LGV Load Securing & Weight Limits 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'lashing' in the context of load securing?
- Using straps, chains, or ropes to tie cargo to the vehicle structure (Correct answer)
- Covering the load with a tarpaulin
- Stacking cargo in a specific pattern
- Using wooden blocking to prevent movement
Correct answer: Using straps, chains, or ropes to tie cargo to the vehicle structure
Lashing refers to using straps, chains, ropes, or nets to tie cargo directly to the vehicle structure. The lashings work either by direct attachment (top-over lashing) or by using the friction of the strap across the cargo.
Question 2: What is the difference between 'top-over lashing' and 'direct lashing'?
- Top-over passes over the cargo to increase downward force; direct attaches the cargo directly to anchor points (Correct answer)
- Top-over is stronger than direct lashing
- Direct lashing is only for steel cargo
- They are interchangeable terms
Correct answer: Top-over passes over the cargo to increase downward force; direct attaches the cargo directly to anchor points
Top-over lashing passes straps over the top of the cargo to increase normal force and thus friction, preventing sliding. Direct lashing attaches the cargo directly to the vehicle via anchor points, preventing tipping or sliding in multiple directions.
Question 3: What is the maximum permitted overhang at the rear of a vehicle for a load?
- The greater of 2 metres or 60% of the wheelbase (without a rear marker board for loads up to 1m) (Correct answer)
- 1 metre without notification
- No rear overhang is permitted
- 3 metres with a marker board
Correct answer: The greater of 2 metres or 60% of the wheelbase (without a rear marker board for loads up to 1m)
Loads may overhang up to 1 metre at the rear without any requirement for a marker. Overhangs of 1-2 metres require a rear marker board. Overhangs over 2 metres may require police notification and movement order.
Question 4: What is the purpose of 'dunnage' in load securing?
- Material placed between or under cargo to prevent movement, protect surfaces, and improve stability (Correct answer)
- Ropes used to tie down cargo
- The vehicle's integral load securing points
- The cargo loading documentation
Correct answer: Material placed between or under cargo to prevent movement, protect surfaces, and improve stability
Dunnage is material (typically wooden boards, rubber mats, or foam) placed between cargo items or between cargo and the vehicle floor to prevent sliding, protect against surface damage, and improve friction.
Question 5: What must a driver check about load securing equipment before use?
- That straps, chains, and nets are within their rated working load limit and show no damage (Correct answer)
- Only that the securing equipment is present
- That equipment is clean and stored properly
- That the equipment bears a manufacturer's label
Correct answer: That straps, chains, and nets are within their rated working load limit and show no damage
All load securing equipment must be rated (WLL — Working Load Limit) for the forces it will experience. It must be inspected for cuts, fraying (straps), corrosion (chains), or broken links before each use.
Question 6: A driver's vehicle is found to have a load that has shifted during transit. Who may be held responsible?
- Both the driver and the operator may be held responsible (Correct answer)
- Only the loader/shipper
- Only the driver
- Only the operator
Correct answer: Both the driver and the operator may be held responsible
Both the driver (who is responsible for ensuring the load is secure before and during transit) and the operator (who is responsible for adequate securing systems and training) can be prosecuted if a load has not been secured properly.
LGV Load Securing & Weight Limits 2
What is 'lashing' in the context of load securing?