Lashing straps are one of the most common pieces of equipment in load securing, but there are many questions about their proper use. In this article, we answer them for you – from inspection obligations to discard criteria and permitted adjustments.
Table of Contents
- Inspecting Lashing Straps: What You Need to Know
- Are Lashing Straps Subject to Inspection?
- Which Lashing Straps Must Be Inspected?
- Who Is Authorized to Inspect Lashing Straps?
- When and How Often Must Lashing Straps Be Inspected?
- Expiration Date of Lashing Straps: All Information
- Is There an “Expiration Date” for Lashing Straps?
- How Long Can Lashing Straps Be Used, and When Should They Be Discarded?
- Is It Allowed to Shorten Lashing Straps?
- Can Lashing Straps Be Used for Lifting?
- The Webbing of Lashing Straps: What Is Allowed and What Is Not?
Inspecting Lashing Straps: What You Need to Know
For proper load securing, lashing straps are essential. However, there are several important aspects to consider when using them. We have compiled all the key information about lashing straps for you. Here, you will find everything about the inspection of lashing straps, including regulations, inspection requirements, and the role of qualified personnel.
Are Lashing Straps Subject to Inspection?
Yes, lashing or tension straps are subject to inspection requirements. In Germany, the legal basis for this is the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV). Lashing straps used for load securing are considered work equipment and must be regularly inspected to ensure safety.
Additionally, the inspection requirements are specified in the VDI Guideline 2700 Sheet 3.1, which states, among other things, that they must be checked for visible damage before each use. The DIN EN 12195-2 Annex B also describes types of damage that require lashing straps to be taken out of service. During inspections, the question may arise whether they must comply with the regulations of the DGUV (German Social Accident Insurance). As part of the DGUV inspection, all safety-relevant functions and elements of operational vehicles are checked annually, including the lashing straps used for load securing. If it is found during the inspection that certain lashing straps fail to meet the requirements, they must be discarded.
Which Lashing Straps Must Be Inspected?
Common practice is that all lashing straps used for load securing must be inspected annually and documented accordingly. This is especially important for straps that are frequently subjected to stress. If visible defects are detected, they must be discarded immediately. According to VDI Guideline 2700 Sheet 3.1, lashing and tension straps should be checked before each use and inspected for obvious damage.
Who Is Authorized to Inspect Lashing Straps?
Lashing and tension straps must be inspected by qualified or competent persons authorized to check lifting and load securing equipment. According to the definition, a competent person is someone who, due to their professional training and experience, possesses sufficient knowledge in the field of load securing. The requirements for competent persons are determined in the risk assessment. Typically, they receive training or further education by attending an appropriate seminar. The training is conducted in accordance with VDI 2700 Sheet 3.1 and DIN EN 12195-1 and 12195-2.
A qualified person meets the following requirements:
- They have professional training in the field of load securing.
- They have practical experience in handling and inspecting lashing straps.
- The qualified or competent person has knowledge of current regulations and standards (e.g., BetrSichV, VDI 2700, DIN EN 12195-1, and 12195-2).
When and How Often Must Lashing Straps Be Inspected?
Regular inspection of lashing straps is essential. They must be inspected by qualified personnel at least once a year. The DIN EN 12195-2 standard recommends a visual inspection before and after each use. According to VDI Guideline 2700 Sheet 3.1, an annual inspection by a qualified expert is mandatory. This inspection ensures that lashing and tensioning straps remain suitable for use.
The inspection of lashing straps must be documented. Inspected straps are typically marked on the label by checking appropriate fields, indicating that the item has been inspected for the year. However, if inspected lashing straps are deemed unsuitable for further load securing, they must be discarded and not be used anymore. The inspection documentation should include the following details:
- The date of inspection
- The type of inspection
- The inspection standards
- Which lashing straps were inspected individually
- The inspection results
- The assessment of identified defects and statements regarding further use
- The name of the inspector
Alles auf einen Blick:
Expiration Date and Discard Criteria of Lashing Straps: All Information
With proper maintenance and usage, lashing straps can be used for load securing over an extended period. We have summarized for you when lashing straps must no longer be used and whether they have an expiration date.
Is There an "Expiration Date" for Lashing Straps?
No, there is no general "expiration date" or shelf life for lashing straps or tension straps. If stored in a weather-protected environment and possibly even unused, you can use them for an indefinite period. Therefore, there is no standard indication of the durability of tension straps.
However, to ensure that no accidents occur during the next lashing process due to a defective strap, you should perform a visual inspection on all products before each use. Additionally, load securing devices and similar equipment must be inspected by a qualified person annually.
