When must an aggregate load be covered?
- If it is likely to bounce, blow or drop from the vehicle ✓
- If it is being carried in a dump truck
- If it is in a vehicle that will be parked for several hours
- If it is in a vehicle that will be travelling on a freeway
Answer: A. If it is likely to bounce, blow or drop from the vehicle
An aggregate load must be covered when it is likely to bounce, blow or drop from the vehicle.
Why this is the answer
The handbook defines an aggregate load as a collection of small articles, such as sand, gravel, paper pieces or wood chips. It says that when these loads cannot be held in with sideboards or tiedowns, a cover or tarp is needed so pieces do not escape. The covering rule is tied to aggregate material being likely to bounce, blow or drop from the moving vehicle. That matches the answer about a load likely to bounce, blow or drop.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. If it is being carried in a dump truck — Being carried in a dump truck by itself does not trigger the covering rule; the passage uses a dump truck as an example but ties the rule to aggregate material and whether pieces could escape.
- C. If it is in a vehicle that will be parked for several hours — The passage talks about pieces escaping from a moving vehicle, not about how long a vehicle will be parked.
- D. If it is in a vehicle that will be travelling on a freeway — The passage gives no freeway condition; the covering requirement depends on the load being aggregate material and being likely to bounce, blow or drop.
Remember it
Ask yourself two things: is it aggregate material, and could pieces bounce, blow or drop off? If both are yes, it needs a cover.