Load Restraint for the Protection of Occupants in Light Vans Including Car Derivatives 856102

The problems of restraining miscellaneous loads in light vans and passenger cars derivates were quantified with a view to developing specifications for strong anchorage points, bulkheads, racking, and restraint systems. The project brought together the main organisations involved: the fleet operators, vehicle manufacturers, restraint manufacturers, and racking manufacturers.

In an information gathering phase, the type of accidents were defined against which the restraint system would be required to provide protection. The specified accidents were simulated using barrier crash tests and dynamic sled tests. The test vehicles were equipped with bulkheads and storage bin systems. Various schemes of loads were held down with webbing restraints attached to anchorage points. This test work, as well as providing the loading information for the restraint specification, also indicated the performance given by existing systems. Specifications for cargo restraint systems were drawn up and prototype designs engineered to this standard for evaluation. Performance tests were carried out on the overall systems to cover the different conditions and types of load experienced in service.

The final stage of the project involved preparation of the detailed specifications for the anchorage points, bulkheads, racking systems, and restraints that would form part of a Recommended Practice.