§ 183.7. Front-end structure.
(a) General rule. Except as provided in subsection (h), a vehicle or combination carrying metal cargo or logs shall be equipped with a front-end structure or similar device of sufficient strength to prevent load shifting, and penetration or crushing of the compartment of the driver.
(b) Location. The front-end structure shall be located between the metal cargo or logs of the vehicle and the driver of the vehicle.
(c) Height. A front-end structure shall extend to the height of the passenger compartment of the vehicle or to a height at which it blocks forward movement of any metal cargo or logs being carried on the vehicle, whichever is less.
(d) Width. The front-end structure shall have a width which is at least equal to the width of the vehicle or which blocks forward movement of an item of cargo being transported on the vehicle, whichever is less.
(e) Strength. A front-end structure and the manner in which it is attached shall be capable of withstanding at least the horizontal forward static load indicated below:
(1) A front-end structure less than 6 feet in height: a horizontal forward static load equal to 1/2 of the weight of the metal cargo or logs being transported on the vehicle uniformly distributed over the entire portion of the front-end structure that is at or below the height of the passenger compartment or a height above the floor of the vehicle at which it blocks forward movement of an item of the metal cargo or logs of the vehicle, whichever is less.
(2) A front-end structure 6 feet in height or higher: a horizontal forward static load equal to .4 of the weight of the metal cargo or logs being transported on the vehicle uniformly distributed over the entire front-end structure.
(f) Penetration resistance. The front-end structure shall be designed, constructed and maintained so that it is capable of resisting penetration by an item of metal cargo or logs that contacts it when the vehicle decelerates at a rate of 20 feet per second. The front-end structure may have no aperture large enough to permit an item of cargo or log in contact with the structure to pass through it.
(g) Substitute devices. The requirements of this section may be met by the use of devices performing the same functions as a front-end structure, if the devices are at least as strong as and provide protection against shifting metal cargo or logs at least equal to a front-end structure which conforms with these requirements.
(h) Exemptions. The requirements of this section does not apply to the following vehicles:
(1) A trailer being towed by a vehicle that is equipped with a front-end structure that conforms with the requirements of this section.
(2) A full trailer being towed by a vehicle that is loaded in such a manner that the metal cargo on the towing vehicle conforms with the requirements of this section for a front-end structure.
(3) The requirements of subsections (e) and (f) does not apply to a vehicle manufactured before October 1, 1975.
Source The provisions of this § 183.7 adopted September 14, 1979, effective September 15, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 3179.
Cross References This section cited in 67 Pa. Code § 183.6 (relating to blocking and bracing).
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