Operational Policy 15 - Guidance for Securing Auxiliary Equipment

The Operational Policy 15 allows the use of the tie down securing auxiliary equipment on a heavy to be used in the calculation of the total WWL for the heavy vehicle/equipment which was addressed in a prior Request for Action. With all the different types of auxiliary equipment and where and how it is secured to the trailer, this interpretation is far too broad to ensure that the heavy vehicle/equipment is safely secured.

This interpretation needs clarification and further guidance is needed as to the minimum amount of securement required on the equipment itself. For example: a 30,000 pound excavator having a hydraulic main boom lowered to the deck and the arm “knuckled” under the boom could have a G7 chain and binder (WLL 7,000 lbs)securing the arm, and 4 - 2” nylon straps (WLL 2,000 lbs each) securing the rest of the equipment. This securement method would have very little effect on the piece of equipment. When most hydraulic equipment is moved, the attachments are put in a float position, or after the machine is shut off, the hydraulic pressure is bled off to prevent damage in transport. Securement of the arm would not prevent the body of the equipment from shifting and/or falling from the transport vehicle.

Issue No. 10-034 addressed this issue; however, it did not take all situations into account and it did not set minimum standards for the 4 points of securement. Currently, in Canada the rule is that any tie down used to secure a piece of heavy equipment must have a WLL of at least 5,000 lbs. I would like the committee to readdress the issue and consider not allowing the additional tie-down for determining the minimum WWL requirement for the equipment or set a minimum WLL requirement for the four tie-downs on the equipment itself.