Machine Directive 2006/42/EC:

The fact that the securing of the load is also a matter for the designer can be found in various laws and technical guidelines. 

The machine directive 2006/42/EC, which has been a mandatory European law since the end of 2009, requires: “The machine or any of its components must be safe to handle and transport; ...” This means that it is essential for the machine designer to devise a machine in such a way that it is suitable for being transported. § 22 StVO, sec.1 (German Road Traffic Act) prescribes that cargo must be secured and that the recognised rules of sound engineering must be observed. Eligible rules of engineering are mainly DIN and EN standards as well as VDI guidelines. § 22 StVO, sec. 1 (German Road Traffic Act) has no special receiver but applies to everyone who deals with the load in a responsible way. This means that standards and guidelines regarding load securing must also be taken into account by the designer. 

Special mention deserves in this context DIN EN 474-1 “Earth-moving machinery - Safety - Part 1: General requirements”. It requires that earth-moving machines must have (clearly marked) lashing points. VDI 2700-13 “Load securing on road vehicles - bulky and heavy haulage” becomes even more precise here and demands that, if necessary, a corresponding technical coordination between manufacturer and transport planner must take place already during the design phase. 

Trucks, trailers and semi-trailers with flatbed bodies have long been required to be equipped with anchorages (lashing points) for lashing equipment for securing load. This mandatory requirement is included in the DGUV Regulation 70 (vehicles). With regard to the implementation, reference is made to DIN-EN 12640 “Lashing points on commercial vehicles for goods transportation”. 

Despite existing rules and regulations, problems often occur in practice during handling. It is helpful to look at current practice and the close cooperation between transport engineer and designer.

Attention: ISO 15818 has been in force since March 2017. For the first time worldwide, it defines requirement criteria for lifting and lashing points for earth moving machinery. All RUD lifting and lashing points meet the standard requirements.