Dimension & Loading
Dimension & Loading Module Overview
The Dimension and Loading Module within the Main Roads Western Australia Heavy Vehicle Accreditation (WAHVA) scheme is designed to ensure that heavy vehicles are operated within legal dimensions and loading limits.
Operators must be aware of the legal dimension and weight limits applicable to their vehicles based on their type and load class. This includes height, width, length, and weight restrictions.
Compliance
To comply with the Dimension & Loading Module, operators need to adhere to several key standards:
Load Management Procedures: Operators must establish and implement load management procedures to ensure that loads are correctly distributed and secured. This includes following guidelines for loading practices and ensuring that all loads are balanced within the vehicle's capacity.
Approvals & Authorisations: Operators must ensure that vehicles have the required registrations, licenses, permits or orders and proposed routes are approved for vehicle combinations.
Dimension & Loading Checks: Before commencing a journey and any time the load is altered, drivers must conduct dimension & loading checks to verify that the vehicle adheres to legal dimensions and that the load is secure and properly distributed in accordance with Load Management Procedures.
Common Standards: Dimension & Loading forms part of the WAHVA Common Standards Module. See Common Standards for more information.
Documentation
To comply with the WAHVA scheme, several key documents are required:
Load Management Procedures: A formal document outlining the procedures for loading and securing cargo, including specific guidelines for different types of loads.
Permits for Oversize or Overweight Loads: Copies of any special permits obtained for transporting loads that exceed standard legal limits.
Inspection Checklists: Documentation of pre-trip inspection checklists used to verify load security and vehicle dimensions before departure and any time the load is altered.
WAHVA Audit
Auditors will focus on the following key areas during the assessment:
Load Management Procedures: The audit will include an assessment of the load management procedures in place, ensuring that they address the WAHVA criteria, including dimension & loading checklists.
Completed Dimension & Loading Checks: Auditors will review dimension & loading inspection records to verify that drivers are conducting necessary checks. Checks must be completed for each load and any time a load is altered.
The following documents will be reviewed as part of the WAHVA Audit:
Load Management Plans
Dimension & Loading Checklists
Completed Dimension & Loading Inspections