Safe Lifting Insights: How to Use Ratchet Lashing Correctly?

Are you confident that the cargo you secured with Ratchet Lashing is truly safe?

Even though ratchet lashing is flexible, durable, and strong, it can be effective only if you know how to use it properly.

In this article, we’ll help you fully understand how to use Ratchet Lashing correctly to achieve optimal cargo security.

Let’s learn the details!

Common Mistakes When Using Ratchet Lashing

Although widely used, many people still need to learn to apply Ratchet Lashing.

While these errors don’t always have fatal consequences, they can still pose significant risks to your operations.

Examples include longer delivery times or heavier workloads due to having to repair loosely tied cargo.

Before we discuss how to use Ratchet Lashing, let’s go over some of the most frequent mistakes in its use:

1. Exceeding the Ratchet Lashing’s Working Load Capacity

Each Ratchet Lashing has a specific workload limit.

Following these guidelines is crucial to preventing the strap from snapping or loosening, which can cause the cargo to slip.

Always check the label on the Ratchet Lashing and review the product manual before using it.

For example, Sebatek’s Ratchet Lashing comes with different load capacities based on the buckle size:

• 25mm for a load capacity of 500 – 1,000 kg
• 35mm for a load capacity of 1,500 – 3,000 kg
• 50mm for a load capacity of 2,500 – 5,000 kg
• 75mm for a load capacity of 5,000 – 10,000 kg

We must know that it is not easy to choose the right capacity, especially without expert help.

Considering that the selection of this capacity cannot be exactly the same with the size of the load, make sure you get the right learning resources before making a choice.

Want to learn more about how to use Ratchet Lashing properly and its various types? Check out: Sebatek Product Catalog.

2. Ignoring Twisted Straps

Whether intentional or not, twisted straps are unsafe and should never be ignored.

Why? Twisted straps cannot secure the load properly and weaken the overall strength of the tie-down system.

Additionally, a twisted section can make it difficult to tighten the Ratchet.

It is important to make sure that the strap is not twisted or kinked.

Make sure to always straighten and check the ratchet strap by stretching it and checking the surface to make sure it is flat, every time you use the ratchet.

However, if the strap is indeed twisted and can no longer be used in its original form, then it is better to replace it with a new one.

3. Forcing Hooks onto the Cargo

Have you ever tried to force the Ratchet Lashing hooks into gaps in the cargo, even though those gaps weren’t designed as anchor points?

Improper hook placement can put your cargo at risk during transportation.

For this reason, it’s important to place hooks only in designated anchor points.

4. Failing to Perform Regular Inspections

It’s wrong to assume that your Ratchet Lashing is always in good condition and ready for use.

Routine inspections are highly recommended to ensure that the straps, buckles, and hooks are in good shape.

It’s especially important to inspect your Ratchet Lashing before using it to prevent accidents, such as corroded buckles that can no longer hold tension.

5. Releasing Ratchet Lashing Tension Carelessly

Just as there’s a proper way to tighten Ratchet Lashing, there’s also a right way to release the tension.

Releasing the tension carelessly can damage the Ratchet Lashing itself and may even cause injury to workers.

Removing the strap from the anchor point without proper handling can cause the ratchet to fly.

This can cause the ratchet to grab the load and cause damage.

Or worse, considering that the buckle ratchet for large loads is quite heavy, if it hits a nearby worker, it can cause injury.

Therefore, it’s essential to understand how to use Ratchet Lashing safely!

Steps to Use Ratchet Lashing

So, how to use Ratchet Lashing correctly?

Here are the steps you can follow:

1. Choose the Right Type

First, determine the type of lashing mechanism required, including the Ratchet’s load capacity, strap length, and the appropriate hook type for your cargo.

2. Perform an Inspection

The second step on how to use Ratchet Lashing requires you to always check the strap, buckle, and hooks to ensure no signs of damage could jeopardize the cargo.

3. Open the Ratchet Lever

To use Ratchet Lashing correctly, start by opening the ratchet lever, which exposes the serrated axle that will hold the strap.

4. Position the Strap on the Cargo

Arrange the strap neatly on the cargo according to the securing method.

Ensure there are no folds or knots in the strap.

5. Attach the Hook to the Anchor Point

After positioning the strap correctly on the cargo, attach the hook to the designated anchor point on the vehicle or heavy equipment.

6. Adjust the Strap Length

Insert the loose end of the strap into the serrated axle and pull it tight until it rests securely on the cargo with moderate tension.

7. Tighten the Ratchet Lashing

Tighten the Ratchet Lashing to the desired tension by pumping the ratchet lever.

8. Lock the Ratchet Tension

Once you’ve achieved the right tension, pull the function slider and position the ratchet lever to lock in the tension.

9. Releasing the Ratchet Lashing

To release the Ratchet Lashing, pull the function slider and swing the ratchet lever to a 180-degree angle. This method allows for quick release.

Ensure that workers are trained in the release mechanism to prevent injuries.

However, if you’re using a Ratchet Lashing with an ABS (Anti-Blocking System), you can swing the lever back and forth to release the strap gradually.

Understanding how to use Ratchet Lashing involves all of these nine steps, so you better shouldn’t skip any.

Safety Tips for Using Ratchet Lashing

Knowing how to use Ratchet Lashing properly keeps your cargo safe and ensures workers’ safety on-site.

Here are some tips to ensure safe usage:

• Always inspect the Ratchet and strap for any signs of damage before using them.
• Never exceed the weight limit specified for the Ratchet Lashing.
• Avoid placing the hook in improper positions, which can cause the cargo to slip during transport.
• Apply enough tension to the load—over-tightening can damage both the cargo and the ratchet-lashing material.
• Ensure that only certified personnel handle installing and releasing Ratchet Lashing.

Advantages of Using Ratchet Lashing

Great understanding of how to use Ratchet Lashing offers numerous advantages that can simplify your cargo handling operations, including:

1. Ease of Use

Ratchet Lashings are designed to comply with international safety standards for transportation equipment.

They allow you to secure cargo according to capacity without needing extra security measures like traditional lashing methods.

2. Flexible Securing

Unlike chains or wire ropes, Ratchet Lashings are more flexible and can adapt to the shape of the load without damaging its surface.

3. Lightweight

Made from textile materials, Ratchet Lashings are lighter and require less manual effort than the force needed when using chains or wire ropes.

Get Your Best Ratchet Lashing Only at Sebatek!

Understanding how to use Ratchet Lashing correctly is essential to ensure the safety of your products, workers, and company reputation.

Additionally, you need high-quality Ratchet Lashing like the ones from Sebatek to guarantee maximum security.

As part of PT Elhifa Intiguna, Sebatek has been recognized as a leading distributor of reliable slings in Indonesia and has certifications for synthetic sling safety standards.

Many of our clients have experienced the superior quality of our high-tenacity polyester products and continue to rely on us as their go-to solution for slings.

Prove the quality of our Ratchet Lashings by yourself!

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