tlia107c - secure cargo - learner guide

TLIA107C

Secure Cargo Learner Guide

Contents

What this Learner’s Guide is about ........................................ 3

Planning your learning ........................................................... 4

How you will be assessed ...................................................... 7

Section 1............................................................................................. 9

Prepare to secure cargo/containers ....................................... 9

Section 2........................................................................................... 48

Loading and unloading cargo............................................... 48

Additional resources....................................................................... 56

Feedback on activities .................................................................... 60

TLIA107C Secure cargo

Page 2 © Australian National Training Authority 2003 ADELG1000 Customised and Developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education P/L April 2009 © ANTA


© Australian National Training Authority 2003 Page 3 Customised and Developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education P/L April 2009 ADELG1000

What this Learner’s Guide is about

This learning guide is about the skills and knowledge required to secure cargo including preparing to secure cargo/containers, lashing and unlashing cargo, protecting cargo from weather and packing and unpacking cargo. It may apply in cargo securing contexts in the stevedoring, transport, distribution and allied industries.

The Elements of Competency from the unit TLIA107C Secure cargo covered in this Learner’s Guide are listed below.

Prepare to secure cargo/containers

Lash and unlash cargo

Protect cargo from the weather

Pack and unpack cargo

This unit of competency is from the Transport and Logistics Training Package (TLI07).



Planning your learning

It is important to plan your learning before you start because you may already have some of the knowledge and skills that are covered in this Learner’s Guide. This might be because:

• you have been working in the industry for some time, and/or

• you have already completed training in this area.

Together with your supervisor or trainer use the checklists on the following pages to help you plan your study program. Your answers to the questions in the checklist will help you work out which sections of this Learner’s Guide you need to complete.

This Learner’s Guide is written with the idea that learning is made more relevant when you, the learner, are actually working in the industry. This means that you will have people within the enterprise who can show you things, discuss how things are done and answer any questions you have. Also you can practise what you learn and see how what you learn is applied in the enterprise.

If you are working through this Learner’s Guide and have not yet found a job in the industry, you will need to talk to your trainer about doing work experience or working and learning in some sort of simulated workplace.



Section 1: Prepare to secure cargo/containers

Are you able to: Yes No

1. prepare and maintain work area according to national standards, safety codes and site operating procedures?

2. report unsafe work practices and/or equipment to appropriate personnel?

3. select and wear appropriate protective clothing, equipment and fittings

4. erect formwork where no lashing points exist?

5. read and interpret lashing plan?

Section 2: Lash and unlash cargo


1. conduct work in accordance with industry standards, statutory requirements, safety codes, site operating conditions and any special requirements of the cargo?

2. identify lashing points and use appropriate lashing equipment for each lashing point?

3. lash and secure cargo to lashing points and ensure the correct spread of lashings and that lashings are secured, attached and tensioned?

4. fasten tensioners securely?

5. release, disconnect and remove fittings from cargo when unlashing?

6. place lashing equipment in designated storage areas or clear from working area?

7. ensure lashing/unlashing operations do not cause injury to personnel or damage to machinery or cargo?eq

8. complete lashing in accordance with lashing plan?



Section 3: Protect cargo from weather


1. safely cover/uncover cargo, ensure appropriate covering and lashing is used and ensure that no injury is caused to personnel or damage to cargo or equipment?

2. conduct work in accordance with requirements of national standards, safety codes and site operating procedures?

Section 4: Pack and unpack cargo


1. identify and report damaged cargo following enterprise procedures?

2. sort and stack cargo prior to packing and unpacking, and ensure the stack is in the correct location, in accordance with national standards, safety codes, and site operating procedures?

3. identify cargo through the interpretation of marks or numbers?

4. maintain tight stow of cargo?

5. handle cargo ensuring no injury to personnel or damage to cargo or equipment?



How you will be assessed

Assessment of this Unit of Competency will include observation of real or simulated work processes using workplace procedures and questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills. It must be demonstrated in an actual or simulated work situation under supervision.

You will be required to demonstrate that you can:

• load and secure cargo safely and in line with the ‘Load Restraint Guide’ including protecting cargo from weather

• report damaged cargo

• pack and unpack cargo safely.



