Load Security Flashcards
6 cards from real CPC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Load Security flashcards as text
What is 'blocking and bracing' in load security?
Answer: Using physical barriers and wedges to prevent the load from moving within the vehicle
Blocking and bracing uses physical items (timber, inflatable dunnage bags, chocks) to fill gaps between the load and the vehicle structure, preventing movement. It works alongside lashing to provide comprehensive load security.
How should a load of steel coils be positioned on a flatbed trailer?
Answer: With the axis of the coil in the direction of travel, using coil wells or chocks, and secured with appropriate chains or straps
Steel coils should be positioned with their axis in the direction of travel (eye-to-the-sky or eye-to-the-front), placed in coil wells or on chocks to prevent rolling, and secured with rated chains or straps. Incorrect loading of coils has caused fatal incidents.
What should a driver do if they notice the load has shifted during a journey?
Answer: Stop safely as soon as possible, check and re-secure the load before continuing
If a load shifts during transit, the driver must stop as soon as it is safe to do so. They must check the load, re-secure it properly, and only continue once satisfied the load is safe. Continuing with an insecure load is both dangerous and illegal.
What is the purpose of dunnage bags (air bags) in load security?
Answer: To fill voids between items in the load to prevent movement
Dunnage bags (inflatable air bags) are placed in voids between items in a load to prevent lateral and longitudinal movement. They expand to fill gaps and provide bracing. They are commonly used in containerised and palletised loads.
When loading palletised goods, what should the driver check?
Answer: That pallets are in good condition, loads are properly stacked and wrapped, and the total weight is within limits
The driver should check that pallets are undamaged and structurally sound, goods are properly stacked (not overhanging), shrink wrap is intact and adequate, the load plan distributes weight correctly, and the total weight including pallets is within legal limits.
What is the consequence of an insecure load falling from a vehicle on a UK road?
Answer: The driver can face prosecution, an unlimited fine, penalty points, and potential imprisonment if it causes injury
If an insecure load falls from a vehicle, the driver can be prosecuted for using a vehicle in a dangerous condition. Penalties include an unlimited fine, penalty points on the licence, and if someone is injured or killed, imprisonment for dangerous driving or causing death.