Fertiliser Loads could be at risk from wrong strapping
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HAULIERS IN north-cast Scotland have expressed concern about the possibility of -catastrophic spillages" of fertiliser products unless a clear method for securely loading hags can he established.
Martin Cessford, director of R&N Cessford Haulage, in Brechin, Angus, says VOSA officers have been stopping trucks in Aberdeenshire for using ropes or curtainsider straps rather than independent straps and ratchets to secure their loads.
However, he believes forcing haulage firms carrying fertiliser bags containing substances such as ammonium nitrateto use straps and ratchets has the potential to cause catastrophic spillages.
He says: "Drivers are concerned that straps and ratchets can split the inner liners of fertiliser bags and cause damage to products.
"This is a big issue for us and we want some clarification on the law as a matter of urgenc>2.
Simon Barley, customer service and distribution manager at Yara UK, which employs several haulage contractors in the area, says his company would welcome discussions with VOSA through its trade association, the Agricultural Industries Confederation to establish a clear securing load method. He says: "We are disappointed that this has not been possible before fines and penalty points have
been imposed on ow hauliers.
Barley says the RHA and ETA have advised his company that if one of its contractors gets stopped "they should contest it with the local VOSA area manager".
A VOSA spokesman says the organisation is working with the Health and Safety Executive (USE) on a safe load campaign, which has resulted in 26 improvement notices and eight advisory notices issued by the HSE, and six prohibitions issued by VOSA.
He adds: "VOSA and the HSE are keen to educate operators and drivers to the issues regarding load security and are continuing to publicise these issues."