Section 1

Prepare to secure cargo/containers



Section outline

Areas covered in this section

Preparing to secure cargo/containers including:

preparing work area

safe working

balancing loads and load limits

erecting formwork if no lashing points exist

locating and interpreting the lashing plan

Loading and unloading cargo

Lashing loads

Protecting cargo from the weather



How do you prepare yourself and your work area for securing cargo?

What safety issues do you need to consider when securing cargo?

Cargo may be transported many kilometres and during that time, the load can be subject to:

• vibration or rocking back and forth (road or sea)

• heat and cold

• bumping from other objects, equipment, vehicles and when taken over rough roads or ground

• the whole load being tilted (cargo ships can roll a long way in heavy seas, trucks going around corners at speed can tilt a long way)

• attempts to remove items from the cargo through theft

• inspection by customs officers and other authorities.

Each of these factors can have an effect on how secure the cargo is and in combination can lead to improperly secured cargo coming loose.

The most important aspect of the tasks associated with securing cargo is safety. This is usually referred to OHS or Occupational Health and Safety. Later in this Learner’s Guide, information will be given on how to allow for each of these factors outlined above so that loads or cargo are safely secured.

A good way to remember who is affected by safety is to think about:

OWN Health and Safety

OTHERS’ Health and Safety

OCCUPATIONAL Health and Safety



The focus is then on your safety, that of others and making your occupation a safe occupation to work in.

When thinking about safety and tackling any task, it is a good idea to take some time to look at the job and identify any risks that might be involved in the job. This is called risk analysis. Think about:

• What could go wrong?

• How likely is this to happen?

• What are the consequences if this happens?

• What can I do to prevent anything like that happening?

• If I can’t (totally) prevent this happening, what will protect me and others from injury if it does happen?

To take the last point, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used to protect yourself and can include:

• safety boots (you will probably require these to be worn throughout your working day)

• hard hat

• gloves

• hair net

• safety glasses

• breathing apparatus

• face shield

• disposable coveralls.

The PPE required will depend on the cargo being handled and what risks are associated with spillage or leakage of the contents. The cargo should be labelled with HAZCHEM signs if the contents are hazardous. You may be handling material that is hazardous because it is:

• explosive

• flammable

• corrosive

• radio-‐active

• an oxidising agent

• poisonous.

Part of your induction and further training within your workplace should have included Occupational Health and Safety and you should know how to read HAZCHEM signs and what protection you are required to use when handling such materials. You trainer should give



you a copy of the HAZCHEM Safety Card from Worksafe Victoria for review.



If you are unsure, seek advice from your OHS representative, training staff or your fellow team members. The time taken to check what is required is time well spent and may avoid injury, either immediate or long term to yourself. Some chemicals have an effect over time with repeated exposure. The safety of yourself, others and property including the load or cargo itself is assured if cargo is secured according to guidelines which will be explored in this Learner’s Guide.

An essential resource to complement this Learner’s Guide is the ‘Load Restraint Guide’ produced by the National Road Transport Commission (see under resources). This publication provides a guide to securing loads in line with relevant regulations and legislation.

The first activities focus on PPE that you require in your job role and reporting unsafe practices.



Activity 1: Personal protective equipment

Respond to the following questions. Talk to your supervisor, trainer, team members, OHS representative, others in the workplace if you need help answering the questions.

What equipment are you required to wear at all times?

What other equipment would you be required to wear when securing cargo that does not include hazardous material?

What types of hazardous material do you handle in your workplace? Use the table below to list five types of cargo that require HAZCHEM labels or otherwise require other types of PPE or specialised PPE to be used or worn during handling.

Description of cargo Specialised PPE required

There is feedback on this activity at the back of this Learner’s Guide.



Activity 2: Reporting unsafe equipment and practices

Talk to your trainer about reporting of unsafe equipment and practices. While it is easy enough to talk to someone and tell them that equipment is not safe to use, reporting unsafe practices can be very difficult.

You need to be aware of what is the safe or required way of doing things and then practice doing it correctly. Once you feel confident of doing the task yourself, you will get better and quicker at doing that task. Eventually you may get a reputation for doing it well and new team members will ask for your help.

In safety studies, it is recognised that people can become unsafe when they do things without thinking and quickly because they have done it so many times before.

Ask your trainer what you should do to report: • unsafe equipment • unsafe work practices of others.




What vehicle will I use?

It is said that ‘planning is 9/10ths of a job’ or task. This applies across all work areas including when you are securing cargo ready for transportation. This planning will include risk analysis (see above).

