• Cracks, breaks or signs of considerable corrosion
• Opening > 0.05 – x in hook mouth or other deformations
• Visible, lasting deformation on carrying parts
5. INFORMATION ON THE USE AND
MAINTENANCE OF LASHING STRAPS
1. The required lashing capacity, as well as the type of
usage and load to be lashed, must be considered when
choosing and using lashing straps. The size, shape and
weight of the load determine the right choice, but so do the
type of intended use, transport environment and type of
load. For stability reasons, at least two lashing straps must
be used for lashing down and two pairs of lashing straps for
diagonal lashing.
2. The lashing strap chosen must be both strong and long
enough for the intended use and demonstrate the correct
length for the type of lashing. Good lashing practice must
always be considered:
Attaching and removing the lashing straps must be planned
before beginning the journey. Partial unloading should be
considered during a longer journey. The number of lashing
straps must be calculated in accordance with prEN 12195.
Only lashing systems which are designed for lashing down
with S TF on the label may be used for lashing down.
3. Diff erent types of lashing aids (e.g. lashing chains and
lashing straps made from synthetic fi bres) must not be used
to lash the same load, as they behave diff erently and their
lengths may change while loaded. When using additional
fi tting parts and lashing equipment, make sure that they fi t
the lashing strap during lashing.
4. Flat hooks (see D2 in Image 1) must be supported with the
entire width at the base of the hook.
5. Before starting unloading, the lashings must be loosened
enough for the load to stand alone.
6. Watch out for any low-hanging overhead lines nearby
while loading and unloading.
7. The materials from which lashing straps are made possess
diff erent resistances to chemical infl uences. Instructions
from the manufacturer or supplier must be followed,
should the lashing straps potentially be exposed to che-
micals. It should be taken into account that the eff ects of
chemical infl uences increase under rising temperatures.
The resistance of synthetic fi bres to chemical infl uences is
summarised as follows:
a) Polyamides are resistant to the eff ects of alkalis. However,
they are aff ected by mineral acids.
b) Polyester is resistant to mineral acids, but is aff ected by
lyes.
c) Polypropylene is aff ected by acids and lyes and is suitable
for use in cases where high resistance to chemicals (except
for some organic solvents) is requested.
d) Harmless acid or lye solutions can be concentrated enough
to cause damage as a result of evaporation. Contaminated
lashing straps must be taken out of operation immediately,
rinsed in cold water and left to air dry.
8. Lashing straps which are in accordance with this part of
European Norm EN 12195 are suitable for use within the
following temperature ranges:
a) 40°C to + 80 °C for polypropylene (PP);
b) 40°C to + 100 °C for polyamide (PA);
c) 40°C to + 120 °C for polyester (PES).
These temperature ranges may change, depending on
the chemical environment. The recommendations of the
manufacturer or supplier should be consulted in this case.
Changes to the ambient temperature during transport may
infl uence the strength of the webbing. The lashing capacity
must be checked after entering warm areas.
9. Lashing straps must be taken out of operation or returned
to the manufacturer for repair if they show any signs of
damage. The following points should be considered to be
signs of damage:
• for lashing straps (which must be taken out of operation):
cracks, cuts, grooves and breakages in load-bearing fi bres
and seams, deformation caused by heat infl uence.
• for end fi tting parts and tensioning elements: defor-
mations, cracks, serious signs of wear and corrosion.
Only lashing straps which bear identifi cation labels may be
repaired. If there is any contact with chemicals, the lashing
strap must be taken out of operation, and the manufacturer
or supplier must be contacted.
10. Make sure that the lashing strap is not damaged by the
edges of the load to which it is attached.
Regular visual inspections before and after each use are
recommended.
11. Only legibly marked and labelled lashing straps may be
used.
12. Lashing straps must not be overloaded: the maximum
manual force of 500 N (50 daN on the label; 1 daN ≈ 1 kg)
may only be applied with one hand. No mechanical aids
such as bars or levers etc. may be used unless they are part
of the tensioning elements.
13. Tangled lashing straps must not be used.
14. Damage to labels must be prevented by keeping them away
from the edges of the load and, if possible, from the load
itself.
15. Webbing must be protected from friction and wear, and
damage caused by loads with sharp edges, by using
protective covers and/or edge protectors.
Image 1: D2
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