Flatbed unloading: energy sources and direct controls

Unloading materials from a flatbed involves loads at height, shifting cargo and plant movement around people on foot.

High-energy check

Pallets and bundles of roughly 100 kg or more at deck height store energy near or above the 1500 J trigger. Check load restraint before straps are released.

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Direct controls to verify

Ticks stay on this screen only. Nothing is saved or sent.

Load restraint is checked before any strap is released.
No person is on the blind side of the trailer during unloading.
Exclusion zone covers the fall path of shifting loads.
Loads are lifted by machine, not pushed or pulled by hand at height.
Driver is in a known safe position, not beside the trailer.
Stop if the load has shifted in transit or restraint is uncertain.

For your SPA or pre-start

State the heaviest load, how it is lifted down, where people stand during unloading and who verifies the exclusion before straps are released.

Limitations: This tool supports planning and verification only. It does not replace competent risk assessment, legal duties, employer procedures, client requirements or competent supervision.