CPC Cargo & Passenger Safety 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations, who is responsible for ensuring a load is secure on an HGV?
- The loading team only
- Both the driver and the operator share responsibility for ensuring loads are properly secured before and during a journey (Correct answer)
- Only the operator — the driver has no responsibility
- Only the customer who arranged loading
Correct answer: Both the driver and the operator share responsibility for ensuring loads are properly secured before and during a journey
Both the driver (who must check before driving and at intervals) and the operator (who must provide equipment and training) share legal responsibility under the Construction and Use Regulations.
Question 2: What is the minimum number of lashing points required per 1,000 kg of cargo weight under the CTU Code guidelines?
- One per 1,000 kg
- As specified by the packing plan — typically at least one per 1,500-2,000 kg unless the CTU Code provides otherwise (Correct answer)
- Two per axle
- No minimum — common sense applies
Correct answer: As specified by the packing plan — typically at least one per 1,500-2,000 kg unless the CTU Code provides otherwise
The CTU Code (Cargo Transport Unit Code) and EN standards specify lashing calculations based on the forces in each direction; industry guidance typically requires lashings proportional to the load weight and geometry.
Question 3: What must accompany the transport of dangerous goods (ADR) on UK roads?
- A verbal declaration to the driver only
- A Transport Emergency Card (TREM card) or written instructions, the driver's ADR certificate and vehicle/load marking (Correct answer)
- Only the consignment note without specific placarding
- An Environment Agency permit only
Correct answer: A Transport Emergency Card (TREM card) or written instructions, the driver's ADR certificate and vehicle/load marking
ADR-classified goods require: written instructions (TREM card), appropriate vehicle and package hazard labels/placards, ADR-certificated driver, and the consignment documentation specifying the UN number and hazard class.
Question 4: If a load shifts during transit causing the vehicle to become unstable, the driver should:
- Continue at reduced speed to the destination
- Stop safely as soon as possible, secure the load or arrange assistance before resuming (Correct answer)
- Speed up to complete the journey before full instability develops
- Only stop if another driver signals the problem
Correct answer: Stop safely as soon as possible, secure the load or arrange assistance before resuming
A shifted load changes the vehicle's centre of gravity and handling characteristics; continuing to drive is dangerous and the driver must stop, assess the situation and secure the load before proceeding.
Question 5: What is the purpose of load restraint systems such as ratchet straps and chains?
- To prevent weather damage to the cargo
- To prevent movement of cargo during transport by containing the forces generated by acceleration, braking and cornering (Correct answer)
- To reduce vehicle weight by distributing load to wheels evenly
- To meet customs documentation requirements
Correct answer: To prevent movement of cargo during transport by containing the forces generated by acceleration, braking and cornering
Restraint systems must withstand the forces generated by emergency braking, cornering and road vibration; properly rated and applied straps contain cargo movement that could otherwise damage the load or cause instability.
Question 6: What does the term 'centre of gravity' mean when applied to HGV loading?
- The geographic centre of the cargo by distance
- The point at which the weight of the vehicle and load is balanced — high centre of gravity increases rollover risk (Correct answer)
- The point at which the load is most valuable
- The axle that bears the greatest weight
Correct answer: The point at which the weight of the vehicle and load is balanced — high centre of gravity increases rollover risk
A high centre of gravity (e.g. stacking heavy loads high) reduces lateral stability and significantly increases rollover risk when cornering or on cambers; loading heavy items low and central is best practice.
CPC Cargo & Passenger Safety 1
Under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations, who is responsible for ensuring a load is secure on an HGV?