Steel Coil Securement Manual
Master suicide vs shotgun coil orientations, hardwood timber bunk dimensions, rubber friction mat placement, and direct chain WLL calculations to eliminate rollover fatalities.
Suicide (Eye-Crosswise)
Eye facing side-to-side
Under sudden braking, the coil rolls forward directly toward the tractor cab. Requires minimum 1 direct tie-down over the top, plus 2 chains pulling forward and 2 chains pulling rearward through the eye.
- • Forward G-Force: 0.8g decelerating
- • Required Bunks: Min 2 hardwood bunks
- • Friction Mats: Full contact under bunks
- • Chock Angle: 45° beveled hardwood
Shotgun (Eye-Lengthwise)
Eye facing front-to-back
Coil can roll laterally off trailer sides in turns. Requires cross-chaining through the eye forming an "X" or horseshoe cradles to oppose lateral g-forces (0.5g lateral requirement).
- • Lateral G-Force: 0.5g turning load
- • Required Bunks: Cradled lengthwise
- • Cross-Chain: Angle < 45° to rub rail
- • Edge Protectors: Double-reinforced steel
Eye-to-Sky (Vertical)
Eye facing straight up
Coil rests flat on skid or pallet. Primary hazard is sliding and tipping. Requires perimeter blocking, friction rubber mats, and direct chains or 4-inch heavy-duty web straps.
- • Sliding Resistance: Friction mats mandatory
- • Tie-Downs: Minimum 2 diagonal crossed
- • Tarping: 18oz fitted coil bag recommended
- • Skidded Base: Nailed floor blocking