The organization of transportation activities pays considerable attention to the preparation of equipment and consumables. Auxiliary devices in many respects ensure the reliability of the transportation of goods on a variety of modes of transport. Also in construction, it is not complete without safety devices of a suitable format. One of the most important elements of such equipment is a ratchet tie-down strap, which securely fixes the load in its original position until the completion of the transportation process.
Lashing straps overview
Outwardly, such a belt resembles a wide tape, which is used to insure people in cars. The main material of manufacture are textile fibers of different properties. In particular, polyester is the most common as a practical, wear-resistant and high-strength base. Also, the belts for securing the load are equipped with a ratchet mechanism. This is a kind of lock that allows sufficient tension to be applied to secure the tape.
The modification of the belt in the form of a ring device is also common. In this case, fastening is carried out as a result of bringing together twoends of the tape and making them securely fixed. Typically, a ratchet ring tie-down belt is used to secure small loads. Transportation of large volumes of containers, as a rule, is realized by fixing the belts with hooks at both ends.
Ribbon sizes
The width of such tapes usually range from 25 to 100 mm. This choice depends on the size of the load and load holding requirements. As for the length, it can be from 3 to 10 m. Short belts are usually used in the household - for example, for transporting small loads in the trunk or on a trailer. Large-sized building structures are often transported using 10-meter belts. When evaluating the performance of a ratchet tie-down strap, it is important to take into account the tie-down force to be maintained. This parameter can vary on average from 1 to 8 tons. Accordingly, the higher this value, the safer the transportation will be organized. Another thing is that the reliability of the event to a greater extent depends on the technical implementation of the mount itself. Still, cases where belts break are much less common.
Operating instructions
The process of fastening with a belt consists of several stages. First, you should raise the handle of the ratchet mechanism by pulling a special valve towards you. Further, in the formed passage, the belt should be passed to the required length. It is important to consider that before this operation, the tape is notmust be twisted or folded. Then the belt must be tensioned using the ratchet handle - for this, you should perform up and down movements. As noted in the instructions for use, ratchet tie-down straps should be checked for tension quality and during transport. The fact is that after some time of movement, the load may settle, and the tapes will weaken. Therefore, at certain intervals, responsible persons must carry out an audit of the strength of the fastener. The very same fixation is carried out using the latch of the lock - the handle drops and blocks the mechanism. To release the belt, you should also pull the latch towards you, and then lift the handle of the device up to the stop.
General recommendations for belt use
First of all, the use of belts is possible only for their intended purpose, that is, for fixing a load that is suitable in terms of parameters. Regardless of the size of the load, at least two lashing straps should be used for optimal transport security. If tapes with polyester fibers are used, then it is important to take into account the temperature regime. This material can only be safely used in the range -40°C to 100°C. In addition, tie-down straps with a tensioner are often used for belaying loads with prominent cutting and piercing edges. If it is not possible to provide complete pre-protection of the structure, then point insulation should be performed using linings or frame devices. Moreover, this measure is alsoalso applies to containers with a rough surface. With prolonged close contact with abrasives, even polyester can be damaged, so it must be insured against such risks.
How not to use straps to secure cargo
Sometimes, when fastening with a tie-down strap, some deviations from the operating rules may seem more rational, convenient and economical. But not all of them are combined with the concepts of reliability and safety. In particular, technologists do not recommend hooking hooks directly onto the tape, deforming metal fittings, tying knots, and also increasing the load relative to the norm. It is important to remember that a ratchet tie-down strap also requires certain maintenance rules. After each working operation, it should be cleaned and rinsed, but without the introduction of strong chemicals. And especially you can not use the same abrasives in the form of coarse brushes to clean the surface of the tape.
Conclusion
The tie-down belt category is widely available on the market in different versions. The average cost of a set is 500-700 rubles. For this money, you can get a high-quality polyester tape with a width of about 100 mm. If necessary, the ratchet strap can be supplemented with other accessories. For example, if ring fixation is not planned, then hooks will be required. Today, manufacturers also produce double grippers,which improves the reliability of fastening. Do not ignore the issues of personal safety. The rules require the perpetrators to perform this kind of operation with helmets and gloves.
