Again as above I know the thread started a while ago but I have just updated our RA on this as the original was carried out by someone who had no knowledge of FLT use and the people doing the job were not consulted. I am an RTITB approved instructor and have a lot of years experience in loading/unloading of various types of trailers. In my experience a curtian sided trailer with all straps fastened can be as solid as a solid side trailer. If people are trained and assessed in how to actually load and unload and take the right lines in and out of the trailer on a loading bay they should never actually go that close to the sides. We allow counterbalance FLT's to load curtain sided trailers and over the last three years have had zero near misses or accidents, obviously I would not be so bold as to say that it could never happen but in my opinion the potential with the training we give is very low.
Luyi Product Page
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file//safetyloadsonvehicles.pdf
16.3 Unless they are purposely designed for a specific load, the curtains of curtain-sided vehicles MUST NOT be considered as part of any load restraint system. They are provided to contain rather than to restrain the load and should be considered as weather protection only. If the curtains have been designed as a restraint system then the load capability should be clearly marked, if no mark can be seen then it should be assumed that the curtains have no load bearing function. Similarly, where vertical inner curtains are fitted and they are not purposely designed for a specific load, they also MUST NOT be considered as part of the load restraining system. They should be considered purely as a means of containing any small, loose items that may have become dislodged during the journey.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file//safetyloadsonvehicles.pdf
16.3 Unless they are purposely designed for a specific load, the curtains of curtain-sided vehicles MUST NOT be considered as part of any load restraint system. They are provided to contain rather than to restrain the load and should be considered as weather protection only. If the curtains have been designed as a restraint system then the load capability should be clearly marked, if no mark can be seen then it should be assumed that the curtains have no load bearing function. Similarly, where vertical inner curtains are fitted and they are not purposely designed for a specific load, they also MUST NOT be considered as part of the load restraining system. They should be considered purely as a means of containing any small, loose items that may have become dislodged during the journey.
Hi, Just to clarify, we do not use the curtain as a restraint we train and assess loaders to use a tried and tested loading method which basically means that they are never within approx 6inch (150mm) of the side of the trailer, the same as with a solid trailer. In theory there could be no curtain and a flatbed trailer could be loaded in the same way although not advised. In nearly 30 years of loading and unloading myself and then as a H&S officer and RTITB trainer I have not seen a counterbalance FLT go off the side of a trailer or come across any near misses which may lead to it. I am not saying that it couldn't happen, it could with any type of loading MHE, but I do believe we have, through trianing and job familiarisation reduced the risk of it happening to minimal levels.
MickD you can PM me if you want something mailing over although I am on holiday after today so probably won't get it to you until Mid June.
I would like to offer a possible solution, a fairly standard FLT is a heavy beasty, however a powered lift truck (with the operator walking behind it) is a lot lighter. So employ this to unload trailers and flatbeds and then let the larger FLT move the goods in the warehouse. I've seen this approach in other warehouses.
As for the percieved risk of trailers and flatbeds being driven away whilst being unloaded, perhaps you could simply talk to the drivers of your deliveries and come to an arrangement?
Hi Andy
I am not sure of where to find guidance but the research report RR662 - Load Security on Curtain Sided Lorries published by the Health Safety Laboratories may help. However, your risk assessment will go along way to deciding the answer once you have considered the fact that the curtains will not stop the truck from going off the edge, safe working load of the trailer bed to see if it supports the weight of the truck, accessing on and off, etc.
Hope this helps. Regards
For more information, please visit 5 axles curtain side trailer.
Darren
Originally Posted by: Darren BedsonHi Andy
I am not sure of where to find guidance but the research report RR662 - Load Security on Curtain Sided Lorries published by the Health Safety Laboratories may help. However, your risk assessment will go along way to deciding the answer once you have considered the fact that the curtains will not stop the truck from going off the edge, safe working load of the trailer bed to see if it supports the weight of the truck, accessing on and off, etc.
Hope this helps. Regards
Darren
The problem appears to be that there is no defined answer as to whether the curtains will retain a FLT or not. Reading the ENXL standard would seen to suggest that these curtains are more than capable of stopping a FLT driving through and off, due to them being rated to hold a 5 ton dynamic spot load, or 12 tons across the entire length of the curtain - assuming the curtain is in good condition and all straps are correctly in place.
To me, this suggests that the curtains are actually suitable to retain a 3 ton forklify with 1/2 ton of stock on the forks - but unfortunately my local EHO disagrees! I'm currently looking for any research, testing or case studies that would confirm or disprove my thoughts.
Steve Pitts wrote: ↑18 Nov 07:57 At least in the vanilla game the only difference between the curtainsider and a dryvan is that the former can take Ammunition, Dynamite, Explosives and Fireworks. There are no cargoes that you can take with a dryvan that you cannot take with a curtainsider.Yeah, noticed that. Pretty weird and useless IMHO then.
plykkegaard wrote: ↑18 Nov 08:05 My garages / employees takes care of the income, what is the most fun trailer to have?Try taking an extended lowbed or loader into Trameri to pick up some forklifts that said, I was expecting the ability to have more .... exotic cargo for those. It's just same old forklifts, boats and a few loaders/backhoes/excavators. I think I'll need to fetch the Heavy and Special cargo DLCs...
The company is the world’s best 3 axles fuel tank trailer supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
If I had to bet, trailers for drivers will REDUCE slightly the overall income even if they are payed more per travel.