Securing of cargo can be made by any or in a combination of the following methods:

Blocking

Examples of blocking: front wall, wedges, dunnage bags, chocks and beams.

Lashings

Examples of lashings are web lashings, loadbinders with chain and fixed winches. The equipment can be used in different applications e.g. top-over lashings (friction lashing), direct lashings and loop lashings.

Locking

Locking means that the cargo is mechanically locked to the cargo carrier. One example is twistlock for containers.

Different kinds of lashings

Web lashings

To use a web lashing, or textile lashing, is one of the most common ways of securing cargo. One method that is often used is a top-over lashing (friction lashing). When using a top-over lashing the cargo is pressed down against the load carrier by the tensioning force built up in the lashing, simplified one could say that the weight is “increased”. This combined “weight” in interaction with the actual friction between the cargo and the load carrier's surface prevents the cargo from sliding. This type of lashing is also used to prevent cargo from tipping and/or to wander.

The tensioning force for the current lashing can be found on the marking (label) of the lashing and is called STF. When using the lashing as a direct lashing or a loop-lashing the strength in straight pull is used. When doing so the LC, or Lashing Capacity, is used.

Chain lashings

A chain lashing is used in the same way as a web lashing with the distinction that it is more commonly used as a direct lashing. With a chain lashing in G80 or G100 much higher values for LC and STF are reached.

Fixed winches

Fixed winches are often mounted on the outside of the load bearer. The can be of a simple configuration with a slotted axis, tensioning device and locking or a little bit more advanced being encapsulated containing a web storage. They can be bolted or welded in place.

The making of lashing equipement

The choice of lashing is decided by what kind of cargo to be secured and also of what kind of load carrier that will carry the cargo (rail, road, sea etc.)

Since May 2001, lashing equipment, with few exceptions *, has been manufactured in accordance with EN-12195 ** in all EU countries. Since May 20, 2018, the European Directive 2014/47 / EC states that the equipment shall fulfill a number of listed standards or otherwise be certified, including EN 12195 **.

* e.g.a lashing on board a ship can be marked and constructed in a different way.
** EN 12195-2 for synthetic lashings, EN 12195-3 for chain lashings.

Lashing capacity (LC)

The lashing value allowed to calculate with, received by a straight pull in the endfittings. This value is used when the lashing is used as a direct lashing or loop-lashing. The value is given in daN for web lashings, and kN for chain lashings.

1 daN ≈ 1 kg
1 kN = 100 daN

Standard Hand Force (SHF)

The Standard Handeling Force the ratchet is designed for. Normally this is 50 daN (50 kg).

Standard Tension Force (STF)

Wskazuje siłę napinającą otrzymaną podczas pracy napinacza z podanym SHF (zwykle 50 daN). To właśnie ta wartość jest wykorzystywana do obliczania zapotrzebowania na pasy mocujące dla mocowania od góry.

Webbing and chain identification

On the label (or marking tag) is also noted what material the webbing is made of or what grade the loadbinder and chain is made of.

Breaking Strength (BS)

The breaking strength is the force a new lashing shall withstand in straight pull. Which means that if the hooks are to be pulled straight away from each other the lashing shall perform at least the breaking strength stated.
In general Forankra does not quote this value on our lashings. If you still want to know the approximate breaking strength for a synthetic lashing, the indication is that the lashing must be able handle at least the double LC value without breaking.

Calculating number of lashings needed for transport

To calculate the number of belts needed and how to use them, contact us for a recommendation.