Things You Need to Know About Securing Loads That Contain Hazardous Materials
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- Things You Need to Know About Securing Loads That Contain Hazardous Materials
It will likely not come as a surprise to anyone working in the UK transport sector that properly securing all types of truck loads is an essential part of any logistics operation. As such, transport managers need to do everything necessary to ensure that their drivers are well-trained on how hazard materials are secured.
Not only is this vitally important in terms of public safety, but also your company’s ability to comply with all the relevant rules and avoid fines. In this article, we shine a light on best practices in this area.
What Constitutes Hazardous Materials?
Hazardous materials – also commonly called ‘HazMat’ – is a term that covers a broad range of substances that are deemed to present a risk to human health and safety when they’re being transported. What this means is cargoes such as:
- Explosive materials
- Flammable liquids
- Toxic chemicals
- Corrosives (e.g. sulphuric acid)
- Liquified, compressed, dissolved gases
- Radioactive materials
Naturally, the process of securing loads like these requires special knowledge, due to the possible consequences that could ensue from accidents and/or spillage.
Key Points to Consider When Loading HazMat
Before loading any hazardous materials for transportation, it’s essential to carry out an extensive risk assessment and an important part of knowing the best way to secure them is understanding them.
Something else you need to be fully up-to-speed with is all national and international regulations that govern loads of this kind. If you’re unsure in any way, take a moment to review our Load Securement Regulations knowledgebase that covers everything you need to know.
Also, as a transport manager, you must stay on top of the administrative side of HazMat transportation, meaning that all cargoes should be properly labelled, and all necessary documentation is up-to-date and easy to access.
Best Practices – What You Need to Know
In this section, we look at best practices in terms of running a tight ship when involved with moving HazMat. It starts with using the right securing gear that’s specifically designed for these kinds of cargoes – including materials that happen to be resistant to chemicals and fire.
Other things you should stay on top of include:
- Inspecting your securing gear (chains, straps etc) on a regular basis so that you can spot damage or signs of wear and tear.
- Training drivers in all relevant emergency procedures that are specific to the type of HazMat that you’re tasked with transporting.
- Creating training programs that cover every aspect of transporting HazMat, such as how to secure it and handle it from beginning to end.
- Providing ongoing education via training materials that are continuously updated to reflect any rule changes and advancements in technology.
- Running through practical drills and simulations as part of any training provided to prepare them in case anything happens for real.
Technology & Promoting a Culture of Safety
Thanks to the progression of technology, the task of safe HGV driving, and HazMat transportation is made that much easier. For instance, telematics systems can be used to ensure that your drivers are following the safest routes when moving chemicals or flammable liquids from one place to another.
Digital checklists for use in pre-trip load inspections can also play a big part in ensuring every T is crossed and I is dotted – something that’s even more important when talking about sensitive cargoes like these.
Getting Everyone Onboard
The place you want to get to is where safety is viewed as a number one priority by everyone at your company. As such, you need to foster a workplace culture – especially with regard to HazMat handling and securing.
When attempting to realise this company culture, you must make it clear to drivers that they’re 100% free to come forward and report safety concerns they have without the prospect of any kind of reprisals.
Ensuring All HazMat Cargoes Are Safely Managed
Ensuring that every HazMat cargo your company transports is kept safe and secure takes a great deal of attention and know-how. However, by following the best practices as laid out here, you can ensure that your drivers are well prepared for the job at hand, so that they, the public and the wider environment are kept safe.
Also remember that ongoing learning and refinement of your setup are key to meeting the required standards. For further guidance and training resources, explore our extensive Load Securement Regulations section.
