Lashing

What types of securing equipment are available?  

There are several types of securing equipment, including:  

• Securing straps  
• Anchoring points and systems  
• Buckles and accessories  
• Securing bars and beams 
• Anti-slip mats  
• Lashing nets  

Additional accessories such as the Multistick multifunction pole for positioning straps and corner protectors. Also, strap reels or moving harnesses/moving straps…  

How to Secure a Load Properly?  

Load securing must be performed by a professional trained in this procedure. Before securing any load, it is essential to have a precise understanding of the load’s characteristics, as the choice of securing system depends in particular on its weight, the coefficient of friction, and the dynamic forces generated during transport. The EN 12195 standard provides the calculation method for determining the appropriate devices. 

When using lashing straps, they must be positioned over the load and then secured to the designated anchor points, ensuring that the strap is not twisted so that it retains its full holding capacity. 

The use of appropriate protective equipment, such as corner protectors or protective sleeves, is recommended to protect the edges of the cargo and extend the service life of the lashing equipment. 

Tension is adjusted using a tensioner, either ratchet-type or reverse-type depending on the application. The free end of the strap is inserted into the tensioner shaft and adjusted before tightening. Once the appropriate tension is achieved, the tensioner must be properly locked to ensure reliable securing that complies with safety requirements.

How to Choose the Right Securing Solution?  

To choose the most suitable securing solution, it is essential to consider certain factors in order to accurately assess your needs. First, you need to know the density of the cargo being transported, expressed in kilograms, cubic meters, or kg/m³—information that can be obtained from the manufacturer or via tables summarizing the densities of common materials. It is also important to identify the load’s center of gravity, which is easy to determine for standard geometric shapes but can be more complex for irregularly shaped objects. Although annual inspections of securing equipment are not mandatory, it is strongly recommended that you perform regular checks on your lifting and securing devices, as the company may be held liable in the event of a problem or accident. 

What criteria should you use when choosing a lashing strap? 

There are strict requirements for lashing straps used to secure loads. Here are the compliance factors to check. 

Lashing straps must comply with standard NF EN 12195-2. Their label must include the manufacturer’s name, a traceability code, the year of manufacture, the applicable standard, the length, and the material used. It must also indicate the following three pieces of information: 

• LC (Lashing Capacity): the maximum allowable tensile load, expressed in daN;  
• SHF (Standard Hand Force): the manual force, expressed in daN, to be applied to the tensioner handle to tighten the strap;  
• STF (Standard Tension Force): the residual force, expressed in daN, maintained in the system after releasing the handle, corresponding to the internal tension of the lashing device.