To meet the loading requirements, a heavy vehicle must be loaded:
- in a way that load placement does not make the heavy vehicle unsafe or unstable
- in a way that the load is not likely to fall or be dislodged from the vehicle
- using an appropriate system to restrain the load.
Why loading requirements are important
To maintain safety.
Poorly loaded vehicles or inadequately restrained loads can cause injuries and fatalities when:
- objects fall from vehicles onto other vehicles or pedestrians
- drivers swerve to avoid falling or fallen items from vehicles
- spillage on roads from vehicles causes other vehicles to skid and lose control
- loads crash into the vehicle’s cabin during emergency braking
- vehicles rollover when loads shift during cornering.
Safe loading principles
To ensure a vehicle is safely loaded:
- choose a suitable vehicle for the load type and size
- determine the position of the load on the vehicle to maintain adequate stability, steering and braking
- design a load restraint system that meets the loading requirements.
- ensure appropriate and sufficient load restraint equipment is available to implement the load restraint system
- ensure load restraint equipment is in serviceable condition and appropriately rated for the task
- ensure a comprehensive and detailed loading plan is provided to workers responsible for the tasks of vehicle loading.
Assess your loading requirements
When evaluating the loading of a vehicle and the load restraint system used, ask yourself:
- Is the position of the load making the vehicle unsafe or unstable?
- Is the load restrained so it’s unlikely to fall or be dislodged from the vehicle?
- Is the load restraint method used appropriate for the type of load?
Chain of Responsibility (CoR) and load restraint
Information to help CoR parties meet their HVNL obligations can be found in Regulatory Advice – Loading and load restraint.
Load restraint guidance
The NHVR provides general guidance on how to use the Load Restraint Guide and the loading requirements. The NHVR does not provide specific information or engineering advice on the creation of load restraint systems.
You may choose to seek professional advice from a qualified person to design a compliant load restraint system that caters for your specific needs. A qualified person is a person who is a professional engineer registered with a professional registration body.
Restraining my particular load
The HVNL does not specify how to restrain specific types of loads. It describes the outcome a load restraint system must achieve. This means you have some flexibility when designing your load restraint system, as long as it meets the loading requirements.
Consult the Load Restraint Guide to ensure you are using an appropriate method. If you are still unsure, seek assistance from a qualified person or seek appropriate training.
Minimum standards for load restraint equipment (e.g. straps and chains)
The HVNL does not specify a minimum standard for equipment used in load restraint systems, however it is advisable to use equipment that meet the Australian Standards.
Know the operating capacity for any equipment you use to restrain a load, as this will assist you in determining the equipment’s suitability for the task.
Loading requirements for the Northern Territory and Western Australia
Information on loading requirements in the Northern Territory and Western Australia can be found at: