load securement safety compliance quick tips

P bar Y Safety Consultants

Load Securement Safety Compliance Quick Tips


Three reoccurring issues in Industry1) Damaged Securement Systems • "The statistics tell us that damaged or defective tie-downs, loose or unfastened tie-downs, and simply not

having the required number of tie-downs are the most common violations we find at roadside. Damaged straps could be downgraded or zero-rated, depending on the extent of the damage, as determined by the strapping defect table in CVSA's Out-of-Service Criteria.

2) Loose/unfastened tie-downs• Regulations in both countries are specific about the driver's obligation to maintain tension on cargo

securement devises. This usually involves an inspection shortly after getting under way, and regular checks throughout the trip to ensure nothing has moved or worked loose. It's important to load cargo so that no gaps exist between items that could close up as cargo shifts with movement of the truck.

3) Failure to meet minimum tie-down requirements • "The biggest issues related specifically to drivers are calculating the weight of the cargo plus any length

requirements that might exist when determining the correct number of tie-downs required," P bar Y Safety says. For example, a 5/16-in. grade-70 transport chain has a working load limit (WLL) of 4,700 pounds, but if it's not marked as such, or the markings are not legible, an inspector in the U.S. would downgrade it to the equivalent of Grade 30 chain, which has a WLL of just 1,900 lb. In Canada, zeroes out unmarked securement devices as well as ones with illegible markings. If a driver correctly calculates the aggregate working load limits but uses sub-standard, un- or under-rated equipment, he or she could still be cited, because the WLL might be below minimums. That could result in one of several citations being issued, such as damaged securement systems, insufficient tie-downs or even cargo not immobilized or secured.


Only in Canada Eh!There is nosuch thing as DOT(Department ofTransportation), MTO orother agency approval onload securement products.There are suggested orrecommended standardsfor manufacturers,there are regulations forfleets concerning whereand when to use loadsecurement and there areservice criteria. Unlikeselling a light bulb inCanada, companies sellingload securement productsrequires no third partyapprovals to sell in Canada.


No Bungee for you

Bungee cords and tarp ties requirea Working Load Limit (WLL).Fact: The properties of rubberand/or synthetic bungee cords/tarpstraps are not suitable for use as tiedowns.They do not require a WLLto perform their function of holdingdown a tarp or as a supplementaryrestraint for light weight cargo andequipment.


Chains what you need to remember

Chains used to tie down a load must be marked G70.

Fact: Chains used to tie down a load need to bemarked in accordance with the National Associationof Chain Manufacturers Standards. For Grade 70chain, the required markings are to be embossed atintervals not greater than one foot, depending on thesize of the chain. The recognized markings are seven,70 or 700 and must also include a mark identifyingthe manufacturer. For example, at Ancra we mark ourGrade 70 chains with a BU7 every fourth link. We alsomark some chain product G7 every fourth link, but thentwo links away it is marked BL to identify it as ours.


Not found in law

Chains require a supplementary tag stating its WLL.Fact: This is not required legally anywhere in North Americaand a chain equipped with such a tag does not have to be passedor accepted by an inspector.


Ratchet

Ratchet binders can only be used in Canada.• Fact: Items such as ratchet binders are oftenpreferred by many carriers because of their easeof use; the lever style load binder is very muchlegal to use anywhere in North America.


Straps

Whether as part of a winch strap or a ratchet strap, all hardware items are required to be marked and rated with a WLL.Fact: Items such as winch straps and ratchet straps are rated and tested as assemblies and their individual components are not required to be marked with WLLs. In fact, doing so could create confusion and lead to dangeroussituations.


Winch Strap not Winch Line

Winch straps or ratchet straps require both a tag and stencil with a WLL on each of them.• Fact: Items such as winch straps and ratchet

straps are required to be marked and rated with the name or trademark of the manufacturer and

the WLL in both pounds and kilograms. The marking can be on a tag and/or stenciled to the webbing but both are not required. Many qualitymanufacturers do provide both a tag and a stencil.