Your first piece of planning should be to look at the securing job that you are about to do and to:

• determine the load that will be carried

• determine the type of vehicle that you will use to transport the cargo or load.

The question to now ask is:

For example, if you need to transport logs, you would use a ‘pole-‐type trailer’ that instead of a tray has a pole type structure with cross bars to which the logs are attached. A line drawing of this type of structure viewed from above looks like:

(This type of structure is used for pipes, telegraph poles, girders and other rigid long cargo).

“Does this vehicle suit the load that needs to be transported?”



As a further example, if you had to transport a load of rocks for a landscaping project, you would probably select a tip-truck or vehicle with sides (on the tray) so that the rocks cannot fall off the truck. You should contain the load by putting a cover or net over the rocks in case the road is rough and rocks fly out of the truck when a pothole is encountered.

Would a utility carry the load? Space and weight are the things to consider. Vehicles are labelled with a GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) representing the laden mass (weight of the vehicle and the maximum load allowed) as specified by the manufacturer.

The space occupied by the rocks needs to be considered. For rocks, if the rocks don’t fit into the vehicle’s tray, they are probably also too heavy for that vehicle!!

The load length and width is an important consideration.

For most states/territories, a load on a vehicle must not project more than 1.2 metres in front of the vehicle, or more than 150 millimetres from the outermost part of either side of it. This is shown in the diagram below:

Under the same regulations, the total height of vehicle and load must not exceed 4.3 m. (Always check your own state/territory regulations).

The next activities ask you to look at selection of vehicles for transporting loads and cargo.

Vehicle as seen from above

1.2 metres

1.2 metres

150 millimetres

150 millimetres



Activity 3: Selecting the right vehicle

Consider each of the following loads and the available vehicles. Choose the vehicle you think is most appropriate to carry the load.

Add any additional precautions you would take such as putting a net over the load.

Available vehicles:

6 cylinder station wagon

4 cylinder utility with tray and sides

Flat bed 4 tonne truck with 3 axles

Articulated vehicle with flat bed and 4 axles and a carrying capacity of 15 tonnes.

Load or cargo Vehicle chosen Comments

Fork lift

Shipping container

Refrigerator

Cubic metre of sand

Tiles for a bathroom




Activity 4: GMV of vehicles

Find out the GMV of the vehicles that are used at your workplace (if this is a large number, do this exercise for five different vehicles). Provide examples of types of loads suited for this vehicle. An example has been provided for you. Ask for help from your trainer or supervisor if you cannot easily locate this information.

Vehicle description GMV Examples of types of loads suited for this vehicle

3 tonne twin axle flat bed tray truck

3 tonne Plaster board, building lumber




How do prepare my work areas and the vehicle for loading?

Having selected the type of vehicle appropriate to carry the load, the next consideration is getting the area ready for loading operations. This will involve:

• selecting an area for loading that allows for fork lifts or other equipment used for loading cargo

• clearing the area of obstructions

• removing rubbish that may cause a slip to occur

• avoiding areas of oil spill that may increase the chance of an accident

• installing any formwork or other equipment required for lashing on the truck or trailer.

The first four points relate to a common sense approach to safety. Trying to work in cramped conditions or conditions that might contribute to an accident, is foolish. A few minutes taken to survey the work area are time well spent.

The last point relates to moveable fixtures on trucks or trailers that assist in lashing down the load. For example, if pipes or rolls of paper are being transported, there is a danger that the round (cylindrical objects) can roll off the truck or trailer. Special triangular blocks will be required to be fixed into place. Vehicles used for transporting this type of material may have these permanently attached. Other vehicles may need such an attachment added. These blocks or formwork cannot just be placed on the truck or trailer tray, but must be secured to ensure that they do not come loose when the cargo is being transported. They can be temporary or removable structures.

The diagram below illustrated this point (the view is looking at the rear of the tray):

(NOTE : Lashings not shown for simplicity of drawing)

LOAD (pipe, etc.) Tray of truck

Blocks



Smaller pipes may be ‘cradled’ – a piece of formwork is added to house the pipes as shown below (note that dimensions are exaggerated and that pipes would be closer together with more across width of tray!). The cradle should also be secured so that it will not move around.


Further examples can be found in the ‘Load Restraint Guide’.

The next activity looks at formwork required for loads.

