Combined Learning Objectives for Safer European Roads
Frequently Asked Questions on Load Securing (for drivers)
Prepared by: IRU
with contributions from:

www.formation-arrimage.com
WP 4  Deliverable: 19  Last update: 08 February 2016
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INDEX
FOREWORD ...................................................................................................................... 4
The role of the driver ..................................................................................................... 4
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ....................................................................................... 5
Why secure the load if I drive carefully? ........................................................................ 5
What are the different securing techniques? ................................................................. 5
What should I do if the technical label of a restraint device is illegible? .......................... 5
What indications on the label of a restraint device should I use for direct lashing? ......... 6
What indications on the lashing label should I use for frictional lashing? ........................ 6
No STF is indicated on my lashing’s technical label. What should I do? ........................... 7
What is the SHF figure on a lashing’s technical label? ..................................................... 7
How do I ensure that the lashing is properly tightened when using the frictional
method? ....................................................................................................................... 7
Why is my lashing always going slack? ........................................................................... 7
Will a heavy load move less than a light load? ............................................................... 8
Why clean the floor of my trailer before loading? .......................................................... 8
Is it enough to know the weight of the load and the lashing characteristics to calculate
the number of lashings required? .................................................................................. 8
Must I secure the cargo even with an XL trailer? ............................................................ 8
How do I know the strength of lashing points on a vehicle without an EN-12640
certificate? .................................................................................................................... 9
Do I have to use edge protectors?.................................................................................. 9
What securing standard applies to my case? ................................................................ 10
How do I know if my lashing equipment complies with safety standards? .................... 10
How do I know if my lashings are still in good condition? ............................................. 10
I am no engineer! How do I calculate the lashings required for my load in a simple way?
................................................................................................................................... 11
Is the driver solely liable for improper securing? .......................................................... 11
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FOREWORD
Load securing is a complex topic that requires appropriate training. Safely secured loads require each
participant in the logistical chain, at each level, to display the proper skills and attitudes. Safe load
securing is a shared responsibility.
This Frequently Asked Questions document exists in three versions, each targeted at a particular job
role:



drivers
managers of transport companies / depots
control officers
This document is the version targeted at drivers. Most questions, however, apply equally to all
targeted groups.
This document has been drafted as part of the CLOSER project, in order to further a common
understanding of the principles of safe load securing within the road transport industry, the road
transport enforcement bodies, and across borders.
The role of the driver
For a transport professional, load securing is among the key skills that a driver should master. Indeed,
it is the driver’s liability which is primarily involved and it is the driver who will have to answer in case
of:




Loss of load, which may entail serious consequences for other road users. The driver may
have to answer for this before a court.
Road check, which may entail heavy fines and vehicle immobilisation.
Damage to the vehicle and/or the load.
Vehicle downtime causing financial losses to the transport company and, moreover, likely to
entail payment of penalties to the customer.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why secure the load if I drive carefully?
Danger often comes from other road users. Emergency braking or sudden swerving may be required
of anyone, including a careful driver. In such cases, poorly secured loads may have drastic
consequences.
What are the different securing techniques?
Direct lashing
Securing method whereby the restraint devices are fixed directly to the solid parts of the load (or to
securing points intended for this purpose) and to lashing points on the load carrier.
There is a direct relationship between the load and the vehicle. When implementing this technique,
the strength of the lashing points is as important as that of the restraint devices.
Cross lashing, diagonal, loop and spring lashing are also considered as direct lashing methods.
Frictional lashing (also commonly called “top-over” lashing)
Securing method whereby the friction force between the load and the floor is increased by adding a
vertical force component to the mass of the cargo.
Blocking
Securing method whereby the load is in contact with fixed structures or devices on the load carrier
which may take various forms, such as a headboard, support crossbars, sideboards, side walls, stakes,
wedges or support beams.
Locking
Securing method whereby the load is immobilised on the load carrier by mechanical devices such as
twist locks.
What should I do if the technical label of a restraint device is illegible?
Upon a roadside check, a lashing whose label is illegible will simply be discounted just like a damaged
lashing. Basing your judgment on suppositions about a lashing’s features is too dangerous – replace it
with a lashing in good condition.
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What indications on the label of a restraint device should I use for direct
lashing?
Take the LC (Lashing Capacity) figure. This is the maximum force to be imposed on the restraint
device. There are two LC figures on the label:
The higher value is used e.g. for loop or spring
lashing, where both ends of the device are
fastened to one or more attachment points on
the vehicle.
The lower value is used e.g. for diagonal or cross
lashing, where one end of the device is fastened
to an attachment point on the load, and the
other to an attachment point on the vehicle.
Figure 1 Result after overestimating the strength of a chain.
What indications on the lashing label should I use for frictional lashing?
Take the STF (Standard Tension Force) figure. This is the tension force which is transmitted to the
lashing by the tensioner. This force, by crushing the load against the floor, increases the friction
between the load and the floor to prevent the load from moving.
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No STF is indicated on my lashing’s technical label. What should I do?
If no STF is indicated, the restraint is not intended for frictional lashing. Only direct lashing may be
used.
What is the SHF figure on a lashing’s technical label?
The SHF (Standard Hand Force) is the force which one must exert on the tensioner to achieve the
specified STF. This value is 50 daN.
It is strictly forbidden to achieve higher forces by lengthening the tensioner’s lever with an extension
not provided by the manufacturer.
How do I ensure that the lashing is properly tightened when using the
frictional method?
Some types of loads may catch on the lashing upon tensioning, which may reduce its effectiveness by
up to 50%. Therefore, when tightening the lashing, it is important to ensure that it slides well. It is
recommended to use edge protectors for these types of problematic loads in order to ensure that
the lashings are 100% effective.
During tensioning, a minimum number of turns around the drum is required, generally 1.5 turns. It
usually takes no more than 3 turns.
Some lashing manufacturers offer tension indicators to check the tensioning values.
Why is my lashing always going slack?
For lashings made from man-made fibres, the manufacturer specifies the maximum elasticity
percentage approved through tests. The higher this value and the longer the lashing, the more it is
likely to slacken.
Various causes may contribute to this lengthening phenomenon:
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


