Pin point: Ensure proper procedures are followed before removing retaining pins such as these on a Mack truck.
THERE has been a noticeable trend lately of injuries among drivers and soldiers tasked to flat top/reconfigure either Unimog cargo or Mack cargo trucks.
Drivers who are qualified to operate these vehicles must ensure that anyone who helps them to configure the vehicle is familiar with side gates and tailgate removal in accordance with Army driver training.
The driver needs to explain that this is still a dangerous and heavy manual handling task.
When flat topping/reconfiguring the vehicle, the retaining pins are not to be removed from the lock position until the gate itself needs to be removed from the side of the vehicle.
On reconfiguring the vehicle to high side, each gate needs to be locked into position once it has been lifted to the high side position. The driver must ensure that one of the crew supports the gate in position with their hand as a safety measure until the pins are replaced.
If in doubt about configuring a cargo truck, contact your transport supervisor.