LOAD (pipes) Tray of truck

CRADLE



Activity 5: Formwork

Talk to your supervisor, trainer and other team members involved in loading cargo. Ask them to show you examples of formwork used to secure loads. Use the table below to record your findings. One example has been completed for you as a guide.

Cargo being loaded

Description of formwork used (or draw line drawing below)

Fixed or added?

Cement pipes

Pipe cradle Fixed




How do I load the vehicle?

Having selected the type of vehicle appropriate to carry the load and having prepared the work area, the next consideration is how to place the load so that the load is placed correctly (safely) on the vehicle:

Placing the load considers making sure that:

• steering is not adversely affected

• the load distribution is balanced along the length of the truck

• the load is as close as possible to the centre line of the truck

• centre of mass of the load is as low as possible.

Steering will be affected if when loaded the truck appears to be at an angle to the horizontal and is due to the load not being balanced along the length of the truck:

If the load is not placed along the centre line of the truck, the load could cause problems when cornering, particularly at high speed or on roads that are cambered steeply (view is looking at rear of truck):


Load is too far forward on truck

Load is positioned too far back on truck

FRONT OF TRUCK

Load Tray of truck

Load may tip

over in this direction on badly cambered, rough roads.



Load is better placed as follows:


To keep the centre of gravity of the load as low as possible:

• multiple containers should be spread across the tray of the truck (see 1 below)

• tall containers should be laid over on their side if possible (see 2 below).

1. Loading multiple containers:

2. Loading tall containers or objects

The regulations allow for an absolute maximum height on trucks and trailers of 4.3 to 4.6 metres (depending on state/territory). Another consideration is the height of bridges and structures across roads. The required route may limit the height of a load (including the height of the tray or trailer) unless alternative routes can be found that allow passage of the high load.

Correct method

Incorrect method

Correct method

Incorrect method

Load Tray of truck



The load should be placed so that the centre of gravity is in front of the centre of the rear axle group of the truck or trailer.

Vehicles may be supplied with a load distribution graph that shows the loads allowable over the tray or trailer. To understand these graphs you may need some assistance from your trainer or supervisor.

The point where the greatest weight can be loaded will be just in front of the rear axle(s). Regulations relating to the legal axle limits should be followed. These can be obtained from the following web site that is linked to the web site for the National Road Traffic Commission:

http://scaletext.law.gov.au/html/pastereg/1/617/0/PR000170.htm

A copy of this document is also provided to learners as Handout 1: Legal Axle Limits. An example of calculations of legal axle limits is contained in the ‘Load Restraint Guide’.

While it may seem more logical just to secure the load (for loads that do not completely fill the tray of the truck or trailer) by moving the load up to the headboard, this may result in an unbalanced or unsafe load.

The space between the load and the headboard can be filled with ‘dunnage’ or packing as your aim is to also prevent movement of the load during transit. These sorts of techniques will be detailed further, later in this Learner’s Guide.

The next activity looks at balancing loads and axle load limits.

The centre of gravity is the point where the weight of the load is half way in both the horizontal and vertical axes. For example, for a brick which is solid and uniform it will be the point at which the lines marking the point half way up the brick and the centre point of its face meet: For a load, the centre of gravity may be different as the cargo loaded will not be of uniform consistency like a brick. Loads are marked with ‘centre of gravity’ using an international cargo symbol (see later in Learner’s Guide)

Centre of gravity



Activity 6: Balancing loads

Arrange with your trainer to assist with loading some trucks and trailers. Watch how others load the truck, paying careful attention to how:

• the load distribution is balanced along the length of the truck

• the load is as close as possible to the centre line of the truck

• centre of mass of the load is as low as possible.

Also try to locate the centre of gravity of different cargo being loaded. Summarise what you have learnt in the space below:

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________




Activity 7: Axle load limits

Work with your supervisor and trainer to practice calculating legal axle load limits for vehicles used in your workplace. Practice these calculations for a number of vehicles. The manufacturer makes load distribution graphs available at sale of the vehicle.




How is the load actually distributed over the tray or trailer?

A load that has a dangerous projection should be placed with the projection away from the driver, in case of accident. For example, a low loader carrying a grader would face the grader blade towards the back of the tray or trailer. Similarly, the load shown below has a projection and is placed away from the driver.


Previously a part load was referred to and ‘dunnage’ was recommended to pack out space. Consider the line drawing of the truck below.




