More modular trailer guides in the works from ESTA

Five new best practice guides (BPG) are being written as part of a major series of guides on the use of modular hydraulic trailers, including self propelled modular transporter (SPMT).

The new guides, produced by the European association of abnormal road transport and mobile cranes, ESTA, will cover handling skew loads; interaction between trailer and cargo; trailer maintenance and fault finding; use of hydraulics; and cargo lashing and securing.

ESTA is the European association of abnormal road transport and mobile cranes

Four best practice guides have already been published and the whole project – one of the biggest and most complex ever undertaken by ESTA – also gave rise to the development of the European Trailer Operator Licence (ETOL) project now being developed alongside the new set of guides.

Details of the latest stages of the project will form an important session at ESTA’s upcoming 50th anniversary conference in Amsterdam, Netherlands, in October. The session on the MHST best practice work will be presented by members of ESTA’s expert working group: Ludo Mous, Mammoet global asset director, SPMT; Peter Huygebaert, Sarens engineering manager; and Alessandro Giordano, Cometto product and project manager.

Adding to the list

Four BPGs already published cover the following:

• guidance for analysing the interface load between modular hydraulically suspended trailers and the surface or structure they stand on
• equipment data
• the engineering levels required by various types of transport characterised by increasing levels of complexity and risk
• factors to be considered when verifying the global stability and capacity of a modular hydraulically suspended trailer.
• The separate work on operator training includes details of the generic training design, expected learning outcomes, guidelines for training institutes and a glossary of terms. Management of the ETOL scheme itself will be run alongside ESTA’s already established European Crane Operators Licence.

Former ESTA Director Ton Klijn remains involved with both the MHST and ETOL projects. “This is extremely important work for ESTA, our members and the wider industry. Around the world we are seeing far too many accidents involving SPMT. We firmly believe improved technical guidance coupled with properly regulated operator training are essential for a safer and more efficient future.”

On 23 October industry leaders from across Europe will meet at the ESTA 50th Anniversary Conference to discuss challenges shaping the sector. With sessions on safety, regulation, innovation, technology and sustainability, the conference aims to offer insight into how to build a resilient future for Europe’s heavy transport and lifting industry.

It takes place at the Okura Hotel on Ferdinand Bolstraat in Amsterdam, Netherlands, followed by ESTA’s 50th Anniversary dinner – a special evening dedicated to celebrating 50 years of ESTA and the people behind the industry.