We recently had an incident where a 53' trailer floor gave way while one of our forklift drivers was on the trailer. Fortunately the driver was not injured. After an investigation, it appears that several of the rivets attaching the crossbeams had deteriorated and allowed a couple crossbeams to break away under the weight of the forklift. Surprisingly, the trailer had just been inspected 2 weeks ago and no deficiencies were noted. As a result, we have implemented a procedure where by the forklift driver does a walk around the outside of the trailer prior to unloading it. I found a checklist from OSHA with respect to items to look at that we have incoporated. Our drivers already checked the interior as they unload to look for any damage, but I figured an exterior review might indicate potential issues they couldn't see until it was possibly too late. Has anyone had a similiar experience or know of a better method ?
Thanks
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jeff m:
Google: liftright.net/loading-trucks.htm
You will find a photo of a trailer collapse and a photo of a trailer floor unzipping.
jeff m:
Go to any major heavy towing firm, any major trailer leasing company or any major trucking company and they should have numerous pictures of truck trailer failure including roof collapse, sidewall tearing, floor unzipping and other damage. Most of these failures occurred because of what many would consider minor defects.
Most dry van and reefer type trailers in use today in the U.S. and Canada are of a monocoque construction. The trailer is basically a unitized body and the floor is supported similar to a suspension type bridge. There are no support beams running the longitudinal length of these trailers. The only beams are those that attach the suspension (wheel components) to the trailer.
These unitized trailers are prone to catastrophic failure and do require special inspection. The potential hazards to the forklift operator, other employees, as well as the general public should a trailer fail are much greater than OSHA and other safety organizations recognize or are willing to admit.
Google: monocoque trailer technical information bulletin transportation.centennialcollege.ca
Google: OSHA Technical Bulletin Inspection of Suspension-Type Highway Trailers Prior to Loading and Unloading with Powered Industrial Trucks
The information on the above sites should be identical with the exception of the trailer illustration in the Centennial College site.
It should also be noted that the DOT highway underride guard/rear impact guard on these trailers are prone to failure. Do not drive behind these trailers on the road unless you can absolutely, under all circumstances, stop safely. If you cannot stop safely the back end of the trailer could be coming through your windshield.
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