Proper lashing ensures the safety of your transport
Proper lashing ensures the safety of your transport
Load securing is an essential step to ensure transport safety, protect goods, and prevent accidents. A poorly positioned strap, incorrect tension, or damaged equipment can compromise load stability and put both people and vehicles at risk.
This guide helps you properly use your lashing straps, comply with safety rules, and adopt good maintenance practices.
⚙️ Step 1: Properly securing a load — essential safety rules
✅ 1. Assess the load and choose the right strap
- Identify the weight and nature of the load (solid, fragile, unstable).
- Choose a strap suitable for the lashing capacity (LC – Lashing Capacity) indicated on the label.
- Always include a safety margin: never use a strap at its maximum limit.
💡 Example: for a 1,000 kg load, choose a strap with an LC of at least 2,000 daN if using friction lashing (with multiple anchoring points).
✅ 2. Correctly position the straps
- Place straps symmetrically around the load to distribute tension.
- Protect sharp edges with corner protectors or anti-abrasion sleeves.
- Avoid twists, knots, or kinks: they significantly reduce strength.
- Always attach hooks to certified and properly aligned anchoring points.
✅ 3. Tighten and check tension
- Use a tensioner adapted to the strap width and capacity.
- Tighten firmly but not excessively to avoid damaging the cargo.
- After lashing, manually check the tension of each strap.
- During transport, re-tighten if necessary, especially after the first few kilometers.
📐 Force calculations: understanding lashing capacity
The correct choice of strap depends on the required lashing force.
Two main methods are used:
- Direct lashing → straps directly restrain the load (e.g., cross or diagonal lashing).
→ The breaking strength of the strap must be at least equal to the total load weight. - Friction lashing (or over-the-top lashing) → the strap presses the load against the floor to increase grip.
→ Multiple straps must be used depending on the friction coefficient and tightening angle.
💡 The friction coefficient varies depending on the surface: wood, metal, plastic pallets, etc. Adding anti-slip mats increases safety.
🔍 Step 2: Inspection frequency and maintenance
Lashing straps are exposed to mechanical stress, friction, and weather variations. Regular inspection is essential to ensure durability.
🕒 Checks to perform:
- Before each use:
- Check overall condition (webbing, stitching, buckles, hooks).
- Ensure the label is readable and complete (standard, LC, length).
- Every 3 to 6 months:
- Thorough inspection by a safety officer.
- Record observations in a maintenance log.
- After an incident or mechanical overheating:
- Immediately remove the strap from service.
- Replace any suspect component.
🚫 Replace without hesitation:
- Missing or unreadable label.
- Visible cuts, burns, or fraying.
- Damaged stitching.
- Deformed or corroded hooks.
Step 3: Common mistakes to avoid
Even experienced users can make mistakes that compromise safety. Here are the most common ones:
| ❌ Common mistake | 🚫 Consequence | ✅ Best practice |
|---|---|---|
| Using a strap without a label | Non-compliance and potential danger | Remove from service immediately |
| Tying a knot to shorten a strap | Strength reduction up to 50% | Use a suitable tensioner or winder |
| Hooks poorly positioned or misaligned | Risk of slipping | Check each anchoring point |
| Excessive tension on fragile load | Damage to the product | Adjust the tightening force |
| Forgetting to check during transport | Loosening, imbalance | Check after a few kilometers |