnormal loads'. Updates include:

- the harm abnormal loads can cause if they become detached from the vehicle
- using lashings and chains
- using friction matting or a high-friction floor
- transporting wheeled or chocked equipment
- what operators and consignors are responsible for

Updated the section 'Bales and boxes'. Added that the looser a bale is, the more likely it is to blow off the vehicle.

Updated the section 'Bulk bags'. Added another method of securing bulk bags.

Updated the section 'Construction products'. Updated how to secure construction products on pallets.

Updated the section 'Dangerous goods'. Updates include:

- how to transport dangerous goods if they are not in a closed body vehicle
- information about Dangerous Goods Safety Advisers (DGSAs)
- updating the information on securing hazardous materials carried on the same vehicle
- removing content about segregating dangerous goods
- updating 'Gas cylinders' to say you must not carry cylinders in the passenger footwell
- updating 'Intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) used to carry goods' to include securing empty IBCs with one strap and information about the marks required under ADR
- adding information about transporting asbestos waste
- adding information about Radiation Protection Advisers (RPAs)

Added a new section - 'Fragile, crushable, or non-uniform loads'.

Updated the section 'Glass' to include how you should attach glass to a frail.

Updated 'Intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) containing non-hazardous goods' to include information about securing empty IBCs with one strap.

Updated 'Metal loads'. Updated the information about covering loads.

Updated the section 'Pallets'. Updated 'Stacking palletised loads' with information on the strength of the lower layer and what to consider when choosing a load securing method. Updated 'Equipment for loading pallets' to say you must secure manual handling equipment to the load bed.

Updated the section 'Paper'. Updated 'Baled paper' and 'Cardboard' to clarify phrasing about items weighing up to and over 400kg. Updated 'Paper reels' to add information about positive fit.

Updated the section 'Vehicles' to include how to secure motorcycles and scooters.