The Edge in SafetyEdge protection fortie down straps is onlyrequired for sharpcorners on cargo.Fact: Actually, all abrupt edges or abrasive surfaces, suchas stake pockets and sharp edges of trailerdecks, can damage tie-down straps duringtransit and wear protection as the strapsneeds to be provided for these areas as well.Straps should also be inboard of the rub railwhere practical.


Performance Criteria

Forward (braking)

Rearward(accelerating,braking in reverse)

Vertical (bumps, rough roads)

Sideways(cornering)


Performance Criteria - Implications- the cargo must be secured in a manner which prevents it from

falling from, or shifting on, the vehicle when subjected to the forces which would occur with the “performance criteria”

- vehicle structures and attachments must be strong enough to supply the necessary restraining forces

~ bulkheads, walls, floors, anchor points etc

- the securing equipment must be strong enough to supply the necessary restraining forces

~ tiedowns, chains, ratchets, binders, etc


Securement Approaches

Contained

Van Bodies, Tankers,Dump Boxes

Direct

Blocked

Headboards, Sides,Tailgates, Blocking &

Bracing

Attached

Twist locks, Direct Tie-downs

IndirectFriction

Weight of load + Tie-downs


Contained Cargo

Cargo is contained and secured by the vehicle structure, additional securing devices not needed:

~ liquids in tankers, ~ bulk solids in tankers or dump boxes, ~

general freight in van trailers or containers


Blocked CargoCargo is restrained against movement in at least one direction by vehicle structures, such as headboards or bulkheads, or other cargo.


Attached Cargo - Direct TiedownsCargo is restrained by tie-downs which are attached to both the vehicle and the cargo.


Attached Cargo - Direct AttachmentCargo is attached to vehicle by locking devices, twist locks other integral locking systems. Friction between the load and the loading deck is not relied upon for cargo restraint.


Restrained by Indirect Tiedowns Cargo is restrained against movement by friction.

• Friction prevents the cargo from slipping forwards, rearwards and sideways.

• Tie-downs increase the effective weight of the cargo and prevent it from moving vertically


Combined RestraintFriction + Blocking

Friction + Direct Restraint


Forces on Cargo

Forward Direction (eg. under braking):

Force800 lb

Friction1000 lb

Forces: Total forward = 800 lb.

Restraint: Friction = Coefficient of Friction x Weight

Travel


Coefficient of Friction

1000 lb.

Material Dry Wet GreasyWood on Wood 0.20 - 0.50

(200 to 500 lb)0.20 - 0.25

(200 to 250 lb)0.05 - 0.15

(50 to 150 lb)

Metal on Wood 0.20 - 0.50(200 to 500 lb)

0.20 - 0.25(200 to 250 lb)

0.02 - 0.10(20 to 100 lb)

Metal on Metal 0.10 - 0.25(100 to 250 lb)

0.10 - 0.20(100 to 200 lb)

0.01 - 0.10(10 to 100 lb)

Friction


Forces on Cargo

Deceleration Force 800 lb1000 lb

Deceleration Force: 800 lb.

Restraint due to friction: 10 to 500 lb.

Friction 10 to 500 lb

Travel


Forces on Cargo

Deceleration Force 800 lb

Deceleration Force: 800 lb.Effective Weight of Cargo: 2000 lb (1000+500+500)Restraint due to friction: 20 to 1000 lb.

Friction 20 to 1000 lb

Travel

Tiedown - tension 500 lb


Indirect TiedownsObjective: Increase the effective weight of the cargo - increase the restraining effect of frictionConcern: Angle of tiedown is important

Example: Tension in tiedown = 500 lb

Angle = 90 degrees 60 degrees 45 degrees 30 degrees

Downforce 1000 lb 866 lb 707 lb 500 lb

? 500 lb


Indirect TiedownsEffectiveness: - maintain tension

- keep articles of cargo together or fill gaps to prevent shifting

- maintain steep tiedown angles


Direct Tiedowns

1000 lb.Force800 lb

Tiedown attached to vehicle and to cargo:- tiedown must break for cargo to shift - tiedowns react directly to forces - shallow tiedown angles are more effective


Tipping

Height

Base

Force

If height is more than 2 times the base, tipping can occur at ~ 0.5 g acceleration. If height is more than 1.25 times the base, tipping can occur at ~ 0.8 g acceleration.


