Safe Work Practices (SWP)
SWP (67) TRAILERS - GENERAL
Guidelines:
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It is illegal to carry a load in an open trailer unless it is secured or loaded in a way to
prevent it from falling from the trailer – ALWAYS INSPECT TRAILER LOAD,
SECUREMENT METHOD, OUTRIGGERSM LANDING GEAR, DUNNAGE, and
ETC. PRIOR TO STARTING TRIP!!!
CCMET and their contracted haulers use different types of trailers to transport heavy
equipment, construction materials and construction waste.
All company and subcontractor vehicle incidents/accidents (including theft,
vandalism, near-miss, spills) and near-misses must be reported as soon as possible
to CCMET.
Make sure you have the appropriate Drivers License with the right class before
towing any type of trailer.
Never try to haul a trailer too large or too heavy for the tow vehicle. It is important to
match the towing vehicle with the proper size trailer (motor vehicle manufacturer’s
rating).
It is necessary to take into account the weight of the loaded trailer and the power of
the tow vehicle. Check with the vehicle dealer or manufacturer for trailer towing
recommendations if you are in doubt.
The proper hitch must be selected for the type of trailer you intend to pull.
An anti-sway bar is necessary for trailers more than 5.2 m (17 ft.). in length.
Trailers must have two independent means of attachment with the tow vehicle in
order to prevent separation:
o The tow-bar, which is connected to the hitch.
o Safety chains or cables, which should be slack enough for turning.
A hitch must provide clear view of the licence plate when the vehicle is not towing a
trailer.
Brakes are required for trailers having a gross vehicle weight of more than 910 kg
(2,000 lb.).They can also be installed on smaller trailers.
Trailer brakes should be equipped with a breakaway device to stop the trailer, should
it separate from the tow hitch.
Trailers must have:
o At least one red tail light.
o A red stop light at the rear.
o Red or amber turn signal lights.
o A white license plate light.
o Clearance lights at the front and rear of the trailer if the width is equal to or
greater than the tow vehicle.
o A red light or reflector at the end of the load projection at night if the load
extends more than 1 m (3 ft.) beyond the rear of the trailer. During daylight
hours a red flag must be displayed.
The electrical connections between the trailer and the tow vehicle should include a
ground wire and not depend on grounding through the hitch ball.
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Safe Work Practices (SWP)
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If side visibility is limited, the tow vehicle should have extended mirrors on both sides.
Due to their extra width, these mirrors add to vehicle width and special care should
be exercised when driving. These mirrors should be removed when you are not
towing a trailer or adjusted to not more than 20 cm (8 in.) from the outside of the
vehicle.
Trucks are required to have outside mirrors on both sides at all times
All trailers must have either splashguards or fenders when travelling on a highway.
It is important to fill the tires with the proper air pressure. Check the pressure when
the tires are still cold, before driving.
Tires should be kept at the pressure recommended by the manufacturer. DO NOT
exceed this pressure.
It is illegal to carry passengers on or in a moving trailer.
Only vehicles towing with a fifth wheel hitch may tow a second trailer, providing the
total weight of the trailers being towed does not exceed twice the gross vehicle
weight of the tow vehicle.
Always ensure national safety code requirements and rules are being adhered to for
trailer usage in semi truck operations.
If working during the winter, follow applicable safe work practices that relate to winter
driving and transportation.
Underinflated tires may cause sway, while overinflated tires may produce a rough
ride. Both of these conditions may cause excessive tire wear, blowouts or loss of
control.
Rear tire pressure of the tow vehicle may have to be increased to compensate for the
trailer load. Again, DO NOT exceed the manufacturer’s recommended maximum air
pressure.
Do not overload a trailer. Keep the load 91 kg (200 lb.) below the rated capacity.
Do not overload the trunk. Too much weight at the rear of the car will raise the front
end, which affects the steering, braking, headlight aim and mirror alignment.
For heavy loads on utility-type trailers, keep the weight distributed between axles.
Keep the heavy items low on the floor or in the lower cupboards. Make sure the load
is secure and evenly distributed from side to side to prevent sway.
Keep water tanks either full or empty to prevent sway.
On a boat trailer, place the heaviest load where the hull support is the greatest
(usually over the keel). Roller and hull support should be adjusted to give support at
all points.
