Every ratchet strap made to EN 12195-2 carries a stitched label. Forces are given in daN (decanewton): 1 daN is 10 newtons and roughly 1 kilogram of force, so 2500 daN is about 2.5 tonnes.
| On the label | Meaning |
|---|---|
| LC | Lashing capacity: two values, for a straight pull and for a loop around the load, for example 2500 / 5000 daN |
| SHF | Standard hand force used when measuring STF, 50 daN |
| STF | Pre-tension left in the strap after the ratchet is released |
| Elongation | Stretch at LC; the standard limit is 7 per cent |
| Label colour | Blue polyester, green polyamide, brown polypropylene |
Which value matters depends on the lashing method. Where the strap ties the load directly to an anchor point, LC goes into the calculation. In friction lashing, where the strap presses the load down onto the floor, the pre-tension does the work: a strap with STF 500 daN holds the same load with fewer straps than one with STF 350 daN.
A strap whose label cannot be read is not used in commercial transport. A strap with cut webbing, open stitching or a deformed ratchet or hook no longer carries the value on its label either, and is taken out of service.