The load is placed so the centre of gravity is in front of the rear axles. The tray is level or horizontal indicating that the placement of the load is suited to the truck and its load distribution graph. There is a space left between the headboard behind the driver and the load. This should be BLOCKED or DUNNAGE inserted to fill this space so that forward movement of the load is prevented during braking. The load, after blocking, is shown below.


Gates are also used to help secure a load, especially for curtain sided vehicles. These are especially useful for regular shaped loads such as pallets.

In general for pallets should be stacked on layer high on a trailer unless there is sufficient rigidity and strength, in which case they can be stacked two high. For a full load, pallets can be restrained by the headboard and tie-‐down lashings and gates used. The lashings should be over every separate pallet or row of pallets and lashing added in transverse direction as in the diagram below.

Blocks of hardwood inserted in space behind headboard



SIDE VIEW OF TRAILER

Pallets

Trailer tray

END VIEW OF TRAILER

Pallets

Trailer tray

Further detail is available in the ‘Load restraint Guide’.

NOTE - Lashings shown as dotted line as below:



What is used for actually lashing the load down?

A variety of materials can be used to actually tie down the load. These can include:

• chain

• rope

• webbing

• steel wire

• nets

• twist locks for containers.

These materials are governed by standards that give allowable size, composition, etc. You should talk to your trainer or supervisor for more advice on these materials and their use. Fasteners are used with these materials and can include:

• load binders (also known as a ‘dog’) or turn-‐buckles (for chain)

• hand (or motorised) ratchet tensioning devices or winches (for webbing)

• shackles (for connecting chains to the trailer deck at special anchor points)

• slings ( rope, webbing or steel-‐wire rope with eyes formed at either end).

Where lashings are taken over the load, protectors are often used to prevent the rope or webbing from fraying and to prevent damage to the load.

The trailer of the truck may have anchor points constructed to take fasteners or use a tie rail to tie the end of the rope. Lashings should be tied close to the tie rail supports rather than the unsupported section of the rail (see also in ‘Load restraint Guide’).

Having followed the information in this Learner’s Guide and the ‘Load Restraint Guide’ together with advice and support from team members in your workplace, you can load trucks or trailers safely and according to regulations. The information given above is a starting point. More detailed information is available in the references given and these should be used and the techniques practised. The next activity applies these principles to loading trucks.



Activity 8: Distributing loads

Arrange with your trainer to assist with loading some trucks and trailers. Watch how others load the truck, paying careful attention to how:

• loads having projections are faced away from the driver

• dunnage or blocking is used where space is left between the headboard and the load

• GMV of vehicle is appropriate for load and any required formwork is erected.

Summarise what you have learnt in the space below:

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________



Also ask your trainer or supervisor to help you name the devices used to restrain loads and to help you with any requirements related to these such as size, breaking strain, allowable materials, etc. Record what you have learnt in the table below:

Item Use of item Requirements for item




How is the load actually tied down and how much lashing is required?

Lashing plans provide a guide to how particular sorts of loads are restrained. Your company might produce these plans or you may use plans produced by State/Territory authorities such as the VicRoads materials in the reference section. The ‘Load Restraint Guide’ also provides valuable information about how to secure particular loads.

The plan is based on eliminating or minimising the chance of the load:

• moving forward into the driver’s cabin

• falling off the sides, back of the truck or trailer

• flying off as truck goes over rough surfaces or goes over a pot hole

• overturning and dislodging load.

Advice on how much restraint to use may be provided within the lashing plan. Where advice is not available, the following principles should be applied.

The restraining forces to be used should be:

Direction of movement

Situation where restraint is required

Restraining force required

Example for 5 tonne load

FORWARD (towards driver)

Braking in forward direction

80% of weight of load

5 x .8 = 4 tonnes

BACWARDS (away from driver)

Braking in reverse direction


5 x .5 = 2.5 tonnes

SIDEWAYS During cornering


5 x .5 = 2.5 tonnes

VERTICALLY (load flying off)

Over rough surfaces)


5 x .2 = 1 tonne

These possible movements are shown in the diagram below:



The forces on the load are as follows:

The load can be restrained by friction alone. This is referred to an INDIRECT RESTRAINT.

Friction combined with tie down lashings may be enough to secure the load.

DIRECT RESTRAINT can be provided by:

• Containing the load (e.g. cargo carried within the tray of a tip truck).

• Blocking the load (e.g. using the headboard, gates to stop movement in one or more direction with the addition of blocks or dunnage).

