Tarping Loads Safely
Tarps protect loads like lumber, steel and machinery from weather and road grime, and keep sand and gravel from blowing out of dump trucks. But tarping often means hauling 50 to 100-pound tarps up onto a load and walking across it, sometimes in wind and rain. Falls from loads are a leading cause of serious injuries to flatbed drivers.
- Truck drivers
- Flatbed
- Dump trucks
Photo: tarping station with an overhead gantry and fall arrest lines over a flatbed
Safer ways to tarp
- Automatic tarp systems: dump trucks and some trailers have crank or electric tarps you operate from the ground. Use them.
- Conestoga and rolling tarp trailers: sliding covers that eliminate climbing for many loads.
- Tarping stations: many shippers have gantries with fall arrest lines, or cranes and forklifts to lift the tarp onto the load. Ask before you climb.
- Unroll from the ground: where possible, have a forklift place the folded tarp on top of the load.
If you must climb
- Use a ladder to reach the deck and the top of the load. Don’t climb tires, straps or the load itself.
- Wear boots with good tread and gloves with grip.
- Stay off loads that are wet, icy, slick or unstable (like round pipe or coils).
- Keep away from the edges, and don’t walk backward.
- Use fall protection when it’s available.
- Have someone nearby who knows you’re up there.
Wind
A tarp catching the wind can yank you off the load. In gusty conditions, wait for the wind to drop, tarp in a building, or use a tarping station. Unroll the tarp downwind and keep it close to the load surface.
Lifting tarps
- Use a forklift, crane or hoist to lift tarps onto the deck or load.
- If lifting by hand, keep the tarp close to your body and lift with your legs. Get help with heavy tarps.
- Fold tarps neatly so they’re easier to handle next time.
Straps and bungees
- Rubber bungee straps can snap back and hit your face or eyes. Wear safety glasses, keep your face out of the line, and replace cracked bungees.
- Secure every flap so the tarp can’t flap loose and tear or cover lights and mirrors.
- Check tarps along with your cargo securement checks. See Cargo Securement.
Tarping checklist
- Automatic system or tarping station available? Use it first
- Weather and wind checked
- Ladder in place; boots and gloves on; glasses for bungees
- Load surface dry and stable
- Tarp lifted by machine where possible
- All flaps secured; lights and plates uncovered
Standards & references
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