EN 12195 is the European standard for securing loads on commercial vehicles. It defines how restraint forces are calculated and how lashing straps must be specified, labelled and used so loads remain stable during braking, cornering and acceleration.
The standard is split into two main parts:
- Part 1 - calculation methods used to determine the number and strength of lashings required
- Part 2 - construction, testing and labelling requirements for web lashing straps
EN 12195 Part 1: Load Securing Calculations
Part 1 provides the method for determining how many lashings are required and what capacity they must have for safe restraint.
- Load weight - total mass of the load
- Coefficient of friction - resistance between the load and the deck surface
- Strap angle - the geometry of the lashing
- Lashing capacity (LC) - the rated working strength of each strap
These inputs are used to ensure sufficient restraint force to control movement in all driving conditions.
EN 12195 Part 2: Lashing Strap Requirements
Part 2 sets out how web lashings are manufactured, tested and marked. Only straps that meet these requirements and carry the correct label can be relied upon for their stated rating.
Mandatory label information
- LC (Lashing Capacity) in daN
- LGF and LGL - fixed and adjustable lengths
- SHF (Standard Hand Force) - 50 daN
- STF (Standard Tension Force) - residual tension after tightening
- Warning: "Not for Lifting"
- Webbing material - typically PES, PA or PP
- Manufacturer name or symbol
- Traceability code
- EN 12195-2 reference
- Year of manufacture
- Elongation at LC
Additional term
- BF (Breaking Force) - typically around twice the LC, providing a safety margin
Relationship Between LC, SHF and STF
- BF (Breaking Force) - typically around twice the LC, providing a safety margin
Relationship Between LC, SHF and STF
LC is the maximum rated working capacity of the strap. SHF is the standardised 50 daN hand force applied by the operator. STF is the residual tension achieved after tightening.
STF provides the immediate clamping force that holds the load in place, while LC provides the structural capacity to withstand higher dynamic forces if the load shifts.
How They Work Together
- Operator applies 50 daN hand force (SHF)
- The ratchet generates residual tension (STF)
- The strap capacity (LC) provides the safety margin under peak loads
This combination provides stability in normal operation and protection during sudden manoeuvres.
Frequently Asked Questions
How worn can a lashing strap be before it must be replaced?
EN 12195-2 does not provide a wear limit or percentage reduction guide. Instead, Annex B states that web lashings showing any signs of damage shall be rejected or removed from service. This is because cuts, abrasion, heat damage or hardware defects can reduce the effective lashing capacity (LC), meaning the labelled rating can no longer be relied upon.
In practice, straps should be replaced if there are tears, cuts, frayed or broken load-bearing fibres, damaged stitching, melted or hardened webbing from heat, chemical contamination, or deformed, cracked or corroded ratchets and hooks. If damage is visible, the strap should not be used for load restraint.
What does LC mean on a lashing strap?
LC is the lashing capacity, expressed in daN, showing the maximum working force the strap can safely withstand.
What is the difference between LC and STF?
LC is the strap's maximum rated working load. STF is the residual tension remaining after tightening that holds the load in place during transport.
Why is SHF always 50 daN?
SHF is standardised at 50 daN to ensure consistent and safe application of force by operators across all lashing systems.
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