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Loadbinders –
What is your
choice?
By Karen-Maree’ Kaye
Sir Isaac Newton’s First Law
of Motion states that an
object at rest tends to stay
at rest and that an object
in motion tends to stay in
motion with the same speed
and in the same direction
unless acted upon by an
unbalanced force.
oad binders are a standard part of the
equipment needed by operators in their
day-to-day operations. Feedback on the subject
has indicated that not all operators are given
a choice of what load binding equipment
they prefer or are experienced in using, or
feel comfortable and adept working with.
The question needs to be asked. Is it safe to
ask an operator to use equipment they do not feel comfortable
working with?
The right of workers to speak up about safety without fearing
for their jobs was upheld in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court,
in the first discrimination conviction under the Occupational
Health and Safety Act 2004.
Patrick Stevedoring Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of transport infrastructure
giant Asciano, was convicted and fined after being found guilty
of discriminating against a worker who raised concerns about
cargo lifting procedures in 2007.
“Protecting yourself and your co-workers by raising health
and safety matters at work isn’t just a right, it’s a necessity,”
WorkSafe’s executive director for health and safety, Ian Forsyth,
said.
“Discriminating against someone who’s trying to speak up
about safety issues isn’t something WorkSafe takes lightly – and
this prosecution sends a clear message to all employers that it’s
unacceptable,” he said.
The following independent report covers two commonly used
load binding devices and WATM has also hunted out some
new products on the market offering alternatives to traditional
equipment.
Peter Swift kindly bought around to me the two load binders
featured in the report and I had a go at using both of them. He
explained that while our demonstration was at waist level, in
many instances you would need to be operating this equipment
over your head.
I tried the over-centre binder first and managed to tighten
the chain in one go.
Having no experience with either bit of equipment, I was
feeling rather chuffed, that I had secured my pretend load in
a short period of time. I then had a go with the ratchet binder.
This was another story for me. First there was all the preparation
of unscrewing both ends, and having suffered carpal tunnel in
both hands I was getting bad feelings before we even started.
Once it was secured to the chain and I began tensioning,
it came undone as the chain itself became wrapped around
ratchet binder, so it took a few times to get it right.
From someone totally inexperienced, common sense suggests
that a piece of equipment that takes fewer actions will take less
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WATM | june 2011
ratchet binder
[
The question needs to be asked.
Is it safe to ask an operator to
use equipment they do not feel
comfortable working with?
[
time and give more productivity, especially when you have to
do this multiple times on one load.
I questioned Peter on the safety aspect of both load binders.
He said he had heard of injuries with both pieces of equipment
and from his experience, injuries sustained from using an
over-centre binders came about from improper use. He said
he had witnessed an accident with a ratchet binder, when it
hit an operator in the eye, again in his opinion, improper use.
I questioned another operator about these two devices and
was told that from her experience the ratchet binder was
considerably heavier than the over-centre binder and, as most
restraining is done in an overhead position, it makes it a lot
harder. She went on to tell me that with the over centre-binder,
you can add a secondary binder to further tighten and this
can’t be done with a ratchet binder. “I also have a tool called
focus
a “dog bar” available from Truckline which hooks into the end
of the over-centre binder when undoing it to prevent it flying
open and causing injury. Many places will allow you to use
over-centre binders if you have this tool,” she said.
In her opinion both binders were as dangerous as each other.
She went on to tell me that she had broken her nose when an
over-centre she was undoing sprung back (before she got her
dog bar).
“The undoing of each requires that your body position, and
therefore your head, is above and in front of the apparatus,
making you more susceptible to injury, she told me.
In her opinion, Injury occurs usually when in a hurry, or lack
of attention or experience.
Off I went off to research more on the safety aspect and
found the world divided on the subject. On one hand the ratchet
binder may take longer to use as it has more actions, but it
would seem that there is less chance of injury due to improper
use and I am sure the more you use a piece of equipment the
quicker you get at it.
However some experienced operators such as Peter feel more
comfortable using the over-centre binder as they are well aware
of the risks and minimise those by ensuring the mechanism in
closed properly in the first instance.
Misuse of an over-centre binder was highlighted in a WorkSafe
report where an employee in an engineering environment was
required to draw together and hold the longitudinal seam of
a rolled steel plate prior to welding it into a cylinder. Against
normal practice the employee utilised an over-centre load binder
to pull the joint together.
During this operation the locking mechanism of the over
centre load binder snapped open and the locking lever struck
the employee in the eye. As a result the employee suffered a
crushed cheekbone and the loss of one eye. It was found that
the over-centre load binder was used for a task not specifically
recommended by the manufacturer and as a consequence may
not have been fully closed before the accident. Over-centre load
binders which are under load but not fully closed have the ability
to snap open with considerable force. The unsecured nature of
the unwelded cylinder is thought to have been a contributing
factor. WorkSafe found that workplaces should not permit the
use of over-centre load binders for purposes other than those
recommended by the manufacturer and even then, employees
should be advised not to unnecessarily remain in close proximity
to the locking lever after a load has been secured. Load binding systems store energy that can release suddenly.
