4.3 – Choosing the right method – Direct Restraint – Blocking and Containing

If loads are not tied down to resist the 20 percent of the weight in the vertical direction , friction cannot be relied on restrain the load because it may move within the body or other structure even if the load is sitting on a high friction mat.

Similarly, coaming rails and other low structures cannot be relied on as the load could jump over the coaming rail if the vehicle travels over bumps, such as undulations or speed humps.

In these situations it is important to restrain the loads within the vehicle ( by choosing an appropriate vehicle type like a container, Van, Curtain Sider or Tipper)

If you are using containment or blocking strategies you need to:

• Ensure that vehicle body structures such as headboards, loading racks, barriers, curtain sides, side gates and drop sides
  • Have adequate capacity to restrain the load or are reinforced with suitable lashings
  • Are high enough to fully restrain the load including a mezzanine floor if present
• Ensure movement within the body does not impact on the stability of the vehicle by ensuring:
  • There are no gaps in the load which will allow movement of the load or

• The load is prevented from moving by the use of dunnage empty pallets etc.

• Where it is not possible to tightly pack the load keep the total of all gaps in the load to less than 200mmfront to back or 100 mm side to side or use extra restraints such as lashings to restrain movement

Read pages 30-33 and 81-92 of the LRG for additional advice on managing contained loads.