CPC Load Security 2

Question 1

What is 'blocking and bracing' in load security?

Accepted Answer

Using physical barriers and wedges to prevent the load from moving within the vehicle

Answer

Blocking and bracing uses physical items (timber, inflatable dunnage bags, chocks) to fill gaps between the load and the vehicle structure, preventing movement. It works alongside lashing to provide comprehensive load security.

Question 2

How should a load of steel coils be positioned on a flatbed trailer?

Accepted Answer

With the axis of the coil in the direction of travel, using coil wells or chocks, and secured with appropriate chains or straps

Answer

Steel coils should be positioned with their axis in the direction of travel (eye-to-the-sky or eye-to-the-front), placed in coil wells or on chocks to prevent rolling, and secured with rated chains or straps. Incorrect loading of coils has caused fatal incidents.

Question 3

What should a driver do if they notice the load has shifted during a journey?

Accepted Answer

Stop safely as soon as possible, check and re-secure the load before continuing

Answer

If a load shifts during transit, the driver must stop as soon as it is safe to do so. They must check the load, re-secure it properly, and only continue once satisfied the load is safe. Continuing with an insecure load is both dangerous and illegal.

Question 4

What is the purpose of dunnage bags (air bags) in load security?

Accepted Answer

To fill voids between items in the load to prevent movement

Answer

Dunnage bags (inflatable air bags) are placed in voids between items in a load to prevent lateral and longitudinal movement. They expand to fill gaps and provide bracing. They are commonly used in containerised and palletised loads.

Question 5

When loading palletised goods, what should the driver check?

Accepted Answer

That pallets are in good condition, loads are properly stacked and wrapped, and the total weight is within limits

Answer

The driver should check that pallets are undamaged and structurally sound, goods are properly stacked (not overhanging), shrink wrap is intact and adequate, the load plan distributes weight correctly, and the total weight including pallets is within legal limits.

UK Driver CPC Practice Test

UK Driver CPC Practice Test

CPC Load Security 2