jolts caused by the road
spring effect produced by the dampers or tyres of vehicles carried
equipment in poor condition
insufficient number of turns around the drum while tensioning
It is important to check the tension of your securing system at rest stops, especially after emergency
braking or sudden swerving.
Refer to the manufacturer's user guide, commonly called "Annex B", for optimum use of your
lashings. This annex is normally distributed when purchasing any lashing.
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Will a heavy load move less than a light load?
No! One might think that the heavy weight of a load will prevent it from sliding or tipping, but this
totally wrong! The mass has no influence on the point at which a load will start to slide or tip.
Why clean the floor of my trailer before loading?
To prevent a load from sliding, the friction
between the load and the floor is a decisive
factor.
One may determine the friction coefficient
by using tables, tests or certificates
indicating these values.
If elements (e.g. sand or earth) come
between the load, the floor and/or the nonslip mats, the friction coefficient is reduced.
It is therefore essential that the loading
platform should be clean.
Is it enough to know the weight of the load and the lashing characteristics to
calculate the number of lashings required?
No! When fitting a securing system, other parameters come into play such as:




friction
angle values
strength of attachment points
strength of the vehicle headboard and walls
Must I secure the cargo even with an XL trailer?
It is extremely important to read the manufacturer’s conditions of use on the trailer certificate.
Important information can be found there: walls strength values, how to fill in empty spaces,
minimum friction, proper installation of the side wall components, maximum authorised spacing, etc.
If these conditions are not met, one should apply additional securing methods.
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Figure 2 Such a load is not secured, even in an XL trailer, due to the empty space between load units.
How do I know the strength of lashing points on a vehicle without an EN12640 certificate?
Lashing points in sound condition on a vehicle in sound condition are considered to meet the
requirements mentioned below, even if no certificates are available.
Figure 3 - Source: International Guidelines on Safe Load Securing for Road Transport
Do I have to use edge protectors?
Edge protectors have several purposes, the most obvious of which is to protect lashings from sharp
edges present on certain loads, but they also allow lashings to slide properly upon tensioning.
One should absolutely never use non-slip mats as edge protectors, as they will prevent the lashing
from sliding properly to reach the right tension.
See also “Error! Reference source not found.“
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What securing standard applies to my case?
As from 20 May 2018, the applicable standards for cargo securing will be those listed in Annex III of
European Directive 2014/47/EU.
These standards already apply to international transport, but until 20 May 2018, national regulations
apply to domestic transport.
How do I know if my lashing equipment complies with safety standards?
These standards must appear on the technical label for lashings, and on the metal plates for lashing
chains or cables.
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

EN 12195-2 for web lashings made from man-made fibres
EN 12195-3 for lashing chains
EN 12195-4 for lashing steel wire ropes
Figure 4 The EN-12195-2 standard must be mentioned on the lashing’s technical label.
How do I know if my lashings are still in good condition?
It is compulsory to comply with:
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

Manufacturers’ standards
European standards
Applicable national legislation
These documents provide all the necessary information to determine whether your lashings meet
safety requirements.
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Lashing equipment manufacturers are required to provide a user guide.
I am no engineer! How do I calculate the lashings required for my load in a
simple way?
There are many tools for quick calculations, including those provided by lashing equipment
manufacturers or by some cargo securing trainers. These tools are very simple to use, whatever the
securing technique to be implemented.
Is the driver solely liable for improper securing?
Not always. Directive 2014/47/EU stresses that “All parties involved in the logistics process, including
packers, loaders, transport companies, operators and drivers, have a role to play in ensuring that
cargo is properly packed and loaded on a suitable vehicle.”
Some countries have defined these various actors and their respective liability in case of improper
securing and introduced this in their legislation.
However, this does not relieve drivers of their responsibility to ensure that their load is properly
secured - if only for their own safety!
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List of references:
Annexes:
For further information on the project
please consult:
Website (to be defined)