{"id":239337,"date":"2024-07-17T10:48:32","date_gmt":"2024-07-17T08:48:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rothschenk.de\/episode-44-tension-belts-discard-maturity-labeling-and-what-really-applies\/"},"modified":"2025-06-30T16:34:37","modified_gmt":"2025-06-30T14:34:37","slug":"episode-44-tension-belts-discard-maturity-labeling-and-what-really-applies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rothschenk.de\/en\/episode-44-tension-belts-discard-maturity-labeling-and-what-really-applies\/","title":{"rendered":"Episode 44: Tension belts – discard maturity, labeling and what really applies?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Lashing straps<\/a> are the most frequently used securing device in load securing. Nevertheless, there are always discussions among those involved in the industry about technical details, which are often underpinned by well-founded half-knowledge. If you ask Mr. Google, you also don’t always get expertly accurate statements. In today’s article, I would like to describe and explain a few details and terms. The basis for this are the corresponding EN standards. These are <\/p>\n\n

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  1. EN-12195-2 Lashing straps made of man-made fibers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. EN-12195-3 Lashing chains<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. EN-12195-4 Lashing wire ropes<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n

    I would like to start by explaining a few terms.<\/p>\n\n

    The breaking force<\/strong> (BF), sometimes also referred to as breaking load, is a term that is often used in connection with strapping. It indicates the tensile force at which the strap breaks and is usually specified in deca-Newtons (daN) or Newtons (N). <\/p>\n\n

    The lashing capacity<\/strong> (LC) indicates the securing force that can be expected when using belts, chains or ropes. It is also usually specified in deca Newtons (daN). The securing equipment must have a label indicating the lashing capacity. The breaking strength of the strap material, without connecting elements, must be at least 3x the lashing capacity (LC). <\/p>\n\n

    The terms kilogram and deca-Newton<\/strong> are often used interchangeably in the industry, but this is clearly incorrect. Only the number is the same. Drivers and shippers use the term “2-tonne belt”, for example, because the number 2,000 appears on the label. On closer inspection, however, you will notice that the unit is “daN<\/strong>” and not “kg<\/strong>“. Kilogram (kg) is the ISO unit for mass (m) and Newton (N) for force. It is just as wrong to assume that a belt with the number 2,000 on it can also secure a load weighing 2,000 kg. How do you get from the unit “kg” to the unit “daN”? This requires a small calculation, where 1 kg represents the weight of the load. It reads: <\/p>\n\n

    1kg x 9.81m\/s2<\/sup> = 9.81kgm\/s2<\/sup> = 9.81N rounded up to<\/strong> 10N = 1daN<\/p>\n\n

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    The result is the mass force. All you have to do is multiply the weight of the load by the acceleration due to gravity and divide by 10. This calculation is not necessary if the unit “kg” is replaced by “daN” because the number in front of it remains the same. <\/p>\n\n

    An equally frequent topic is the question of what must<\/strong> be on a belt label, what can be<\/strong> on it or what is simply wrong\/not permitted<\/strong>. EN-12195-2 makes clear statements on this. Every label must include a reference to the standard. Experience shows that it will be on the label even if the information is incorrect. You can only protect yourself by buying from reputable manufacturers\/suppliers. Dubious sources and unusual market prices are always suspicious. <\/p>\n\n

    Contrary to the opinion of those involved, including sometimes the inspection authorities, a belt does not have an expiry date. There are only discard characteristics that must lead to it being discarded. Statements such as “only for private use” or “it’s still good for the forest” are also dangerous if goods are secured with them during transportation on public roads. <\/p>\n\n

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    The following information must be on a belt label.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Mandatory information according to EN-12195-2 <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Forces must be specified in daN. The blue label stands for the material PES=polyester <\/p>\n\n\n\n