How to Read the Ratchet Strap Label?

Views: 246 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2019-05-28 Origin: Site

How to Read the Ratchet Strap Label?

Ratchet straps, also known as lashing straps and tie downs, are one of the most popular methods for securing cargo,especially when it comes to shipping. But are you familiar with the information label that is typically found stitched at the end of the strap.

Ratchet Strap

What information can be found on a ratchet strap label?

1. Webbing Material

The webbing material determines the colour of the label. Most used webbing for lashing strap is polyester and the label is the blue colour.

2.Production date

You should be able to find the production date printed on the label, including the month and year. It can be used to trace the strap back to its exact production batch.

3.Lashing Capacity

Lashing capacity (LC) is, essentially, the maximum force your heavy-duty ratchet strap can withstand, without it tearing or damaging in any way. It is usually measured in dekaNewton (daN) and, importantly, it should not be confused with the weight of cargo that your strap can safely restrain.

For example, an LC of 2500 daN does not mean that your strap can restrain 2500kg of cargo. In order to calculate the correct weight, the LC capacity should – in fact – be doubled. The lashing capacity of 2500 daN can, therefore, successfully endure a force equal to 5000kg (or 5 tonnes) in total.

4. Standard Hand Force（SHF）

The standard hand force is the force that a ‘standard user’ can apply to the tensioning device/ratchet. In this case, 50daN, is a universal standard and used to determine the STF value of a device in combination with the webbing.

5.Standard Tension Force(STF)

The standard tension force is the force created by the SHF and transferred to the webbing. This value is strictly used for Tie Down Lashing. If for example the STF is 500daN and you are Tying Down your load, the downwards force created on the load is 500daN. The STF is determined by a multiple of factors. For example, the length of the handle. Please remember, the higher the STF, the less Lashing Straps necessary to secure your load!

6.Total length and elongation

The total length of the ratchet load strap should be printed on the label, along with information about its allowed extension. This extension length is expressed as a percentage and in compliance with European standards, it should be no more than 7% of the strap’s total length at LC.

7.‘Not for lifting’ warning

Your ratchet strap label should also include the statement ‘Not for Lifting!’ in capital letters. This statement is there to remind users that the safety factors for lifting equipment are very different from those of lashing; therefore, under no circumstances, should your straps be used for lifting.

All ratchet straps should comply with the standard and as part of this norm, each strap should have a label – with details about its construction and capabilities.