Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/622612
I DA U N I V E R S A L J a n u a r y - Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 6 46 M oving heavy equip- ment safely is no small task. We've all seen or read stories when things did not go according to plan — with disastrous results. Keeping the hauled equipment in place mitigates the risk during accidents, sudden stops, and high speed turning maneuvers. During roadside inspec- tions in 2015, there have been in excess of 40,000 violations regarding load securement. Inspectors have a host of descriptions that they can attach to these violations. (See chart below.) Hauling Heavy Equipment? Use this Best Practices Checklist to Ensure Your Load is Secure To compound the problem, nearly 80% of the time the vehicle was placed out of service during the roadside inspection, impeding revenue and the productivity fl ow. ere are best practices to assist in the reduction of violations and to mitigate risk. But if in doubt, check the regulations found in §393.120, or the Canadian securement standards. BEST PRACTICES Before loading • Verify that the transport vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating and/or gross combina- tion weight rating will not be exceeded. • Determine if permits for oversize or overwidth move- ments will be required. • Are there any loading guide- lines that need to be followed for the equipment, such as the use of locking pins, brakes, a particular transmission gear, outriggers, or deck wideners? • Determine where the equip- ment will be placed on the transport vehicle to balance the weight distribution and to secure the equipment properly. • Inspect the equipment's securement points for wear and damage. • If there will be low friction between the equipment and the transport vehicle (such as metal crawler tracks on a metal deck), determine if fric- tion devices are necessary. • If the equipment to be hauled has rubber tires, verify the tire pressure. Low pressure may result in the loosening of the tiedowns. • Remove any excessive ag- gregate, dirt, debris, or other substances that may fall or reduce friction during transit.