Thread: Pulled up by the Coppers

With a ute or trailer anything not secured ie can fly out in an accident is classed as an unsecured load. I used to put a tarp over my trailer then rated mesh over that with straps to hold it all down. I've been checked plenty of times and always ok.

so I would say definitely an unsecured load which you would have to cop but that's not what you got pinged for. Be interesting to hear what they say

I knew a bloke who tec screwed an old pair of work boots to his ute tray. He got much joy from the cop's expressions when they pulled him over.

Originally Posted by rangieman

My understanding is if rope is used it has to be labeled as such just like the straps have a compliance label

Maybe in your situation as a truck driver? I've never had a Cop tell me I can't use rope to tie a load down - they were pulling people up near the tip around 6 months ago and checking/fining people for unsecured loads but they gave the trailer I was towing a cursory glance and waved me on - only ropes being used to hold everything down. Unless the law has changed, but I haven't seen anyone actually post links to any actual laws about it.

They can also get you for not securing the loose ends of ropes & straps. Also for twists in straps . Truck drivers would put a twist in straps to stop the straps vibrating , but now theymake sure they are flat.
I think Qld Transport should send a list of changes to the regulations with rego renewals so every one with a registered vehicle knows the new regs. Those that drive unredistered vehicles deserve to get booked. I know they put the changes in the news paper but for people like me who almost buys a news paper we would never see it.

Hi,
Scarry!
Cheers

Honestly, where do you lot get these non existent rules and regulations from?
Lots of unsupported opinion and misinformation in this thread.

Here is what Vicroads advises on the issue:
Securing your load : VicRoads

How to properly secure your load

Different loads should be transported differently. There are general checks you can do, but the way you carry a load will depend on the load itself.
•Bundle similar items together, in a more stable single unit.
•Use restraints when packing wooden boards; anti-slip matting prevents items from sliding, especially long items.
•Ropes can be difficult to keep tight across your load. When available use webbing straps as they can be more effective and are simple to use.
•Nets and tarpaulins may be used to restrain lighter items.
•Loose sheets of building materials may be restrained by fitting them tightly in trays, and then securing them properly with restraints.
•Make sure heavy items are not loaded on top of lighter items.
•Most headboards and loading racks aren’t strong enough to fully restrain heavy loads.
•Use metal or heavy-duty plastic top corner protector angles to protect cartons.
•High and narrow items such as stacks of smaller cartons usually need more than one restraint.
•Fill spaces and gaps between piles with other items and make sure these are restrained as well.

Vicroads then points to the Load Restraint Guide
http://www.ntc.gov.au/Media/Reports/...3250782%29.pdf

Load Restraint Guide: amendments and reviews
As regulations and technical jargon can be tedious to read, the LRG is published to summarise and inform everyone about the basic safety principles that should be followed to ensure the safe carriage of loads on road vehicles.
The LRG was published in 2004, the Guide has been reformatted and rewritten to make it simpler and easier to understand. The load restraint performance standards in the second edition of the guide remain unchanged from the 1994 first edition.
After advice from Occupational Health and Safety agencies, the NTC would like to recommend that 'chain and dogs' are not used for safety reasons.
Following work by the Load Restraint Working Group, it has been realised that fixed or pivoting lever dogs, (with or without an extension or 'cheater' bar) can cause serious injury to the operator when applying or releasing the chain.

Interesting reading. Oh. Vicroads also notes:
Load Restraint Guide - VicRoads - Victoria | ABLIS

You will be required to comply with this guide if you intend to operate a vehicle carrying a load. The guide provides transport drivers and operators with basic safety principles which should be followed to safely carry loads on road vehicles.
You have a legal responsibility to ensure that the load is secured by appropriate means, and is not at risk of falling from your vehicle.
Compliance with the guide is not compulsory. However, if you are charged with contravening a load restraint requirement, evidence of non-compliance with the performance standards recommended in the guide may be used against you.
Please consult the responsible agency for more information and to ascertain the level of compliance (if any) that may be required.

Yes, it is more written for "Transport Operators" and not so much for people taking their rubbish to the tip.
The relevant section for the OP is probably on page 140 of the guide.

Where a load is carried in an open body without any vertical tie-down, the base of each item of load should be well below the top of the sides or gates. This should prevent the load from becoming dislodged over bumps and vibration caused by rough road surfaces, especially on corners. Standard coaming rails are not high enough to ensure loads do not dislodge under these conditions. Higher sides or gates are required for vehicles with stiff suspensions that give a rough ride.

It goes on to say:

Tarpaulins and nets can be used to provide vertical restraint for light loads contained in open sided bodies to counteract the effect of air flow and rough roads.

What I read there (and this is my interpretation) is if the rubbish bags were in a Landrover tub, it should be OK but if the rubbish bags were on a tray (with short sides) it needed an octopus strap or webbing to contain the load.

Good morning Mr Marsh - I take it that this method is not generally approved ?

sand.jpg

Yes but the OP is in QLD not VIC - rules are different in every state and I know that in NSW is it not enough to just have the load covered - it has to be secured with appropriate restraints for the load being carried - sounds similar in QLD.