Experts suggest that the binder handle and load is released
with extreme care, ensuring that personnel are clear by using
an open palm under the handle and pushing up to release the
tension and leaning back and away from the arc of the binder
handle in the event of snap-back. >>
[
Discriminating against someone
who’s trying to speak up about
safety issues isn’t something
WorkSafe takes lightly
[
Possibly the safest winch ever.
• All new sealed gear box bearings
upgraded to 4,000kg.
• Safer load restraint with ease of operation
that helps protect your workers and reduce
compensation claims.
Transking Tightwinder available through Khitch WA
and selected outlets. For more information please call
02 9683 4347 or 0419 404 788 or visit our website
www.transking.com.au
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over centre binder closed
The use of equipment is a risky business and you have to
assess your own risk primarily based on your experience and
capabilities. Use common sense.
As the following report reveals there are also long-term health
factors to consider with using load binding equipment.
I asked Peter which of these two load binders he thought would
give the most tension on a load. From his experience he felt that
when you double dog a load (one over-centre binder on each
side), nothing will move, if loaded properly. “Again it comes
down to proper use,” he says.
A senior physiotherapist has analysed the use of these two
load binders in a bid to assess the impact of the devices on the
body and to highlight their correct use. The job task analysis (HA)
JOB TASK ANALYSIS
Binder One
Over-centre Binder
Closed Length: 510cm
Closed Width: 70cm
Flexed Length: 320cm
Open Hook to Hook length: 630cm
Weight: 2.5kgs
TASK ANALYSIS
1
2
involves a detailed assessment of the inherent physical demands
of any particular task within a given” occupation.
Adam Beavis B. Sc, Senior Physiotherapist from Aubin Grove
Physiotherapy has provided a JTA, with specific instructions to
compare the physical demands required in the use of two different
load binders. Peter demonstrated the use of an over-centre binder
and then a ratchet binder. This was recorded on a digital video
camera, and analysed in detail.
The load restraint devices are just one part of the scenario, so
next month we will be looking at chains.
What are your experiences and thoughts on this subject?
Write to [email protected] or fax 08 9275 2995.
THE USE OF OVER-CENTRE BINDER vs. RATCHET
BINDER WHEN SECURING A CHAINED LOAD ON A
HEAVY VEHICLE
Binder two
Ratchet Binder
Handle length: 380cm
Closed Width: 630cm
Open Width: 820cm
Weight: 5kgs
Attaching the Over-Centre Binder to the load
• (1) Two hooks are attached to the chain
• (2) Binder lever is fixed to load chain in an open position
• Binder lever is pulled down to the closed position
From this point, the chain is tightened. If further tightening is
required, the point of attachment to the chain is simply moved.
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WATM | june 2011
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Removing the Over-Centre Binder from the load
• Releasing the binder lever is simply a matter of pulling the
lever back into an open position.
NOTE: There is a significant amount of energy in the stretched
chain. The operator must be careful to stand with their body
out of the path of the handles path.
• The hooks are then detached from the chain
TASK ANALYSIS
1
2
ratchet binder
Attaching the Ratchet Binder to the load
• (1) Thread on both arms of the binder must be unwound
by hand. This takes approximately 20 turns on both sides
(Unwinding ends of ratchet binder XXXXXXX)
• (2) Hooks on both arms are attached to the load chain
• Ratchet handle must then be turned several times with one
hand (depending on how tight the chain needs to be) to
tighten chain
• One arm of the Ratchet Binder must be stabilised with the
operators other hand.
Removing the Ratchet binder from the load
• Hooks on either side are detached from the chain
• Ratchet handle must then be turned several times with one hand
(depending on how tight the chain was) to release the chain
• One arm of the Ratchet Binder must be stabilised with the
operators other hand
• Thread on both arms of the binder must be wound up again
by hand (leaving the Ratchet Binder unwound whilst not in
use will potentially damage the thread, making it unusable).
This takes approximately 20 turns on both sides
Don't risk it,secure it with Load Choker.
Comparison of Body Movements RequiredOver-Centre vs. Ratchet Binder and Potential
Musculoskeletal Implications
The Over-Centre binder is minimally labour intensive to attach
and remove from a load. Once the chain is attached to either
end of the binder, a simple pull of the lever with one arm
completes the binding task. Attaching one Over-Centre Binder
took approximately 10-15 seconds.
LS50 Strap Model
Load Capacity: 2500kg
Manufactured and Tested to:
AS/NZS 4380
LC08 Chain Model
Load Capacity: 4000kg
Manufactured and Tested to:
AS/NZS 4344
Restrain Difficult Loads | Increase Productivity | Reduce OH&S Risks
Visit us at stand 54
29 - 31 July 2011
The Ratchet Binder, in comparison, is very labour intensive. It
requires the following movements in addition to those required
when using an Over-Centre Binder:
• Repeated unwinding of the thread on both arms of the binder
(approximately 20 turns on each side, each turn requiring
repeated pronation and supination of the forearm and wrist)
• Repeated ratchet turning of the binder lever. This requires
repeated shoulder and elbow flexion and extension, generally
whilst both upper limbs are already in elevation (as binders
are often being tightened in an overhead position)
Invented, made and owned by Australians.
