NTC calling for feedback to improve the load restraint guide
The National Transport Commission today released a new draft version of its Load Restraint Guide which is designed to provide drivers, operators, and other participants in the transport chain of responsibility with practical advice on how to safely transport a load.
Acting Chief Executive of the NTC Dr Geoff Allan said the agency was seeking feedback on the draft guide to make sure it is clear, user friendly and based on the best available evidence about how to safely move the majority of loads carried by trucks in Australia.
“We have listened to our stakeholders who have told us the biggest issue is that the current guide would be easier to comply with if it was easier to understand,” Dr Allan said.
“Items falling from trucks can cause collisions, deaths and injuries and contribute to congestion and environmental damage. The aim is to improve freight operators’ understanding of how to properly restrain loads.”
Dr Allan said it was important make sure the new guide was accurate, up to date and reflected the practices that had developed since the last edition was published in 2004.
The draft third edition of the guide is available at the NTC’s website and consultation is open until 5pm, Friday 4 August 2017.
Dr Allan said after conducting a technical review the NTC was not proposing to change the current load restraint performance standards for heavy vehicles that is the force that is required to be applied to keep a load on the vehicle.
“Over the past twelve years, the power of vehicles and their braking ability has improved significantly and this places greater stress on the load restraints.
“However, our technical advice is that we need to increase the force required to restrain a load in the forward direction for some light vehicles from 0.8g to 1.0g,” Dr Allan said.
Once the NTC has considered all the feedback it will make final recommendations for Australia’s transport ministers to consider at their next scheduled meeting in November this year. Following that, the guide will be handed over to the NHVR to implement and maintain.
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National Transport Commission
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