3.6 – Understanding Load Restraint Equipment – Dunnage, Rubber Mats, Interlayer packing, and Tyres
Dunnage is packing that is placed under and between parts of the load and is generally made from timber.
Dunnage is used to:
- Elevate a load to increase the lashing angle
- Increase the stability of the load
- Separate parts of the load
- Increase friction between the load and the deck or between parts of the load
- Allow for easier loading and unloading
Click on the following video where timber dunnage is being used to both increase friction between two steel surface and facilitate the process of loading (allows the use of a forklift)
concatonate wood and wheel videos and add them to Vimeo
Dunnage is typically rectangular but may come in other shapes to assist in stabilising a load (see illustration showing scalloped dunnage).
Scalloped dunage
If multiple layers of dunage are required stack alternatively
If the dunage is not strong enough for the span, use additional supports
If dunnage is placed between layers the dunnage and the lashings should be aligned to prevent the vehicle or load flexing and the dunnage working loose
Dunage aligned with lashing position
Dunage and webbing not allowed
More information on dunnage is available on pages 192-194 of the LRG
Rubber Load Mats
Rubber load mats are mats placed under a load to increase the coefficient of friction between the load and the truck surface.
Interlayer Packing
Interlayer packing is material that sits between layers in a load and can include cardboard, carpet, anti slip mats, rubber mats and timber dunnage. Interlayer packing may be used to increase friction between the layers in a load and/or to stabilise a load.
Rubber tyres can be used like dunnage to separate parts of a load or placed under a load to increase friction.
In addition air bags (called inflatable dunnage or Pneumatic load control systems can be used to separate parts of loads) These systems need to be appropriate for the particular use and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
If any of these approaches are used it is important that it is fit for purpose and in good condition. Page 62,64,67 and pages 190 to 196 of the LRG provide more detailed advice on the use of these types of equipment.
