DTT HGV Load Security 2

Question 1

How should you load a curtain-sided vehicle to ensure safety?

Accepted Answer

Load against the headboard, use lashing straps and/or load bars, and never rely on the curtain alone for load restraint

Answer

The curtain sides are strong enough to hold any load

Answer

Stack everything against the curtain sides

Answer

Loading order does not matter for curtain-siders

Question 2

What is the correct method for securing a palletised load?

Accepted Answer

Ensure pallets are in good condition, stretch-wrapped, stacked correctly, and secured with lashing straps over the top and/or blocked against headboard and walls

Answer

Place pallets loosely on the vehicle floor

Answer

Only wrap the pallets — no additional securing is needed

Answer

Stack pallets as high as possible for efficiency

Question 3

What is the Lashing Capacity (LC) marking on a lashing strap?

Accepted Answer

The maximum force the strap can safely apply in a straight pull, marked on the strap's label

Answer

The length of the strap in centimetres

Answer

The weight of the strap itself

Answer

The number of times the strap can be used

Question 4

When transporting steel coils on a flatbed truck, what special securing measures are required?

Accepted Answer

Use dedicated cradles or wedges to prevent rolling, combined with chain lashings rated for the load weight and direct securing methods

Answer

Regular straps are sufficient for steel coils

Answer

Steel coils are heavy enough that they don't need securing

Answer

Place them loose on the deck and drive slowly

Question 5

What checks should be made on load securing equipment before use?

Accepted Answer

Check straps for cuts, fraying, or damage; check ratchets operate correctly; check hooks are not bent or cracked; and ensure all equipment is within its service date

Answer

No checks are necessary if the equipment looks new

Answer

Only check the ratchet mechanism

Answer

Equipment only needs checking once a year

Question 6

What is the difference between 'direct securing' and 'friction securing' (tie-down)?

Accepted Answer

Direct securing attaches the load directly to the vehicle anchor points to prevent movement; friction securing presses the load down to increase friction with the floor

Answer

They are the same thing

Answer

Direct securing uses gravity only; friction securing uses straps

Answer

Direct securing is for light loads; friction securing is for heavy loads