The Hazard
The likelihood of vehicles tipping over increases as semitrailer and end-dump truck bodies get longer. Semitrailer trucks are more likely to experience this type of accident than straight trucks.
Dump trucks that have tipped over in the past few years have caused at least one death and one serious injury. The frequency of tip-overs is not known because damages are not reported. Construction workers involved in the operation of dump trucks agree that tip-overs have become more common.
A labor-management committee in the industry was formed to address the problem. It strongly recommends that construction and trucking sector workers be aware of the hazards, contributing conditions, and control methods outlined in this advisory.
Stability
The main danger is the instability of the end-dump box when it is raised.
Tip-over is possible if the center of gravity for the box and load is not in the same place as the frame rails.
The mechanical condition of the unit can also affect stability.
Poor rear suspension systems on one end of the vehicle.
Uneven tire pressures on rear wheels.
Pins, which are worn or not suitable for the lifting system, should be replaced.
Lifting cylinders that are worn or not working properly.
Hazard Control
Semitrailers are not recommended for use in haulage to areas that have uneven or loosely packed surfaces. For highway haulage to these dump sites, straight trucks or straight trucks with pup trailers work better. Straight trucks and off-highway vehicles work well in areas where haulage and dumping are done on-site.
For road construction where aggregates need to be spread, belly-dump semitrailers are better than end-dump.
Sometimes, contractors cannot choose a vehicle. Material haulers and material suppliers may not use the equipment that is appropriate for a specific site. To reduce tip-overs, contractors should make sure they have the option to choose equipment that is appropriate for their site.
Frost can cause materials to freeze and stick to boxes during dumping. The problem can be reduced by using heated boxes. Winter is a time when loads shouldn’t be stored in dump boxes for more than 24 hours.
Maintenance
Tip-overs can be prevented by good maintenance.
Check tire pressures daily. The pressure of each tire should be the same on both sides.
Regularly inspect and lubricate bushings and pins.
To ensure they are functioning properly, inspect suspension systems when they are under load. It is important to replace any suspension system that is failing immediately.
Inspect hoist cylinders regularly. Replace worn cylinders with smaller ones or cylinders with lower operating pressure.
Repairs to boxes should not be restricted to the bottom or sides. Patchwork work near the top of a box can trap and hold sticky materials.
Loading
The Ministry of Transportation has set weight limits for the front and back loads. It is best to load the box from side to side.
Reduce the weight of material that is likely to flow poorly by reducing the load at the top of the box. A lighter load is better than a heavier load that can tip over.
Most materials will flow more easily through liners. The liners also keep the box clean.
Pre-to-Drive Advice
It’s unlikely that you are traveling in a dump truck to impress. You have a job, not a dump truck to impress. Therefore, there is no need to modify your vehicle to make it more efficient. Although you might think it’s cool for your truck to have smaller modifications, there is a greater chance your truck will be damaged than your friends. You don’t have to take that risk when dump trucks offer all the performance and power you could ever want.
You should also be aware of the health and well-being of your vehicle. This is especially important when you are traveling with heavy loads. Driving instability could lead to dangerous accidents. You can avoid a collision by monitoring your tire pressure daily.
Driving Tips
When operating large vehicles like a dump truck, the focus is key. You risk your safety and the safety of others if you don’t drive the vehicle with precision.
It’s important to be aware of your speed when driving in traffic. You can drive faster than you should and it will be harder to slow down. If you don’t have a good handle, you may end up in a collision. It’s best to maintain a safe distance between yourself and other drivers.
You will also need someone to assist you when you reverse the dump truck. Your helper will alert you to any obstacles and slow down. Although the potential for injury is minimal, it’s best to avoid a crash.
It’s important to know the height of your vehicle. It can be challenging to overcome low-hanging obstacles or overpasses when driving a larger vehicle. These low-hanging obstacles can cause serious damage to your vehicle and the vehicles behind it. It is important to know the route you want before you set out on your journey.
Dumping Tips
When I was a kid, I used to play with a dump truck toy. I would fill the bed with sand and then click the tiny lever to let the sand out in the area I wanted. It would be so easy to operate a dump truck.
Operating a vehicle requires specialized knowledge. Safely dumping materials safely and accurately is another skill. You can count on a variety of strategies to ensure that you are effectively dumping any materials that you need to haul.
It is crucial that materials are only dumped on firm ground. This allows you to see exactly where the loads will end up and prevent dirt or grass from sliding off. There’s a high chance that materials will scatter if you use the dumping mechanism on uneven ground.
When you operate the truck’s dump function, it is important to be aware that there may be people or vehicles nearby. You have probably been carrying hundreds of pounds. This weight can cause injury if it happens that someone is in the truck’s dumping path. You could also endanger a vehicle nearby by dumping these materials. Be aware of your surroundings to avoid any potential problems.