Find out more at loadchoker.com or (03) 9358 9099
“Safer Loads, Safer Roads”
june 2011 | WATM
29
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The Ratchet Binder also takes several minutes to attach and
remove from a chain. This point is extremely important, especially
when the binder is being operated in an overhead position.
Prolonged, repeated upper limb movements above 90” of
elevation, especially when under load, will predispose operators
to an increased incidence of the following conditions:
• Sub-acromtal bursitis and impingement syndromes
• Rotator cuff tendinopathy
Based on my assessment, the Over-Centre binder does not
predispose it’s users to the same risks of musculoskeletal injury.
The main reasons for this are:
1. It is 2.5kg lighter
2. It requires no repetitive upper limb movements to operate
3. It is quick and easy to use, so minimal time is spent in
shoulder elevation above 90·
DISCLAIMER
• Rotator cuff tendon tears
• Glenoid Labrum (shoulder joint cartilage] lesions
• Gleno-humeral Joint Arthopathy
• Elbow and wrist overuse tendinopathies (such as lateral
epicondylitis)
• Thoracic and cervical spine sprains
• Upper limb and shoulder girdle muscular strains
NOTE: This list is by no means all inclusive of the musculoskeletal
injuries potentially caused by using a ratchet binder, but rather
a broad summary.
This report is purely an analysis of the task of using an OverCentre Binder and a Ratchet Binder. This report is not a guide
for usage of these tools, or an operations manual of any kind. If
operating these tools please ensure you obtain proper training
from an expert in the field.
Please note the opinion in this report is purely with regards
to potential musculoskeletal effects of using these binders. We
are unable to comment on other factors which may affect the
occupational safety of these binders (load capacity, propensity
to fail, etc.) as these are not our areas of expertise.
Transking
Tightwinder
The Transking Tightwinder
was designed to replace
the standard type push-pull
bar-operated conventional
load binder. Its use makes
it easier to obtain access
over drive wheels and trailer
guards and it fits into a standard loadbinder
tracks. The Tightwinder has a 2:1 reduction bevelled
gear, gearbox and is operated in a continuous
clockwise direction using a single hex socket; greatly
reducing possibility of injury to the operator.
The latest units have had double sealed bearings
fitted to the drive shaft and additional ratchet teeth
eliminating the need to lubricate the drive shaft,
reducing friction and improving strap tension
plus they have now been upgraded to 4000 kgs
lashing capacity.
The unit is now featured in the Victorian WorkSafe
handbook as a safer alternative to the existing
original load binders. The Transking Tightwinder was
also presented as a Finalist in the 2010 Victorian
Transport Awards.
This latest edition of the loadbinder is one of the
safest manually-operated loadbinders available and
should greatly reduce the injury risk to drivers and
improve load restraint. It is a carefully engineered
piece of equipment designed to give years of service.
Its robust construction consists of a heavy-duty cast
gearbox with machine finished surfaces and a
heavy duty pressed body designed to eliminate
twist and distortion in normal operating conditions.
The strap through shaft is machined to take two
interference fitting pressed strap guide plates to
ensure smooth, reliable operation. Heavy-duty,
bevelled gears are fitted to a machine finished
drive shaft which gives smooth operation. The
Tightwinder is available in WA at Fuwa K Hitch
and from WARTA.
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WATM | june 2011
Load Choker
Every truckies worst nightmare would be looking over their shoulder
and finding difficult loads rolling off the tray with cars swerving in all
directions to avoid it. Such scenarios not only endanger the drivers,
but commuters alike.
The Load Choker is an exciting new solution to the problem of
safely restraining difficult loads such as loose packs of steel, timber,
pipes, mixed loads and heavy machinery.
Its 2:1 leverage pulls the load together and maintains pressure in
“choking” the load to restrict movement in all directions.
Belly strapping the strap around the products and then around
itself is an awkward and time consuming process.
The LS50 (50mm Strap Model) takes the guess work out of securing
strapped items by spreading tension evenly around loads. With the
use of one strap, items can now be secured without the strap crushing
or binding at the point of choke.
Manufactured to AS/NZS 4380, LS50 provides a load capacity
of 2,500kg and is proof tested to 5,000kg.
Over the years, many truckies have experienced chain links binding
on loads, especially when it comes to square or sharp edges. The
links inability to slide on each other affects the integrity of the chain
and affects the bottom line.
The use of LC08 (8mm Chain Model) allows the chain links to slide
freely through the chokers, whilst maintaining even tension around
the load. Manufactured to AS/NZS 4344, LC08 provides a load
capacity of 4,000kg and is proof tested to 8000kg.
Made from dropped forged alloy steel offers greater strength
and durability. The rolled edges maximises the service life of the
straps and chains.
You can now reduce your tie down and unloading times, whilst
reducing OH&S risks.
Load Chokers are proudly invented and manufactured in Australia.
Both Strap and Chain models are endorsed for use by BlueScope
Steel and One Steel.