Figure 7-33.—Symmetrical tie-down pattern.should be shaped to fit snugly against the cargo andshould be secured to the deck of the trailer to preventthe cargo from moving. Bracing is also used to preventmovement of the cargo. Bracing is placed from theupper part of the cargo to the floor and/or walls of thecargo compartment.Because cargo loads have a tendency to shift, acommon rule of thumb is to inspect the cargo and thesecuring devices before departing and within 25 milesafter beginning a trip. Always check the cargo andsecuring devices as often as necessary during a trip tokeep the load secured. Inspect the cargo and securingdevices after you have driven for 3 hours or 150 milesand after every break taken during the trip.LOOSE MATERIAL.— Dump trucks are oftenused to haul loose material. Soil, aggregate, and sand areexamples of cargo that is categorized as loose material.When you are operating dump trucks, be sure that nopart of the load can fall off your truck when makingturns. You should stop loading before it reaches the topof the side or end gate. Dirt spilled in curves and turnscreates driving hazards and should be cleaned up daily.Another hazard created by loose material is a brokenwindshield caused by aggregate falling from dumptrucks.NOTE: In some states and on some deploymentlocations, it is a requirement that all loose material loadscarried in dump trucks must be covered.BUILDING MATERIAL.— When loading steel,lumber, or anything that must be unloaded with a forkliftor crane, you should place 4 by 4 timbers or palletsunder the load. This helps get forks or cables in and outfrom under the loadRESTRAINTS.— Loads must be secure enough toprevent movement in any direction, which meansmovement forward, aft, vertically, and horizontially.Figure 7-34.—Chains properly hooked on the equipment andtrailer tie-down eyes.7-28
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