Loading and unloading heavy equipment is a critical task that carries a high risk of injury, so it is imperative to implement the appropriate preventive measures. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out, this article will guide you on how to load a screening plant safely.
How to load a screening plant
The first step is to use a scale or scale to determine the exact weight of the screening plant. Ensure that the weight of the screening plant and any additional equipment or material does not exceed the maximum load capacity of the trailer or truck.
Be sure to load on as flat a surface as possible. The weight of the screening plant you are transporting should be evenly distributed. Therefore, it must be loaded on a flat surface. Loading on an uneven surface increases the risk of equipment shifting during transport, tipping, and other handling problems.
When shipping a screening plant, a simple way to prevent movement during loading is to lock the wheels. Shoeing the wheels of a trailer involves inserting blocks or wedges behind it to prevent it from rolling or moving when parked or loaded. This provides stability and prevents the trailer from moving or overturning, especially when loaded with equipment or heavy materials.
When loading a screening plant, it’s a good idea to have a second operator nearby who can check your work and connections and look for anything else you may have missed.
Secure your screening plant
For the safety of you, your cargo, and other automobiles on the road, you must comply with the cargo safety requirements set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). According to these requirements, your screening plant must be “firmly immobilized” or secured to prevent opening, release or detachment. Chocks must be used to secure any machinery that may roll.
Place the straps or ratchet ties on the screening plant, making sure they are evenly spaced, then tighten them to secure the screening plant to the trailer or truck. Make sure the straps are securely in place so the screening plant cannot move.
All anchorage systems and other safety systems used to hold the load in place on trailers with rub rails must be installed inside the rails. Whenever a tie comes into contact with a sharp part of your screening plant, extra precautions should be taken to prevent abrasion, cutting and crushing.
Balance weight when loading a screening plant
The most important thing you need to know when loading a screening plant is where it holds its weight. If you know the actual weight of the equipment instead of going by its perceived weight, you can balance it better.
Always remember the 60/40 rule when loading a screening plant. The general rule is to load the vehicle so that 60% of the total mass is in front of the center axle and 40% in the rear. This prevents you from carrying a disproportionate amount of weight on both the front and back. Also, you need to balance the weight evenly between the left and right sides.
Finally, take a step back and watch the trailer. Does one end of the trailer seem raised or lower than the other? Do all four tires seem to have the same air pressure? If any of these are the case, the weight is not evenly distributed.
Stay safe while transporting screening plants
Periodic load checks are essential for driver safety. Inspect the vehicle after the first few kilometers (about 20) and then again every 150 miles. Truck drivers are required to perform these inspections according to the FMCSR and National Safety Code Standard 10.
Make sure your screening plant and trailer are secure by re-tightening any straps that may have come loose while driving. Check that the lights, wiring and tires are in good working order. These shutdowns also provide an excellent opportunity to anticipate system problems and make preventive maintenance and repair plans.
Key to take away
Transporting screening plants can seem daunting, but with proper preparation and execution, it can be easy. By following the steps outlined in this article on how to load a screening plant, you can ensure that your screening plant is loaded safely, reducing the risk of accidents and damage.
