In a move towards enhancing safety and standards in the burgeoning sector of Modular Hydraulically Suspended Trailers (MHST), the European Association of Abnormal Road Transport and Mobile Cranes (ESTA) has unveiled a new transport stability guideline. The release aims to address concerns over the rising number of inexperienced entrants in this rapidly growing industry.
The guideline, a result of collaborative efforts within ESTA’s SPMT working group, is now available for free to ESTA members and their affiliates through the association’s website library. This initiative stems from discussions during ESTA’s autumn meetings held last week in Rome, where industry leaders recognized the imperative need for standardized safety measures.
Comprising 12 member companies from eight different countries, including industry giants like Mammoet, Fagioli, and Goldhofer, the SPMT working group was initially formed to update and expand on ESTA’s 2016 SPMT Best Practice Guide, which is still accessible to members in six languages.
The newly published guideline meticulously outlines the factors integral to verifying the global stability and capacity of MHST, focusing on calculations assuming stable operating surfaces. It delves into considerations for local stability within transport arrangements and the stability of the cargo itself. Furthermore, the guideline is set to be referenced in the DNV ST-N001 Maritime Operations Standard by DNV, renowned experts in assurance and risk management.
While a comprehensive update of the best practice guide is in the pipeline for next year, the urgency of addressing stability concerns prompted the immediate release of this essential guideline. ESTA Director Ton Klijn emphasized the timeliness and significance of this work, addressing a real industry concern. Klijn also revealed ongoing efforts to revamp the 2016 best practice guide, aiming for continuous improvement.
Highlighting the broader industry challenges, Klijn stated, “Around the world, we are still seeing far too many accidents involving SPMTs, and we firmly believe that improved technical guidance coupled with properly regulated operator training are essential for the future.”
He further announced ESTA’s plans to introduce the European Transport Operators Licence (ETOL) as part of their commitment to advancing SPMT operator training. Drawing parallels with the European Crane Operators Licence, Klijn stressed that standardized training would not only elevate safety and efficiency but also play a pivotal role in recruiting skilled operators for the industry’s sustainable growth.
In summary, the release of these stability guidelines is a decisive step towards establishing a safer and more standardized operating environment for the Modular Hydraulically Suspended Trailers sector. As the industry continues to evolve, ESTA’s proactive approach sets a benchmark for addressing challenges head-on and ensuring a secure future for all stakeholders involved.
Source: ESTA
