Edge protection angles for load securing: protection for load corners, lashing materials and loading personnel

Edge protection angle

The surfaces, and especially the corners and edges, of cargo and packaging are subjected to considerable stress during lifting operations and the transport of particularly heavy loads, and are most susceptible to damage if the load is not properly secured. When using lashing straps, tensioning straps, strapping bands, lifting straps, and round slings, edges are exposed to significant stress, as straps and bands without edge protection can, for example, dent delicate cardboard corners on pallets or leave marks on the cargo. Furthermore, lashing straps and bands are subjected to high stresses during direct lashing, tie-down lashing, and strapping, as they generate high pretension forces. Chafing of the straps or minor damage, such as from uneven force distribution, leads to premature discarding, and they must no longer be used. Overloading due to wear and tear on lashing straps or lifting slings poses an extreme risk to the life and limb of shippers. When using strapping, for example to create transport-safe load units of cardboard boxes on pallets, corner protectors increase the load unit's strength. Corner protectors are therefore a cost-effective investment in transport safety and prevent transport damage.

The use of edge protection in rules and regulations

According to Section 22 "Load" of the Road Traffic Regulations, cargo must be secured before transport in such a way that it cannot roll, slip, or even fall off the vehicle or trailer during the journey, including during evasive maneuvers or emergency braking. The law also stipulates that recognized engineering standards must be applied to load securing. This clause refers to various national and international regulations and guidelines regarding load securing.

The VDI guideline 2700, "Load securing on road vehicles," is one of the most important guidelines for professional drivers, freight forwarders, transport companies, as well as for law enforcement agencies and the judiciary. The guideline contains technical rules for optimal load securing in trucks. It describes the forces acting on the cargo during transport and how it can be secured accordingly. Furthermore, it includes procedures, instructions, and calculation models for different vehicles and load carriers, as well as for various load types, load securing devices, and aids for securing truck loads.

Lashing straps and edge protectors in European standards

When using lashing equipment, the requirements of the European standards DIN EN 12195-1 ("Calculation of lashing forces") and EN 12195-2 ("Lashing straps made of synthetic fibers") must also be observed. Sheet 1 contains definitions, explanations of forces and calculation methods, testing regulations, and application and calculation examples for optimal securing. Sheet 2 makes legally binding statements regarding labeling requirements on the lashing equipment label, safety requirements for the straps, hazards, information on end fittings (e.g., hooks, fittings) and tensioning elements (ratchet), testing standards and criteria for prototypes, and instructions for the use and maintenance of lashing equipment. Further EU directives, such as 2014/47/EU, refer to the use of edge protectors as protection for lashing straps, lashing chains, and lifting equipment.

Corner protection according to the rules of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) and in the regulations of the employers' liability insurance associations.
DGUV Regulation 100-500, Chapter 2.8, "Operation of Load-Handling Devices in Lifting Equipment Operation," points out that damage to ropes and lifting slings can be avoided by using edge protectors when securing loads. DGUV Information 209-003, "Metal Construction Assembly Work," stipulates that lifting slings must not be pulled over sharp edges unless protected by edge protectors. The German Social Accident Insurance Institution for Transport and Traffic (BG Verkehr) has published a guide for professional drivers entitled "Loading and Securing," which explicitly recommends the use of edge protectors to reduce force loss at the deflection points of the lashing strap and to protect the lashing materials.

Edge protection angles in the online shop for load securing

In our online shop, we offer a wide selection of edge protectors. Our range includes edge protectors made of plastic, stainless steel, and wood for optimal protection of your valuable cargo. Our edge protectors fully guarantee the protection of even the most delicate edges of heavy goods. They are available as strap protectors for all sizes of lashing and strapping bands, lifting slings, and round slings.