If your boat or utility trailer is empty, don’t brake too hard. This may cause the trailer
to swerve severely.
An empty trailer may be harder to control on bumps and turns.
Check trailer loads and securement equipment every 240kms.
For oversize loads, always follow National Safety Code, MOT as well as work
jurisdiction’s special transportation Regulations relating to oversize loads and make
the necessary arrangements for pilot vehicle(s) in advance.
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Safe Work Practices (SWP)
A. BEFORE STARTING OUT
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Turn off all propane appliances including shut-off valves on the propane tanks.
Make sure all the lights work and the hitch and chain connections are secure.
Be sure all tires are in good condition and properly inflated, lug nuts or bolts are tight,
the load is secure, vents are closed, the breakaway switch is connected and the
trailer is riding level.
Don’t have too much weight on the hitch or the tow vehicle’s back end will be pushed
down. This will strain the rear springs, tires and axle and also affect steering,
breaking, headlight aim and mirror alignment.
During rest stops, check the hitch, light connections, safety chains and tires. Trailers
with brakes should have their brake lining checked annually.
B. DRIVING WITH A TRAILER
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Acceleration is slower when you have a trailer attached to the vehicle.
Do not strain the engine with fast take-offs.
Avoid sudden movements of the steering wheel that could cause swaying or even an
upset.
Stopping distance is increased because of the added weight of the trailer. Stop
gradually, applying your brakes at intervals to prevent overheating and wear.
Eliminate the need for sudden stops by avoiding high speeds.
Do not go too slowly. If traffic builds up behind you, pull over and let it pass.
Reduce speed under conditions of wind and rain.
Special care should be taken when passing while pulling a trailer.
Remember:
o Acceleration is slower, therefore passing time and distance is increased. Allow for
at least twice the normal passing distance.
o When returning to the right lane, allow for sufficient space for the trailer length.
o Don’t cut in too fast.
C. BEING PASSED
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Stay in the right lane as much as possible.
Leave enough room ahead for the passing vehicle to re-enter the lane.
If cars are piling up behind you, pull over, stop and let them pass.
Do not drive on the shoulder.
Sometimes when you are being passed by a bus or semi-trailer, the rush of air makes
the car and trailer swerve. Braking will not help. Grip the steering wheel firmly and
accelerate slightly to bring the unit under control.
D. TURNING
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Avoid sharp turns.
Allow for the length of the trailer behind you. Check the traffic carefully and pull
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Safe Work Practices (SWP)
straight ahead a foot or two before turning. This will prevent the trailer from cutting
the corner too sharply.
E. BACKING UP
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Remember:
1. Back out of traffic, not into it.
2. If possible, back in a curve on the driver’s side. This gives a better view and
better control.
3. Back up slowly and check both sides.
4. Do not depend entirely on mirrors to judge the distance to the rear.
Check the conditions (ground, clearance, pedestrians and other vehicles) before
backing up.
Use a reliable person as a guide and agree on the signals to be used. Make sure the
guide is standing on the driver’s side so that he or she is visible.
If you do not have a guide, check the conditions and back up immediately before the
situation changes.
If the trailer starts to jackknife, stop, pull ahead to straighten out and start again.
Practise away from traffic until you can do it smoothly. The method will vary,
depending on where the driver places his or her hand on the steering wheel.
F. PARKING
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When parking on a highway, park well away from curves and hills and well off the
pavement. Park where you won’t block the view of oncoming traffic.
When parking at a work site, Stay away from soft, grassy or marshy ground. Always
inspect ground conditions before parking a trailer as well as during the time it is
parked. Ground conditions may change due to weather (i.e. heavy rains)
Always apply the tow vehicle’s parking brake.
Block wheels firmly on level ground as well as on the slopes.
Choose a level spot for overnight and/or long term parking.
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Safe Work Practices (SWP)
G. TRAILERS COMMONLY USED IN THE INDUSTRY, SUBCONTRACTORS AND
CONTRACTED HAULERS
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Super B
Trailer
Single-Drop
Flatbed or
Step Deck/
Drop Deck
Trailer
Double Drop
Flatbed
Trailer
Tridem Axle
Trailer
Tandem
Axle Trailer
Highboy
Trailer
Water Tank
Trailer
Cargo Work
Trailer