Illustration 1 shows a driver securing his load of heavy coils of aluminum.
On Guard
U.S. Department of Transportation
Steel and Aluminum Coil Load Securement
On August 5, 1991, two aluminum coils fell off a U.S. - based carrier's trailer near Gananoque, Ontario, killing four members of a fmily in a passenger car, all U.S. residents. One of the deceased had just retruned from service in Operation Desert Storm.
On October 5, 1992, several 7,000-pound steel coils fell off a carrier's trailer on I-190 near Buffalo, New York, striking several cars and killing four occupants.
On May 18, 1993, a 20-ton coil of steel fell off a carrier's tariler on I-290 near Buffalo injuring the driver. Luckily, no one was killed and the injuries were minor.
Between those dates, several other incidents of lesser severity occurred in Western New York in which steel or aluminum coils fell off vehicles. In all Instances, improper load securement was a factor.
To determine the extent of the load securement problem, the New York Department of Transportation implemented a commercial vehicle roadside inspection policy in February 1993 in the Western New York area, devoting 1 day each week to load securement. Apporximately 50 percent of the vehicles checked were placed out of service for load securement problems.
Investigation of the past incidents and the recent inspections in New Youk indictate that load securement is a major problem and that it is not limited to New York-base carriers. The problem appears to be of national and international scope.
The FHWA is advising motor carriers to pay particular attention to their load securement policies and practices. Specific attention should be paid to the number of tie-down assemblies, the condition and strength of the tie-downs and anchors, and any blocking or bracing that may be necessary. Webbing, chains, cables and tie-down anchors must be inspected for wear and damage, and the blocking and bracing must be inspected for adequacy before any load is transported.
Sections 393.100 throught 393.106 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations specify the load securement requirements applicable to interstate carrier's, and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA)/FHWA "out-of-service" criteria identify defects which will cause a carrier to be placed out of service. Carriers should acquaint themselves with both.
The CVSA has also developed "Cargo Securement Tie-Down Guidelines" and other related training materials.
Illustration 1 shows a driver
securing his load of heavy coils of aluminum.