• Attaching the load to the vehicle (e.g. using twist locks, direct lashing).

Friction is the force between two surfaces. The higher the friction, the less likely they are to slip. Rougher surfaces have more friction that smooth surfaces. Dry surfaces have more friction than wet surfaces. Oily or greasy surfaces have low friction. A measurement called the coefficient of friction is given for particular surfaces. The lower the number, the more ‘slippery’ the surface. The range is from 0 to 1.

“It seems that banana skins have a low coefficient of friction!”



Tie down lashings are lashings that secure the load by applying force to increase the friction. A comparison can be made to sitting outside and reading the paper and putting an object on the bit of the paper you are not reading so that the wind does not blow it away.

A number of factors affect the amount of lashing required. These include:

• friction between the surface of load and tray -‐ note that special mats can be inserted between the load and the tray of the truck or trailer to increase friction.

• lashing materials chosen -‐ these are rated by the manufacturer with a figure given.

• angle of lashing – lashing should be at 30 degrees or more to the horizontal (see below); dunnage or hardwood blocks can be used to lift the load to change the angle as required.

DUNNAGE ADDED TO INCREASE TIE DOWN ANGLE:

(Lashings shown as double line)

(Lashing shown as double line)

The ‘Load Restraint Guide’ provides tables of recommended numbers of lashings for various weights of loads. This guide should be used and the application of the information practised for various loads, as in the next activity.

Tray of truck

These angles should be greater than 30 degrees.

Tray of truck

Dunnage added to increase angle as required.



Note that tie down lashings should be as near to vertical as possible.



Activity 9: Lashing plans

Ask your supervisor or trainer to supply you with lashing plans for loads typical of what you will be securing at your workplace. Read through the lashing plan and ask questions if you have any areas of the plan that you cannot understand.

Summarise the main features of the plan in the space below.

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________




Activity 10: Calculating lashing required

Using the ‘Load Restraint Guide’, practice calculating lashing required for loads. Complete the following table (the first example has been done for you):

Load and co-efficient of friction

Angel of lashing

Rating of lashing used

No of lashings required

20 tonnes

0.4

60 to 90 degrees

2 tonne 6

3 tonnes

0.4

60 to 90 degrees

3 tonne

17 tonnes

0.4

30 to 60 degrees

2 tonne

9 tonnes

0.2

30 to 60 degrees with front of load blocked

2 tonne

2 tonnes

0.4

60 to 90 degrees

0.3 tonne




What materials and equipment are used for lashing?

A variety of equipment and materials are used for lashing.

The uninformed probably think first of natural fibre rope but these should not be used, as they are not strong enough. Synthetic ropes should be used only for light loads to 0.5 tonne for 12mm rope.

Recommend knots are illustrated in the ‘Load Restraint Guide’. These should be practiced so that they are ‘second-‐nature’.

Other restraints include:

• webbing assemblies comprising webbing made of woven synthetic material, end fittings and winches with either attached or portable tensioners. Tensioners can be mechanical or hand operated.

• chains with hooks and lever-‐type load tensioners (commonly called ‘dogs’) or turnbuckle tensioners

• other devices such as twist locks for locking down containers.

The ‘Load Restraint Guide’ provides illustrations of these types of lashings.



Equipment used for lashing should be checked before use for serviceability. The actual load should be protected from damage from lashing materials by the use of corner protectors, sleeves or other packaging material.

Lashing material and equipment is the focus of the next activity.



Activity 11: Lashing material and equipment

Talk to your supervisor, trainer and team members about lashing materials and equipment. Make a list of what is available and how it is used in the table below. An example is provided for you as a guide.

Equipment or material

Use Comments

12 mm synthetic rope Light loads Up to 0.5 tonne




Activity 11: Securing loads

Practice securing loads including using knots for ropes. Get feedback from your supervisor, trainer and other team members to assist you to ‘get it right’. Space is provided for notes you make while practicing securing loads (handy hints, dos and don’ts, etc)




How is cargo protected from the weather?

Curtain sided vehicles are protected from the weather without requiring tarpaulins, etc.

Other trucks and trailers that are not enclosed or curtain sided will require covering with a tarpaulin. Where rectangular tarpaulins are used, an overlap may be required. In this case, the join or overlap should be facing the rear of the truck or trailer so that the wind cannot get under the material or rain be driven in. The illustration below shows this:

Ensure that the tarpaulin is secured tightly and will not flap open or let in water.

