Slip resistance in vehicle construction
Slip Resistance in Vehicle Manufacturing
Legal Regulations for Slip Resistance in Vehicle Manufacturing
In Germany, there are clear and binding legal regulations regarding slip resistance that also play an important role in vehicle manufacturing, particularly in areas where people get in and out or handle cargo. These regulations are not to be understood as recommendations, but as legal obligations.
The central legal foundations are:
Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV) and Technical Rules for Workplaces (ASR): The ASR A1.5 "Floors" specifies the requirements of the Workplace Ordinance. It states that floors must be designed in such a way that the risk of slipping is kept as low as possible. This also applies to steps and entry points of vehicles that can be considered workplaces. The ASR contains a table of minimum slip resistance classes (R-classes) that must be adhered to depending on the type of use and the substances expected on the floor (e.g., water, oil, dirt).
DGUV Rule 108-003 "Floors in Workrooms and Work Areas with Risk of Slipping": The German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) also issues binding rules that serve the purpose of prevention. It specifies the requirements for floors in areas where there is a risk of slipping.
DIN 51130: This standard establishes the test method for determining the slip resistance of floor coverings and serves as the basis for classification into R-classes.
In summary, these regulations mandate that all accessible surfaces used in the commercial operation of a vehicle (e.g., loading areas, running boards, entry points) must be slip-resistant to prevent accidents.
Frequency of Slip-Related Accidents in the Transport Sector
Accidents caused by slipping, tripping, and falling (STF accidents) are among the most common types of accidents in Germany. According to statistics from the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), STF accidents account for about 25% of all reportable workplace accidents.
Even if there are no specific statistics that exclusively capture accidents caused by slipping in connection with vehicles (outside of driving operations), the number of accidents involving the transport of goods and people due to slipping or tripping is high. This happens primarily when getting in and out, during loading and unloading, or when walking on slippery loading areas. The high frequency of accidents highlights the need for preventive measures such as anti-slip coatings.
In Germany, there are clear and binding legal regulations for cargo securing, intended to prevent the cargo from slipping, falling, or tipping over during transit. These regulations are not to be understood as recommendations, but as legal obligations.
Cargo Securing - Regulations and Provisions
Significance of Anti-Slip
Legal Regulations for Cargo Securing
The central legal foundations are:
Road Traffic Act (StVO): Section 22 of the StVO states that cargo must be stowed and secured in such a way that it cannot slip, fall, or roll back and forth, even during emergency braking or a sudden evasive maneuver. This obligation applies to everyone involved in transport, from the loader to the carrier to the vehicle driver.
Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO): Section 31 of the StVZO clarifies that the vehicle owner must not permit a vehicle to be operated if the cargo is not properly secured. The road safety of the vehicle must not be impaired by the cargo.
German Commercial Code (HGB): In commercial goods transport, Section 412 of the HGB stipulates that the sender must load, stow, and fasten the goods in a transport-safe manner.
DGUV Rule 108-003: The German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) also issues binding rules that serve the purpose of prevention and specify the requirements for proper cargo securing.
VDI Guideline 2700: Although this is not a legal standard in the strict sense, the VDI 2700 guideline is a recognized state-of-the-art practice and serves as an important technical set of rules for correct cargo securing.
Regulation of Types of Slip Protection
The legal regulations do not prescribe which specific type of slip protection must be used. Instead, they require that the cargo must be secured in a way that withstands physical forces (braking, acceleration, and centrifugal forces). The type of securing is therefore chosen by the loader and vehicle driver in consultation with the owner, taking into account the cargo and the vehicle itself.
Cargo securing is generally divided into two main categories:
Positive-locking (form-fit) cargo securing: Here, the cargo is loaded without gaps up to the vehicle boundaries (bulkhead, side walls) so that there is no room for slipping. Loading gaps must be filled with locking beams, wedges, or dunnage bags.
Friction-locking (force-fit) cargo securing: This method is based on increasing the friction between the cargo and the loading surface. This is achieved by pressing the cargo onto the loading surface using lashing equipment such as tension straps.
Anti-slip solutions play a decisive role in the implementation of friction-locking cargo securing. While the laws do not explicitly require the use of anti-slip mats or coatings, they are recognized as aids and are recommended in technical regulations such as VDI 2700. They can significantly increase the coefficient of friction between the cargo and the loading surface, which reduces the number of lashing devices required and makes the securing process more efficient.
Note on our partner
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