Working in construction or industry is a tough job – not just anyone can do it. You need specialist training, a wide knowledge of on-site processes, and above all, the right equipment for the job. You could be the most skilled workman in the world, but if your equipment isn’t right, your job isn’t going to be safe – in this instance, it really is ok for a workman to blame his tools! When transporting objects, you will need to use ratchet lashings in order to complete your work safely. These lashing not only need to be of the highest quality and thoroughly checked over, they also need to be the right lashings for the job in the first place.
When you work on sites, you will know that you need to transport items regularly and that they will need to arrive at their destination in good condition. There are, of course, health and safety implications aplenty here. You could cause a serious accident without the right ratchet straps for the job, and you could also find yourself in a situation where you affect other drivers and members of the public. It’s also important for the quality of the work you can carry out because equipment must arrive in good working order so that you can put it to use. Many of the loads you will be transporting will be large, so you should be careful to secure them properly before starting out on any journey, no matter how short.
Choosing ratchet lashings that are fit for purpose
Tie downs come in many different shapes and sizes. They might incorporate different fittings, such as chassis rings, J-hooks, delta hooks or snap hooks. The strap you will use depends on the load you are tying down, and the vehicle – there is no such thing as a one size fits all ratchet strap.
Ratchet lashings can secure large loads and are regularly available in different lengths, with widths of up to 50mm and lengths up to 15m (though 8m is more usual). Minimum breakage strengths are also important and you should make sure your lashings have been thoroughly tested for their purpose.
Buying the right lashings for the job
Once you have established what your requirements are, match these up to the ratchet lashings you are going to buy. You will often be able to find product specs online, allowing you to asses a product thoroughly and work out whether it is right for your purpose.
Check the serial number on any item you are going to order, so you can check it against your product when it arrives and ensures you receive what you need. This then mitigates risk and you can send the lashings back if they aren’t right. Shop with a well-known supplier that has a good reputation in the lifting and transportation industries. Make sure your products are made to the right standards and keep any necessary paperwork.