Blocking

• The aggregate working load limit of components used to block an article against forward movement must not be less than one-half the weight of the article


Securement System Strength Rating

• The Working Load Limit (WLL) of a tiedown is the lowest WLL of:– any of its components – the anchor points



Working Load Limits• if marked by manufacturer with numeric limit;

– WLL = limit • if marked by manufacturer in accordance with recognized

standard (eg. code etc); – WLL = number provided by the standard

• if unmarked by manufacturer; assigned default ratings– WLL = lowest grade or classification for the type and size of

the component (Part 6 of standard)



Default WLL Values• Chain• Synthetic Webbing • Wire rope • Manila Rope• Synthetic Cordage• Steel Strapping • Friction Mats *

– A friction mat shall be considered to provide resistance to horizontal movement equal to 50% of the weight of the cargo resting upon the mat.



Strength Rating

• Longer Term ~ the strength and/or load carrying capacity of components of cargo securement system must be known: no default ratings

• Current Proposal ~ provides default values for un-marked equipment– need time to phase in; work with manufacturers and

carriers to develop implementation plan(s)


Direct Tiedowns

• one half of the WLL of each direct tiedown that is connected between the vehicle and the article of cargo

• the WLL of each direct tiedown that is attached to the vehicle, passes through or around and article, or is attached to it, and is again attached to the vehicle

Calculation of aggregate Working Load Limit; the sum of:


Indirect Tiedowns

• Calculation of aggregate Working Load Limit;– sum of WLL of each tiedown

Each indirect tiedown which passes over an article will be considered to be one tiedown.


Tiedown Angles

• Direct Tiedown– maximum 45 degrees

• Indirect Tiedown– minimum 30 degrees


Indirect Tiedown Requirements

Tiedowns with forward blocking:

Tiedowns without forward blocking:


Multiple Tiers - No Protective Wrapping

With lateral restraint

Without lateral restraint


Coil Orientation

Eyes Vertical

Eyes Crosswise

Eyes Lengthwise


Eyes Vertical• Must prevent tipping in all

directions– at least three indirect tiedowns

across top of coil:• one directly across top• two diagonally across

• Must prevent shifting on vehicle– blocking, bracing or direct

tiedown to prevent forward movement


Eyes Crosswise• Must prevent rolling:

– cradle, timbers, chocks or wedges• Restraint:

– at least two direct tiedowns through the eye• one to resist forward movement• one to resist rearward movement


Eyes Lengthwise• Must prevent rolling - cradle, chocks, wedges etc• Must prevent forward movement by blocking, bracing or

friction mats• Three restraining options:

Option 1 - Two direct tiedowns through the eye of the coil, plus one indirect tiedown over the top of the coil


• Requirements for a Heavy VehicleA heavy vehicle with crawler tracks or wheels shall be restrained against moving sideways, forward, rearward and vertically by at least 4 tiedowns, each with a working load limit of at least 2,268 kilograms, and,

Each attached, as close as practical, at the front and rear of the vehicle or to mounting points on the vehicle that are specifically designed for that purpose,

Accessory equipment on a heavy vehicle, including a hydraulic shovel, shall be completely lowered and secured to the vehicle.

National Safety Code, Standard 10www.ccmta.ca


• Welded Steel Chain – Working Load Limit

On and after January 1, 2010, a person shall not use a tiedown or a component of a tiedown to secure cargo to a vehicle unless it is marked by the manufacturer with respect to its working load limit.

National Safety Code, Standard 10www.ccmta.ca


Know the Regulations and Standards

load securement safety compliance quick tips

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