AlanB said:
OK, I have heard it many time's here, and am just not seeing it in the reg's (even the ones quoted here)
I am not asking what "best practice" is, or "what I do", or even "what someone should do to prevent entaglements with the law"
I often see comment's where folks say you "must" use grade 70 (transport) chain.
Can anyone point that too me in the regulations?
My position would be you must use a size and grade of chain with an appropriate WLL for the securing that you are doing. I also believe that is what the regulations say, but would like someone here to prove me wrong then the DOT to be showing me what I have missed.
Each state has its own regulations - it's up YOU to find out the requirements - point yourself at the regulations that apply to you in your state and interpret them for yourself.
Most states just use the Fed regs, but some have additional criteria - that's up to you to find out.
If you cross state lines you have to meet the Fed Regs.
You MUST:
1. Prevent the loss of the load.
2. Prevent the load from shifting.
The performance criteria that must be met:
Performance criteria. Cargo securement devices and systems must be capable of withstanding thefollowing three forces, applied separately:
(1) 0.8 g deceleration in the forward direction;
(2) 0.5 g acceleration in the rearward direction; and
(3) 0.5 g acceleration in a lateral direction.
As for securement devices:
The new rules do not prohibit the use of unmarked tiedown
devices.
However, if the tie down is not marked it will be rated at its lowest rating level.
For chain:
However, in view of the potential safety hazards of motor
carriers misidentifying unmarked tiedowns, there is a provision that unmarked welded steel chain be considered to have a working load limit equal to that
of grade 30 proof coil, and other types of unmarked tiedowns be considered to have a working load limit equal to the lowest rating for that type in the table of working load limits.
For webbing (strap tie downs):
...other types of unmarked tiedowns be considered to have a working load limit equal to the lowest rating for that type in the table of working load limits.
For machinery less than 10,000 pounds may be treated as machinery OVER 10,000 pounds; OR as an automobile or vehicle being transported.
Vehicles, equipment and machinery which is lighter than 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) may be secured in accordance with these rules [note: heavy equipment - see 393.130], the rules for automobiles, light trucks and vans, or the general freight requirements.
Automobiles, light trucks, and vans must be restrained at both the front and rear to prevent lateral, forward, rearward, and vertical movement using a minimum of two tiedowns.
Most people use Grade 70 because:
1. The chain is readily available.
2. Easily meets the requirements of Fed and state regs.
3. It secures the load safely.
The reason for using more than two tie downs is the load is divided by the number of tiedowns. Additionally, for safety, the use of multiple tie downs is far better. It is quite easy for a single tie down to come loose. If you've only used one on the front and one on the rear - and one tie down comes loose, you've lost the total securement of either a front or rear tie down - or 1/2 of the tiedown capacity - and potential securement of the load in a movement direction.
If you've used two tie downs in the front and two in the rear (4 total) and one loosens, you've only lost 1/4 of the tie down capacity - AND retained securement of the load in all directions.
But, by all means -- do your own thing. Use marked chain, unmarked chain, webbing straps, ropes --- whatever you want as long as you can meet the miminum requirements.
Be prepared to argue with every state, local, and federal agency inspector or any policeman who feels they have a need to pull you over and inspect your load. Bring your copy of the state and federal regulations so you can state "your position" on the requirements, and have a field day "proving they're wrong" - and your right .... whatever makes your day.
