GovWire

A load securing system is the method you use to secure the load.

Depending on the type of load and vehicle, the load securing system can consist of:

• the structure of the vehicle or trailer
• physical barriers to movement such as coil wells, internal bulkheads, stanchions, pins and chocks
• lashings
• friction matting, a high-friction floor or surface

Choosing a load securing system

There is no single solution that will work for every load and vehicle combination. Drivers and vehicle operators should choose the most suitable securing system for their load and vehicle.

Its important to think about how the load securing system will work in practice and whether there are other risks like working at height.

Operators and consignors can make sure that the securing system is working effectively by:

• assessing the risks
• monitoring and evaluating different securing solutions

British (BS EN) Standards

You can use load securing technical standards published by the British Standards Institution (BSI) to help you decide on a load securing system.

The standards are not legal requirements under road traffic law, but they are used as recognised reference standards. This means:

• you can use them as a reference when deciding on a suitable securing system
• regulators will refer to them when deciding whether a load securing system is suitable

If you choose to buy equipment constructed to a BS EN standard, you can be sure of how strong it is and whether its suitable for its intended purpose.

You can buy copies of the British Standards from the British Standards Institution. The most important British Standards for load securing purposes are:

The load securing system you use must be able to withstand forces equivalent to:

• the entire weight of the load in the forward direction
• half the weight of the load to the sides
• half the weight of the load to the rear

This is the minimum requirement for normal driving on the road. It applies to all vehicles and all loads regardless of size or weight.

A load secured to this standard should be able to withstand foreseeable emergency manoeuvres like:

• an emergency stop
• swerving to avoid an obstruction on the road

Additional load security

There may be circumstances where extra load security is needed.

If the journey is partly by sea, you may need to use additional securing methods to comply with maritime regulations.

Weather can affect the security of your load. You should think about using additional securing in:

• snow or ice
• wet weather
• strong winds