Decoding the Rating Label

The rating label on a ratchet strap provides essential information about its specifications and compliance with industry standards. Here’s a breakdown of the key components you’ll find on a 5000kg ratchet strap rating label:

STANDARD:

Compliance: Indication that the strap complies with EN12195-2:2000, a crucial European standard.

MATERIAL:

Information about the material used, commonly 100% polyester, known for its strength and durability.

ELONGATION <7%

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.

LASHING CAPACITY (LC):

Lashing Capacity (LC): This represents the maximum force the strap can exert to secure a load, typically half of the breaking strength. For a 5000kg strap, the LC would be around 2500kg (2.5T)

BREAK STRENGTH (BS):

Breaking Strength is the maximum force the strap can withstand before breaking, usually a higher value than the load capacity. Therefore a 5000kg ratchet strap, the breaking strength would be 5000kg (5T).

LENGTH:

The dimensions of the strap, often given in meters for length and millimetres for width (e.g., 10m x 50mm).

DATE:

You should be able to find a date printed somewhere on the label, including a month and year. This is the production date (i.e. the date when your ratchet strap was manufactured) and, in combination with your supplier’s name, it can be used to trace the strap back to its exact production batch.

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.

Importance of Understanding the Label and Standard:

Safety Assurance: Knowing that a strap complies with EN12195-2:2000 provides confidence in its reliability and safety under specified conditions.

Legal Compliance: Using straps that meet recognized standards helps comply with legal and industry regulations, avoiding penalties and liabilities.

Performance Guarantee: Accurate label information ensures that you’re using the right strap for your load, preventing overloading and potential failures.

Additional Information:

Standard Hand Force

Standard Hand Force (SHF) is the total force that a user can apply to the tensioning device (or ratchet) on your cargo strap – before it would start to damage or break. Once again, this force is measured in daN and the universal standard is currently set at 50daN. This means that a ratchet should only be tightened by hand and not by standing on it or using tools such as a wrench.

Standard Tension Force:

Standard tension force (STF) is another measurement that can be found on the label of your cargo ropes. Essentially, it is a measure of the tension (or force) that is created by your ratchet and lashing straps – when tying down a load of cargo – and, once again, it is expressed in terms of daN.

It is important to bear this measurement in mind when loading your cargo, as for straps with a higher STF, fewer straps will be needed, and each strap can be secured a little more tightly.

Definition of daN

daN stands for decanewton. It is a unit of force in the metric system, equivalent to ten newtons (10 N).

Conversion to Other Units

1 daN = 10 Newtons (N)

1 daN ≈ 1.02 Kilograms-force (kgf)

Thus, 1000 daN is approximately equal to the force exerted by a 1000 kg weight under standard gravity.

Conclusion

Understanding the rating label on a 5000kg ratchet strap and the significance of the EN12195-2:2000 standard is crucial for anyone involved in load securing. This knowledge not only enhances safety but also ensures compliance with industry standards, providing peace of mind in demanding environments. Always check the label and verify compliance with EN12195-2:2000 before using a ratchet strap, ensuring you’re equipped with a reliable and robust tool for your load securing needs.

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