Products that are used in this country to secure loads on various types of transporters must have a label or patch that clearly identifies their use. The identifier contains information such as:

• Normal hand force (standard hand force)
• Standard tension force
• Lashing capacity
• Year of production
• Details of materials processed

In addition, tension straps cannot be used for an unlimited period of time. When these products show certain signs of wear, they must no longer to be used under any circumstances. These include the label becoming illegible or detached, and breaks and tears or cuts on the material. Another sign is damage to the seams that can occur due to weathering or chemical substances. It is therefore important for lashing straps to be checked regularly and replaced when necessary. This is the only way to avoid serious accidents.

Thanks to innovative materials and new developments in the field of cargo securing, it is increasingly easy nowadays to secure loads on transporters, cars or trucks. However, violations of legal requirements for transport safety (section 22 StVO) can mean high fines. Accordingly, goods must be secured in such a way that nothing can fall over, slip, fall down or roll over. A load must never produce extreme noise.

With the help of lashing straps, a load can be held together/strapped and thus secured on the transporter. Since belts themselves are lightweight and easy to handle, these products are very popular as tools.

For transport on public roads and within the company, the following safety regulations must be observed:

• VDI 2700 ff (cargo securing on vehicles)
• DIN EN 12195-1 (calculation of lashing forces)
• DIN EN 12195-2 (lashing straps)
• DIN EN 12195-3 (lashing chains)

Lashing straps are usually made of woven synthetic fibre. Straps with a ratchet are available in different strap widths and in one/two-part versions. They serve as a tensioning element and often have a snap hook (or fitting) on the end, which simplifies handling.

Furthermore, tension straps including a clamping lock can be used to secure a load. They are mainly used for strapping the goods. Single-part belts for tensioning are equipped with a roller mechanism that allows the goods to be fixed easily. These belts can be pulled in/out in increments, so that the goods to be transported can be precisely secured individually.

In order to select the right lashing straps for the individual application, the following key aspects must be considered:

• Type of cargo packaging
• Weight of goods
• Material pairing (friction (µ) between loading surface and load carrier)
• Special requirements for the transporter, such as load distribution, permissible total mass or maximum load on the fastening eyelets
• Combination of lashing types
• Different lashing methods, such as transverse lashing, diagonal lashing or tie-down lashing
• To ensure that the goods are protected, edge protectors are recommended.