Lashing equipment

The collective term ‘lashing equipment’ refers to lashing straps, lashing chains and lashing wire ropes. Lashing equipment usually consists of the tensioning device, which is made of webbing, round steel chain or wire rope, a tensioning element (e.g. ratchet, tensioner) and, optionally, two connecting elements. Information on the use of lashing equipment: Lashing equipment must be inspected by a competent person at least once a year and the inspection must be documented. In case of doubt, it must no longer be used and the use of lashing equipment must be discontinued. Knotted lashing straps and tensioning straps may not be used in accordance with VDI Guideline 2700 Sheet 3.1, and the use of tensioning elements to increase the pre-tensioning forces is prohibited. All lashing equipment must have a label containing the following information, among other things:

• Manufacturer's mark
• Lashing capacity (permissible lashing force)
• Standard Hand Force (hand strength)
• Standard Tension Force (preload Force)
• Standard tension force (preload force)
• Traceability code

Lashing equipment must not be used for lifting. Special lifting equipment must be used for this purpose. Any bending stress on the tensioning elements must be avoided. Care must be taken to ensure that, after a reasonable distance has been travelled, the load is checked to ensure that it is properly secured and that, before opening the lashing equipment, the load remains securely in place even without lashing equipment and that employees are not endangered by falling loads.