Transporting heavy materials is a part of the construction industry. However, overloading trucks have severe consequences. Understand the dangers of oversized dump truck loads and discover safe hauling practices.
Understanding Oversized Loads
Laws and regulations state the maximum size, length, and weight that trucks can haul on the road. When a dump truck exceeds the parameters, officials define this as an “oversized load.” In many cases, operators can’t transport materials that exceed the parameters legally. On some occasions, the operators need permits and special permission to haul an oversized load.
Understand that hauling oversized loads increases the risk of accidents on job sites. The accidents can damage dump trucks, the operator, and other workers. That’s why it’s important to steer clear of dangerous hauling.
Accidents With Oversized Loads
While investigating the dangers of oversized dump truck loads, it’s critical to acknowledge injuries and accidents. The first and most obvious accident is a truck rollover. An overloaded dump truck makes unloading material difficult. Loads can become uneven, causing the truck to roll over. This can injure the operator and damage the truck.
Furthermore, oversize loads can affect the truck’s tires. Extra weight puts too much pressure on tires, causing them to explode. Blown tires can make drivers lose control of the vehicle. Additionally, blown tires are major inconveniences on construction sites.
Operation Tips for Safe Hauling
It’s not a good idea to haul oversized loads. It can affect the dump truck and other people. After all, damage to your dump truck means that the truck is unreliable on job sites. To keep a working truck and uphold safety, follow these operation tips:
- Always dump on level ground. Lack of stability increases the chance of the truck tipping over.
- Distribute loads evenly. Center loads between the rails of the dump truck.
- Before dumping, make sure the area is clear of people and obstacles.
- If necessary, use a spotter to guide you toward dumping grounds. They can see blind spots and ensure operators don’t drive into obstacles.
Breaking Down Heavy Loads
The main message of this article is to avoid hauling oversized loads. Along with following safe hauling tips, it’s essential to break down heavy loads. Simply put, haul small batches of material at a time. This prevents accidents and damage to the truck.
