4.4.1.

3 Lashing materials, Part 3

Textile
lashing
belts

Pre-fabricated lashing belts have already been described in detail in the GDV Cargo Securing Manual. It is assumed
that staff will be familiar with how to use systems of this kind and that no more than an occasional note is needed.
There is no need to calculate with rules of thumb, since pre-fabricated lashing belts usually carry a label indicating
the Lashing Capacity (LC). This is the permissible lashing force (Fmax) which can be used to secure cargoes.

Polyester
lashing belt

The values given on the label can therefore be accepted as the MSL. The breaking load of a belt of this kind is double
this value and the standard therefore sets the LC at 50% of the breaking strength (The CSS also names "50% of
breaking strength" as the permitted value).

In relation to all lashings used, the proportion of pre-fabricated lashing belts is small, since the belt systems can only
be returned with specific shipping companies and cargo types. Flexibility suffers in day-to-day lashing operations as
a result of fixed lengths and sewn-in end fittings. Due to the speed with which they can be applied, however, the
proportion of these lashings being used is constantly growing. If lashing of this kind is used, however, it should be
applied out correctly and professionally.

Use of unsuitable end fittings

 Chafing points due to incorrect usage of the belt

Belt systems permanently installed in containers must also be included among the pre-fabricated systems.

Lashing winch with incorrectly wound belt

The lashings below used to secure automobiles must also be classed as pre-fabricated goods.

Various automobile lashings

The CSS do not provide any rules of thumb for the breaking load of single-use webbing belts, but refer to the
manufacturer's specifications. 70% is given as a factor for the MSL.

MSL for synthetic fiber lashing belts = breaking load as per manufacturer's specification x 0.7

Marking on a single-use
textile belt

The breaking strength is specified as 3,500 kg on the label, i.e. 3,433.5 daN. The MSL would then be 70% of this, or
2,403 daN.

In the opinion of the author, this is far too high. It is well-known that in defining this factor the national interests of
some IMO members played a greater role than the known problems associated with single-use lashing belts, where
the quality of production differs. They are often very elastic. Some materials exhibit permanent deformation at
threshold loads above 50% of the breaking load. This means that the lashings made from them will then become
slack. Since they are also identical in many other ways to synthetic fiber ropes, the author recommends that at least
the 50% factor of the European and German standards is assumed for pre-fabricated lashing belts. For the material
discussed above, this would be a value of 1,717 daN. If the author were personally responsible for lashing work, he
would only assume the value for synthetic fiber ropes, i.e. 33% of the breaking load. For a belt with a breaking load
of 3,433 daN (3,600 kg), this would be 1,133 daN. Since belts are nearly always used doubled, the value would
double accordingly.

Various locking devices for use with single-use textile lashing belts

It is useful and practical to have operating instructions stamped onto the locking devices.
 Packaging
straps

Packaging straps of this kind are only suitable for securing individual, relatively light packages on pallets and similar
supports as well as for unitization.

Two different types of end fittings

There are a huge variety of end fittings and other connecting elements available. It is important to select the one
which best suits the lashing points on the particular cargo transport unit.
 Incorrectly inserted hook
Hooks must where possible be hooked in from the bottom to the top or from the inside to the outside, so that they
cannot loosen if jolted during transport, should the lashing become slack.

Belt protectors

It is essential that belts are protected against sharp edges whether this be by means of belt protectors or special
sleeves. If this is not possible or items like this are not available, edge protectors are to be used:

Various edge protectors

There are a number of different devices available for tensioning textile lashing belts.

Belt tensioner

Knotted textile belts

Belts and straps must not be knotted and twisted. They must rest on a wide surface and must not be tightened over
sharp edges. Damaged belt material must be removed from stock.

Knotted textile belts -

locking devices or buckles too weak
 Single-use
textile belts
are unsuitable
for use as
tie-down lashing

Tight-fit friction securing

with a WisaFix lashing cover

Using tarpaulins of this kind results in a combination of tight-fit and friction securing.