How Long Can Lashing Straps Be Used, and When Are They No Longer Usable?
Lashing straps may only be used if they are labeled, allowing for identification. This label contains all the necessary information for reliable load securing, as well as details about the manufacturer or supplier to ensure traceability.
Before use, a check should be made to identify any visible defects on the lashing straps. If defects are found that could compromise safety or if the label is not fully legible you should no longer use the corresponding lashing straps and consider them no longer usable.
Examples of defects on a lashing strap that render it no longer usable include:
- Damage to the webbing that exceeds 10% of the cross-section of the webbing
- Excessive wear or abrasion of the lashing strap
- Damage to the seams
- Deformation or damage caused by heat exposure
- Brittleness of the lashing strap due to contact with aggressive substances
Ratchets can also be damaged, making them unfit for use.
Causes for discarding a ratchet can include:
- Impairment of the ratchet's function due to deformation, cracks, grooves, or notches
- Wear caused by abrasion or pitting (corrosion of metal)
- A broken tensioning lever
For hooks used as connection elements, it is important to ensure they remain functional. They should no longer be used if:
- The hook has defects such as deformation, cracks, notches, or breaks that impair its function
- The hook widens by more than 5%
- The hook base shows more than 5% wear
The labels of the lashing straps must also be checked.
- The label must be present
- All information must be fully legible
Examples:
Here we show you some image examples of defects that can lead to the discard of a lashing strap. From left to right, you can see:
- A damaged webbing with a cut that exceeds 10% of the cross-section of the strap.
- Two defective ratchets with bent components.
- Several defective hooks, for example, due to breaks, notches, and corrosion.
- A torn label, making the necessary information on the lashing strap label no longer fully legible.
Is It Allowed to Shorten Lashing Straps?
Lashing straps can generally be shortened; this means that the free end can be cut to the desired length. However, the fixed end must not be altered independently. Shortening the free end is officially allowed according to the VDI 2700 Sheet 3.1 guideline. Nevertheless, it should be noted that shortening the straps changes certain aspects. Although the functionality and strength of the lashing strap are not affected by proper shortening, the length of the strap, which is a required specification on the label, will no longer match the actual length after shortening.
Our Tip: To prevent fraying after shortening a lashing strap, the cut edge should be sealed with heat, for example, using a lighter. This prevents threads from loosening, which could cause the entire strap to gradually fray. Additionally, sealing the edge makes it easier to thread the strap into the ratchet.
Is It Allowed to Use Lashing Straps for Lifting?
No, lashing straps should not be used for lifting. They are not designed for that purpose. Lashing straps or tension straps are exclusively for load securing. That is why every lashing strap label carries the note "Not for Lifting, Only for Lashing!" Products such as round slings, webbing slings, lifting ropes, and lifting chains are suitable for lifting.
These Lashing Straps Are Available at Dolezych:
The Webbing of Lashing Straps: What Is Allowed and What Is Not?
Whether the colours of lashing straps indicate their load capacity, and whether you are allowed to write on a lashing strap with permanent markers (such as an Edding) – we have summarized this and other information for you in an overview.
Do the Different Colors of Lashing Straps Indicate Their Load Capacity?
In general, the different colours of lashing straps have nothing to do with their load capacity. Whether a tension strap is yellow or green doesn't initially matter, as strap colours are not standardized. However, at Dolezych, you have the option to customize your lashing straps with a colour of your choice and a print tailored to your needs using our Lashing Strap Configurator.
What Do the Stripes on the Webbing Mean?
The stripes (or indicator threads) on the webbing often indicate the permissible load capacity of the lashing strap. However, they do not provide reliable information as the stripes are not standardized. On Dolezych lashing straps, one indicator stripe typically corresponds to a load capacity of 500 daN in direct tension.
How Does the Material of a Lashing Strap React to Substances Like Gasoline, and Is It Allowed to Write on My Lashing Strap with Permanent Markers (e.g., an Edding)?
When exposed to diesel fuel or regular gasoline, there may be slight detachment of pigment particles. However, if the webbing is immediately cleaned with water after short-term contact, only a minimal loss of strength occurs. The strength loss is negligible for one-time, short contact. If the contact is frequent, the lashing straps should be inspected. Writing with a permanent marker, such as an Edding, will also not cause significant loss of strength. However, you should regularly check the webbing at the marked area for any changes.
Your question wasn't included? Feel free to send us your questions about load securing and lifting technology at info@dolezych.de or call us at 0049 231 82 85 0.