Overview 

This standard is about planning and carrying out the safe loading and unloading of vehicles in line with the technical specifications.

You will need to work carefully to avoid damage to the loads and injury to self and colleagues. Loads could include tools, scenery, equipment, materials or other items. 

It involves complying with manual handling and other health and safety requirements, ensuring loads are secured and working in line with agreed procedures.

 

Performance Criteria

You must be able to:

  1. obtain or draw up load plan when required
  2. check and confirm that vehicles have the capacity to handle the size and weight of the load
  3. check that vehicles are ready for loading and unloading in a suitable and safe area
  4. plan a safe and accessible route to and from vehicle.
  5. use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for loading and unloading activities
  6. check and confirm that appointed people have instructions for loading, unloading and dispersal requirements
  7. use approved manual handling techniques and loading devices when required
  8. check and confirm that handling, packing and securing methods used are suitable for the loads
  9. use the agreed equipment to restrain loads
  10. work in line with health and safety statutory requirements and approved procedures and practices

 

Knowledge and Understanding

You must know and understand:

  1. the importance of balanced distribution of a load
  2. types of vehicles and their suitability for different loads
  3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and when to use it
  4. the importance of planning a safe and accessible route to and from vehicle
  5. how to obtain information on loading, unloading and dispersal requirements
  6. the importance of having vehicles ready and prepared for loading and unloading
  7. who the responsible person is giving instructions on load distribution
  8. methods for handling and dispersing the different types of loads
  9. when to re-distribute loads and how to do so
  10. how to ensure loads are secure and stable so that they do not move during transportation
  11. problems that can occur if materials and equipment are not secured
  12. health and safety statutory requirements and for loading and unloading vehicles