Posted By George Wedgwood
We do this but i have not got acess to the RA at the moment - however, i could follow it up for you, given more time. Basically this is an operation fraught with risk if people are permitted into the loading area. Establish a 'zone' for loading priopr to any loading and ensure that not even the driver is allowed into it. This zone should be barriered off (use simple exhibition-type floor posts with pull-out tape and some basic 'danger loading' notices. establish a safe working procedure that says simply (in different languages if necessary) what has to be done and clearly states remaining risk - load slewing, rail falls off forks, person within barrier etc. and how these risks should be avoided. Al personnel involved in the operation must know what is going to happen - i.e. rail lengths onto a flatbed waggon or into a curtain sided truck are different loading operations and have different risks. Do not allow somone to hold the end of the rail during loading - affix some rope to each end if needed so it can be manipulated as necessary. place wooden baulks for the rail to rest on. Ensure th rail lenghts are positioned right up to the trailer end board at the cab end to avoid any movement during severe braking. Ensure maximum gross weight is not exceeded so eith do on weighbridge or ensure load is weighted immediately after and mans are available to reposition or adjust load if necessary. Have only one person directing the loading - they should be a CITB trained crane operatior or similar. Ensure the FLT operator only moved vehicle when instructed to do so by the loader - he should be certificated also. Make sure the operation takes place on even ground anmd that the forks are positioned correctly to minimise any rail slippage during movement. Allow sufficient room around the FLT to enable its safe movement and manoeuvering. Do not allow anyone on the truck during loading. If the driver want to reposition his bed timbers, the operation should stop, under the control of the loader, while he is allowed into the barriered area for that purpose only. If the driver (or banksman etc. has to get onto or off the lorry bed, ensure that there is a safe way to do this as many falls from lorries are serious.). As for rails capacity, we get about 50 off 30 ft. lengths (appr 25 tonne) on an average artic and more if the lenghts are shorter. Feel free to email me for more info. Regards, George

Posted By Danny Swygart
I have had lengths of rail removed from my site and the method used was to have a flatbed lorry mounted Hiab type crane. The lorry pulls up along side the lengths of rail and the operator controls the crane by remote control (no persons in area of lift), lifting the lengths onto the bed of the lorry.

Previous suggestions such as spreader beams and tying ropes to guide any movement or swing are valid.