Load Restraint Curtains
Impact of Proper Load Restraint in Heavy Vehicles Using Load Restraint Curtains and Gates and Appropriate Practices
1. Introduction
There is considerable emphasis on proper load restraint in satisfying both the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and Safe Work Australia standards. Both of these legal frameworks take into account a broad spectrum of responsibilities, including occasions where heavy vehicles with load restraint curtains and gates are in use. This analysis expands on the 2018 NTC Load Restraint Guide, adopting a focus on load restraint and its critical role in enhancing road safety.
2. Primary Restraint Approach
Per the Load Restraint Guide (LRG), load restraint curtains and gates serve as a partial restraint system. They are primarily used for containing light and evenly distributed loads. They prevent lateral and vertical movement, but they are not designed to offer forward and rearward load restraint.
The primary restraint for a heavy vehicle should essentially be a well-functioning load restraint system which may use chains, dogs, and tensioners or webbing straps, but must not solely rely on the load restraint curtain or gate to secure the load.
3. Improving Load Restraint Security with Spanset Equipment
To increase the effectiveness of the load restraint system, accessories such as straps and corner pieces supplied by Spanset are crucial. Spanset straps provide additional tension and security, ensuring the load is held tightly against the vehicle structure, preventing forward or rearward movement. Meanwhile, corner pieces mitigate the risk of straps wearing out or being cut, increasing their longevity and overall reliability.
4. Stakeholder Responsibilities
Per the HVNL and Safe Work Australia, several stakeholders are responsible for ensuring the proper application of load restraint:
5. Potential Dangers with Load Restraint Curtains
Load restraint curtains should not be solely relied upon to secure the load, as they may not withstand forces arising during sudden braking or changes in direction. Misunderstanding their function could risk the load shifting or falling during transit, endangering road users, and potentially causing significant financial loss.
Leaning solely on curtains for load restraint can also result in non-compliance with HVNL and Safe Work Australia guidelines, leading to significant legal repercussions.
领英推荐
6. Conclusion
Effective load restraint combines several elements, including the use of reliable load restraint equipment like Spanset straps and corner pieces, a diligently followed process, and fulfillment of responsibilities by all stakeholders. Striking a balance between these factors will enhance the safety and efficiency of on-road systems, aligning with the national guidelines and improving the overall transport industry's safety culture.
The NTC Load Restraint Guide 2018 has Prescribed Standards for the use of Load Restraint Curtains and Gates when determining a load restraint system.
From the NTC Load Restraint Guide:
CHECKLIST FOR?CERTIFIERS AND DESIGNERS
Test that the curtains meet the forces in?the load restraint Performance Standards.
When designing side curtains, take?multiple loading cases into account.
Load restraint rating of side curtain?systems (including retrofitted systems)?must take into account the strength and?deflection of all components – e.g. the?roof, curtain reinforcing elements, rollers.
The amount of sideways deflection of?any part of a curtain should be limited to?100 mm for determining its load restraint?capacity at 0.5 g sideways. Even a small?amount of bulging could make a vehicle?over width.?
Clearly state if curtains are capable of?restraining stacked and mezzanine loads?or individual boxed loads