ANSBACH, Germany (Dec. 17, 2014) -- The U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach Safety Office recently sponsored a load securement training class.
Twelve personnel started the class, and nine passed the rigorous training course, which consisted on classroom and hands-on training.
"Being a proficient driver is only part of the skills needed to safely transport cargo on roadways," said Günter Korn, safety intern with USAG Ansbach. "Drivers must also be proficient in cargo securement."
Whether someone hauls a backhoe on a flatbed truck or transports materials in the back of a pick-up truck, it's essential and even legally required to properly secure the cargo and employ the right kind of cargo securement devices to safely transport the cargo from point A to point B. Load securement training teaches drivers how to properly secure cargo to ensure it arrives at the intended destination intact.
"This was the second time we sponsored the training," said Korn. "We offered the training because it's importance that our operators know how to properly secure their loads not only for their safety but for the safety of others on the road. We routinely move cargo between our operating sites and we want to do so safely."
Everyday material is transported on German roadways in trucks, in vans, on top of personally owned vehicles and in trailers. Most of the time, the cargo is secure. Sometimes, however, a vehicle transporting a load may appear unsteady or the tie-down is flapping in the wind.
Ehrenfried Dengler, dangerous goods adviser for U.S. Army in Europe, conducted the three-day training course.
Although most vehicle operators secure shipments properly, some make mistakes that can cost lives, according to Dengler. At the basic level, the rules for transporting cargo are as follows:
• Cargo must be correctly secured and distributed. Too much cargo on one side or another, even front to back, can cause loss of control, a rollover, or secondary vehicle accident.
• All cargo-related aspects of the transport vehicle must be secured. This could include tailboard, tailgate, spare tire, tie-downs, chains, tarpaulins and any other equipment that secures the cargo.
• The cargo must not block visibility or prevent the safe operation of the vehicle. Under the German traffic rules, nothing can block the driver's front, side and rear view. The cargo cannot prevent the truck driver from accessing emergency equipment or from freely moving his or her legs, nor can it prevent any passenger from safely exiting the vehicle.
"Drivers -- to include military operators of nontactical vehicles -- who fail to properly secure their load to prevent articles from shifting on or within, or falling from commercial motor vehicles causing an accident or resulting in the release or spillage of hazardous materials can face hefty fines and/or criminal prosecution in some instances," said Dengler.
"While we encourage all government vehicle operators to receive load securement training, our initial push is to train personnel who routinely transport cargo using flatbeds," said Korn. "We now have 17 members certified in load securement."
The nine members who passed the course will receive host-nation certification, which is valid for three years from the date of issue. The members will need to attend a refresher training course before the certification expires.
"In the future, we hope to have the capable to conduct the training in-house," said EJ Singleton, garrison safety manager.
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