Rejection Criteria:
Do not use if you find illegible markings, cut/chaffed webbing, broken stitching, heat/chemical damage, or deformed fittings.
Recommendation: Have straps inspected by a competent person at least every 6 months.
The Ratchet Tie Down Lashing Strap is a highly reliable cargo securing solution designed for safe transportation and load restraint, fully compliant with rigorous EN 12195-2 safety standards.
| Ratchet Handle | Operation | STF Value | Why Choose This? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Handle Short Handle |
Push Up | ~300 - 350 daN | Cost-Effective. Best for general cargo where extreme tension isn't critical. |
| Ergo Long Handle Premium |
Pull Down | 500+ daN | High Tension. "Pulling down" creates tighter lashing with less physical effort. |
Two-Piece System: Strap with Hook + Ratchet with Short Tail.
Endless System: One piece for bundling loads together.
The relevant standard is BS EN 12195-2: 2001. Straps are available for general purpose or specific applications (e.g., car transport).
Ensure the tensioner (ratchet handle) is free to align and not bent over an edge. The webbing must not be twisted. Terminal fittings must engage correctly. Checking tension after traveling a short distance is recommended.
Damage Causes: Tensioning across sharp edges, uneven loading, heat burns, and chemical exposure (alkalis damage polyester). Clean only with clear water and dry naturally.
Storage: Store in a clean, dry area, free from contaminants and shaded from direct sunlight.
Note: This information is of a general nature only covering the main principles of load restraint.
Load restraint is a general term covering all three methods of securing loads to vehicles. Without restraint, a load is very likely to slide or topple in transit. The three main methods are:
Blocking is a securing method where the load lies against fixed structures or fixtures on the vehicle such as headboards, sideboards, stanchions or bracing which prevents the load from sliding or toppling.
Lashing uses flexible equipment to tie the load to the vehicle. There are two main types: Frictional Lashing (top-over) and Direct Lashing. Many systems use a combination of both.
Locking is a securing method where the load is secured to the vehicle by mechanical devices, such as the twist locks which secure freight containers.
Figure 1 illustrates a wooden crate secured by a friction lashing. It is the vertical component of the tension in the lashing which forces the crate onto the bed of the vehicle.
The maximum friction is obtained when angle α = 90º. When α reduces, the friction reduces. For example, when α is 30º, the effect is halved.
The amount of friction also depends upon the friction factors of the materials the load and the bed are made from (see Annex B of BS EN 12195-1). Friction can be enhanced by using a friction mat between the load and the bed.
Figure 2 illustrates a dumper truck secured by direct lashing. With direct lashing, it is the horizontal component of the tension in the lashing which provides the majority of the longitudinal and transverse restraint. This horizontal component increases as angle α decreases.
In plan view, the longitudinal lashing angle βx controls the balance. As βx increases, longitudinal restraint decreases and the transverse restraint increases.
Note: Direct lashing can only be used when both the load and the bed have lashing points compatible with the required strength of the lashing.
Other Lashing Methods: Loop lashing, spring lashing, and round turn lashing are also used, often in conjunction with blocking. The European Best Practice Guidelines explain these in more detail.
Loads on road vehicles are subjected to the forces generated due to the vehicle accelerating, braking, and cornering.
EN 12195-1 specifies how the lashing forces should be calculated based on acceleration coefficients. Figure 3 illustrates these forces for an HGV under normal driving conditions.
Toppling Risk: As well as trying to make the load slide, these forces may try to topple the load. Additional restraint may therefore be required.
Note: Lighter vehicles (<3,500kg) or transport via rail/sea may subject the load to higher forces.