Similarly, when cargo is unloaded, it should be protected from the weather. A tarpaulin can be used for storing cargo outside. In this case, pallets or other material should be used to raise the cargo off the ground where water might get in and cause damage.

Tarpaulins should be dried before being folded and put away. When folding, check for tears and general condition. Specialist repairers are available for re-‐waterproofing and repairs. Storage may be in a special locker provided within the workplace or on the truck in a convenient location away from water, battery acid, oil, fuel and other materials that will damage or soil the tarpaulin.

When installing tarpaulins, ensure that lights, number plate, reflectors, etc are not covered up.

Safety should be considered in removing the covers on cargo. If stretchable fastenings are used to secure the tarpaulin, care should be taken when releasing the tension applied. The next activity practices these techniques.

Leading or front edge of tarpaulin 2 tucked under tarpaulin 1.

TARPAULIN 1

TARPAULIN 2

Direction of air flow



Activity 13: Care for tarpaulins

Ask to be shown how to fold tarpaulins and practise folding them yourself. The job is usually performed alone, so you need practice to be able to do this.

Check the condition of any tarpaulins you fold.

Find out where your company sends tarpaulins for repair and re-waterproofing. Record this in a handy place (diary, etc).




Section 2

Loading and unloading cargo



Section outline

Areas covered in this section

Loading and unloading cargo including:

safe working

reporting damaged goods

working to plan



How do you pack and unpack cargo safely and according to plan?

What are the safety requirements of loading and unloading?

The section provided earlier on safe working applies also to packing and unpacking of cargo.

The chance of coming into contact with the contents of the cargo is higher than when the cargo is packaged and loaded into containers. The identification of hazardous and dangerous goods within the load is of extreme importance. Again, if you are unsure of the contents of the cargo and whether you need specialised PPE, ask!

A number of international symbols provide further advice about how to handle cargo – when either packing or unpacking it.

These symbols are shown below:

The weight given indicates maximum weight that can be stacked on top of this container



These symbols are between 100 mm and 200 mm high and are black in colour. A combination of symbols may be on the cargo, together with HAZCHEM signs. The symbols are normally placed in the upper left and right-‐hand corners of the main vertical face of the load and, if possible, repeated on the other vertical faces.

‘Sling here’ and ‘Keep away from heat’ are usually placed on the lower vertical face.

Practice your techniques in this area by completing the next activity.



Activity 14: Safe working

Talk to your supervisor, trainer, team members and OHS representatives at your workplace. Discuss the types of cargo that you handle and any potential hazards that you will meet in packing and unpacking cargo. These could include hazards due to exposure to the contents of the cargo or the actual job of packing and unpacking cargo. Use the table below to record the hazards most frequently identified and how you would avoid or prevent these hazards. One example has been done for you as a guide.

Potential hazard How you would avoid or prevent

Pedestrian accidentally being hit by forklift

Keep to designated walkways and keep eyes open!




Activity 15: International cargo symbols

Take a tour around the cargo area of your workplace and make a list of the international cargo symbols you come across. Make a sketch drawing of each of these. Ask for assistance if you cannot understand any of these symbols.

Fragile – handle with care

Use no hooks

Sling here

This way up

Keep away from heat

Keep dry

Heavy weight this end

… kgs max

Centre of mass




What do I do if I find damaged goods?

When checking cargo, it should checked to see that quantities match that listed on the consignment note, packaging slip or the documentation that comes with the cargo. At the same time, the cargo should be checked for:

• damage that means item cannot be used

• fitness to use (spoiled, soiled, dinted, cracked, etc.)

• use by date (freshness, viability, etc.)

• correct match to description (items may be of the correct number but wrong size, colour, etc.).

Where any variations or problems are identified, check workplace procedures that apply to this situation. You may be required to:

• fill out a report of damaged goods

• arrange for replacement, a credit, disposal and credit if externally supplied

• repair and charging to supplier if externally supplied

• return to supplier if externally supplied.

The next activity focuses on reporting damaged goods.



Activity 14: Damage reports

Talk to your trainer or other team members involved in handling cargo. Find out what you are supposed to do with damaged cargo or cargo that is no longer fit for its intended purpose. Summarise what you have learnt in the space below.

