Secure Cargo & Load and Unload Goods/Cargo

The proper loading and securing of cargo is of the utmost importance for the safety of road users. Improper loading and securing of cargo has resulted in numerous serious traffic accidents causing injury and loss of life, not only on the road but also during loading and unloading.

The three common types of cargo lashing that are used to secure cargo are chain lashing, fixed winches and web lashing.

All cargo should be loaded and secured in such a way that the load will not move during transit. The safe loading and securing of cargo depends on proper planning, execution and supervision.

Cargo stowed in containers must be secured on all sides to prevent shifting, in particular towards the door. Spaces between packages and/or container walls must be filled. Secure the cargo by using the lashing points provided on the top and bottom side rails and on the corner posts.

Loading and unloading means the services of loading or unloading cargo between any place or point of rest.

Equipment like, safety helmets, safety shoes and various others must be used at all times while handling cargo. Working without such equipment puts your life at grave risk. Also make sure you know the proper use of all protection equipment in order to optimize its use. Setting up an exclusion zone must be done before any loading/unloading begins.

Ensure that the loading area has good lighting at all times. The loading area should also be away from both vehicles and pedestrians. Ensure that the loading area is firm, flat, clean, and free from potholes and other obstructions that may cause slips or trips. Setting up an exclusion zone must be done before any loading/unloading begins.

The regulation of cargo security is the responsibility of multiple government agencies. The Australian Border Force (ABF) which is part of the Department of Home Affairs, is responsible for enforcing laws and regulations related to the import and export of goods and protecting the border. They work with other government agencies, such as the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, to ensure the security of cargo and the safety of transport operations.

The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) is responsible for the biosecurity of cargo, ensuring that imported goods do not pose a risk to Australia's environment, economy and human health.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is responsible for the safety of air cargo, including the security of cargo transported by air.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is responsible for the safety of cargo transported by sea.

All these agencies work together to ensure the security and safety of cargo being transported within and into Australia.

When loading and securing cargo in Australia, there are several steps that should be taken to ensure the safety and security of the cargo and the workers involved in the process. These include:

1. Conducting a risk assessment: Before loading and securing the cargo, a risk assessment should be conducted to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate control measures.

2. Inspecting the cargo: The cargo should be inspected before loading to ensure it is in good condition and that there are no signs of damage or contamination.

3. Properly securing the cargo: The cargo should be properly secured to prevent it from shifting or falling during transport. This may include using straps, ropes, or other tie-down methods.

4. Marking and labeling the cargo: The cargo should be marked and labeled with the proper information, including the type of cargo, the weight, and any special handling or storage requirements.

5. Following proper loading and stacking procedures: The cargo should be loaded and stacked according to the manufacturer's instructions or industry guidelines to prevent damage or collapse of the load.

6. Following all relevant regulations and laws: All relevant laws and regulations regarding the loading and securing of cargo, such as the Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management) Act and the Heavy Vehicle National Law, should be followed to ensure compliance and safety.

7. Following the guidelines of the carrier: The cargo should be loaded and secured according to the carrier's guidelines, including the weight and size limits, and the requirements of the mode of transport.

8. Communicating with other workers: The workers involved in the loading and securing of cargo should communicate with each other to ensure that the cargo is loaded and secured safely and efficiently.

9. Regularly inspecting the cargo during transport: The cargo should be regularly inspected during transport to ensure that it remains secure and to address any issues that may arise.

Containers are secured on cargo ships using a combination of methods, including:

1. Lashing: Lashing is the process of securing the containers to the ship's deck using straps, ropes, or chains. Lashing is typically done using a combination of vertical and horizontal lashings, with the containers being secured to the ship's deck at multiple points to prevent them from shifting or falling during transport.

2. Twistlocks: Twistlocks are locking devices that are used to secure the containers to the ship's deck. They are inserted into the corners of the container and then twisted to lock the container in place.

3. Corner castings: Corner castings are the structural elements located at the four corners of a container. They are equipped with holes and recesses that are used to secure the container to the ship's deck by means of twistlocks, shackles, and other devices.

4. Container guides: Container guides are used to align and guide the containers as they are loaded onto the ship. They prevent the containers from being loaded at an angle, which can cause them to shift or fall during transport.

5. Stowage plan: A stowage plan is a detailed plan that outlines the placement of containers on the ship. It takes into account the weight, size, and stability of the containers, as well as the ship's stability and the weather conditions.

6. Following regulations and guidelines: It is important to comply with all relevant regulations and guidelines, such as the Australian Maritime Safety Authority's (AMSA) guidelines for loading and securing of cargo ships and the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) guidelines for the safe stowage and securing of containers on ships.

These methods are used to keep the containers secure during transport and prevent accidents, such as cargo shifting and containers falling into the sea.