What should an HGV load security policy include?

Allocate responsibility before loading starts

Identify who supplies load information, selects the vehicle, plans positioning and restraint, inspects the finished load and releases the vehicle. Where a customer or third party loads the vehicle, agree how the driver can check and challenge the arrangement.

The driver should have authority to stop departure when the load, restraint or information appears unsafe. A signed delivery note should not override a visible safety concern.

Match the vehicle and restraint to the load

The vehicle body, headboard, anchor points and restraint equipment must be suitable for the load and expected forces. The policy should require checks on equipment condition, ratings and compatibility rather than assuming curtains or doors provide sufficient restraint.

Consider weight distribution, axle limits, centre of gravity, load movement, fragile or unstable items, mixed loads and anything that may settle during travel. Unusual work needs a specific plan rather than a generic instruction.

Use a clear load plan where the risk needs it

Current DVSA guidance describes useful load-plan information such as weight, position, securing method, unloading instructions and, where appropriate, a dated photograph. The plan should be understandable to the people loading, checking and unloading.

Keep the plan with any collection instructions, risk assessment and equipment information needed for the journey. Record changes when the load is partially delivered, reconfigured or resecured.

• load description, weight and dimensions
• position on the load bed and axle considerations
• restraint method and equipment specification
• checks required after departure or during the journey
• special precautions for opening and unloading
• action if the load shifts or equipment is damaged

Control the journey and unloading risk

State when the driver should recheck the load, taking account of the load type, restraint method and journey. If movement or damage is suspected, stop in a safe place and obtain advice before continuing.

Opening doors, releasing curtains or removing restraints can expose someone to a shifted load. The policy should set a safe approach for inspection and unloading, including exclusion areas and site-specific instructions where needed.

Train, inspect and keep evidence

Give drivers, loaders and planners instruction suited to the loads they handle. Practical assessment may be needed; a policy acknowledgement on its own does not prove that somebody can select and apply the correct restraint.

Keep relevant training, equipment inspection, load-plan, photographic, defect and incident records. Review near misses, roadside action, damaged loads and repeated challenge points to improve the control.