DTT HGV Load Security — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under EU load securing standards (EN 12195), what force must the load securing system withstand in the forward direction?
- 80% of the cargo weight (Correct answer)
- 50% of the cargo weight
- 100% of the cargo weight
- 30% of the cargo weight
Correct answer: 80% of the cargo weight
EN 12195 requires that load securing must be able to withstand a force of 0.8g (80% of cargo weight) in the forward direction, 0.5g (50%) to the sides, and 0.5g (50%) to the rear. This accounts for forces during braking, turning, and acceleration.
Question 2: What is 'friction securing' in load security?
- Using the friction between the load and the vehicle floor to prevent movement, supplemented by tie-down lashings to increase the friction force (Correct answer)
- Using glue to secure the load to the floor
- Securing loads using a net only
- Placing heavy items on top of lighter items
Correct answer: Using the friction between the load and the vehicle floor to prevent movement, supplemented by tie-down lashings to increase the friction force
Friction securing relies on the friction between the load and the loading surface. Tie-down lashings increase the vertical force on the load, which increases friction. Anti-slip mats significantly increase the friction coefficient and reduce the number of lashings needed.
Question 3: What is the primary responsibility of the driver regarding load security?
- To check that the load is properly secured before departure and at regular intervals during the journey (Correct answer)
- Load security is entirely the responsibility of the loader
- The driver only checks the load at the destination
- Load security is only the vehicle owner's responsibility
Correct answer: To check that the load is properly secured before departure and at regular intervals during the journey
While the loader has initial responsibility, the driver is legally responsible for ensuring the load is secure before departure and must check the load at appropriate intervals during the journey. The driver must refuse to drive if they believe the load is unsafe.
Question 4: What is an 'anti-slip mat' and how does it improve load security?
- A rubber or friction-enhancing mat placed between the load and the vehicle floor that increases the friction coefficient, reducing the number of lashings needed (Correct answer)
- A mat that prevents the driver from slipping when climbing in and out
- A mat placed under the vehicle wheels to prevent skidding
- An absorbent mat for spillage prevention
Correct answer: A rubber or friction-enhancing mat placed between the load and the vehicle floor that increases the friction coefficient, reducing the number of lashings needed
Anti-slip mats (friction mats) increase the coefficient of friction between the load and the floor from around 0.2-0.3 (wood on steel) to 0.5-0.6 or higher. This significantly reduces the number of tie-down lashings required and improves overall load stability.
Question 5: What should you do if you notice the load shifting during a journey?
- Stop as soon as it is safe to do so, re-secure the load, and do not continue until the load is properly secured (Correct answer)
- Continue to the destination and fix it there
- Speed up to reach the destination faster
- Ignore it if it seems minor
Correct answer: Stop as soon as it is safe to do so, re-secure the load, and do not continue until the load is properly secured
A shifting load is extremely dangerous — it can cause the vehicle to become unstable, overturn, or shed its load onto the road. Stop safely as soon as possible, assess and re-secure the load. Never continue driving with an insecure load.
Question 6: What is 'blocking' as a load securing method?
- Using physical barriers such as headboards, sidewalls, stanchions, or chocks to prevent the load from moving (Correct answer)
- Blocking the road while loading
- Stacking cargo as tightly as possible
- Using only straps without any physical barriers
Correct answer: Using physical barriers such as headboards, sidewalls, stanchions, or chocks to prevent the load from moving
Blocking uses physical barriers or stops to prevent load movement. This includes the vehicle's headboard (preventing forward movement), sidewalls, stanchions, and individual chocks or wedges. Blocking is often combined with lashing for complete security.
DTT HGV Load Security
Under EU load securing standards (EN 12195), what force must the load securing system withstand in the forward direction?