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________




Additional resources



Web sites:

• National Road Transport Commission www.ntc.gov.au

• Australian Transport Safety Board http://www.atsb.gov.au

• Road Transport Authority (NSW) www.rta.nsw.gov.au

• VicRoads (Vic) www.vicroads.vic.gov.au

• Transport SA http://www.transport.sa.gov.au

• Queensland Department of Main Roads http://www.mainroads.qld.gov.au

• Main Roads WA http://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au

• Transport Tasmania http://www.transport.tas.gov.au

• Northern Territory Transport and Infrastructure http://www.nt.gov.au/ipe/dtw

• Department of Transport & Regional Services www.dotars.gov.au

• Attorney General’s Department (relevant legislation) http://scaletext.law.gov.au/html/pastereg/1/617/0/PR000170.htm

Organisations:

• National Road Transport Commission Level 15, 628 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3000 Telephone: 03 9236 5000 Facsimile: 03 9642 8922



Paper-‐based resources:

• Load Restraint Guide, National Transport Commission, Commonwealth of Australia, 2004

• Publications from state/territory road transport authorities – for example, VicRoads has a number of publications on specialised load restraint situations such as:

• A Guide to Restraining Steel, VicRoads, December 1988 (booklet)

• 45 Tonne Truck & 3 Axle Dog Trailer, VicRoads, December 1988 (Information Bulletin)

• 3 Axle and 4 Axle Dog Trailer, VicRoads, January 1997 (Information Bulletin)

• Other guides include:

Carrying Steel

Carrying Rolls and Reels

Carrying Concrete Panels

Carrying Concrete Pipes

Carrying Bales

Carrying Loads on Light Vehicles



Feedback on activities

The responses provided in this section are suggested responses. Because every workplace is different, your responses may vary according to your specific workplace procedures, the equipment available and the nature of the business.



Activity 1: Personal protective equipment

Ask your trainer and supervisor to give you feedback on your responses.

You will probably have to wear safety boots at all times, eyewear and earwear. At other times you may be handling materials that require gloves, face masks, respirators and other specialised PPE. MSDS (Materials Safety Data Sheets) provide information on handling of hazardous materials. The types of materials your workplace handles is unlimited and responses will vary across workplaces.

Activity 2: Reporting unsafe equipment and practices

Procedures will vary across workplaces.

Activity 3: Selecting the right vehicle

Suggested responses are:

Load or cargo

Vehicle chosen Comments

Fork lift Flat bed 4 tonne truck with 3 axles

Lashing should be via tie down lashings rated according to weight of forklift. Loading of forklift will be via ramp or platform using own forklift’s power.

Shipping container

Articulated vehicle with flat bed and 4 axles and a carrying capacity of 15 tonnes

Tray may have twist locks or require lashing of high rating.

Refrigerator 4 cylinder utility with tray and sides

Tie down restraints will be required. Dunnage may be required to fill space around refrigerator for lashing down.

Cubic metre of sand

4 cylinder utility with tray and sides

Cover is advised over load to prevent spillage

Tiles for a bathroom

6 cylinder station wagon

Ensure that load does not move around. Tiles are fragile.

Activity 5: Formwork



Required formwork will vary across workplaces depending on vehicles and loads.

Activity 6: Balancing loads

Ask for feedback on how you balance loads from your trainer, supervisor or other team members.

Activity 7: Axle load limits

Your calculations should show that the maximum load can be placed just forward of rear axles.

Activity 9: Lashing plans

Lashing plans provide an easy to read guide to how to secure different types of loads. Information will include load distribution, lashing points, precautions and advice.

Activity 10: Calculating lashing required

Suggested answers are:

Load and co-efficient of friction

Angel of lashing Rating of lashing used

No of lashings required

3 tonnes

0.4

60 to 90 degrees 3 tonne 1

17 tonnes

0.4

30 to 60 degrees 2 tonne Must use alternative load restraint methods

9 tonnes

0.2

30 to 60 degrees with front of load blocked

2 tonne 7



2 tonnes

0.4

60 to 90 degrees 0.3 tonne 4

Activity 11: Lashing material and equipment

The ‘Load restraint Guide’ provides useful information to help you check your responses.

Activity 15: International cargo symbols

The ‘Load restraint Guide’ has a list of these symbols.

tlia107c - secure cargo - learner guide

Documents

unpacking cargo

stack cargo

unlashing cargo

coveruncover cargo

damaged cargo

tlia107c secure cargo

unit tlia107c secure

learners guide