Copyright © 2001 FleetWatch magazine and FleetWatch On-Line.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission from the publishers. Views published are not necessarily those of the publishers.

This humungous load could never have traversed the countryside without the aid of chain lashings.

Transporting heavy and abnormal loads by truck calls for extra-strength lashing material to be used to ensure the load stays where it should be, safely on the vehicle. Whether it's a giant granite block or a combine harvester that needs to be hauled, only one load securing product will do the job - a very strong chain. FleetWatch invited Doug Poole of McKinnon Chain/Scaw Metals to present a few guidelines that transporters should follow when it comes to buying and using chain lashings on heavy loads.

"Chain lashings are best suited for securement of granite blocks, heavy equipment for mining, construction and road works, steel coils, timber, transformers and agricultural machinery. There are several advantages to using chain lashings, for example; chains are strong, wear resistant and can absorb shock. A three-dimensional flexibility of short link steel chain allows it to be wrapped around comers and weaved through loads; they enable link-by-link tensioning with tensioning devices such as ratchet and lever binders and turnbuckles; they're cost-effective because of various qualities such as mild steel, higher tensile steel or alloy chain available, offering wider choice depending on the type of load to be secured and, chains are resistant to failure by cutting, chaffing and chemical saturation which is possible with webbing.

Ensure quality
"It is recommended that short link chain (compared to long link chain) is used for cargo securement. The reasons being that short link chain is less prone to bending when wrapped around sharp corners and a better link-by-link tensioning can be achieved with short link chain. Only chains that are quality embossed must be used as this guarantees the user a chain of a specific quality, tested and where necessary supplied with a manufacturer's certificate of test.

"Lever binders are drop forged and heat treated and available for 10 or 13mm chain. Care should be taken that lever binders are positioned carefully to avoid bending action over sharp corners as this not only causes damage but can result in a fracture of the chain or the fittings. Furthermore, the practice of using cheater bars for additional leverage when tensioning must also be avoided.

Right hooks
"It is recommended that either Clevis Slip Hooks or Clevis Grab Hooks be used at the end of the chain to connect onto vehicle bodies. The slip hook will normally be attached to the lead or to the vehicle body and the Grab Hook used to take up the slack on the chain itself.

"Chain lengths are normally 5 to 6 metres depending on the width of the vehicle, the height and type of the load to be secured. Extra chain is normally wrapped around Lever Binder handles for extra safety.

Safety tips
All heavy load transporters should familiarize themselves with SABS 0187/1983, the Code of practice for Cargo Securement on Vehicles. Also, chains, tensioners, fittings and anchoring points should be inspected regularly for damage or wear. Chain with twists, kinks or knobs should be removed form service. Tensioning devices should be poisoned carefully to avoid bending action over corners or sharp edges. Make use of wedges or chocks so that your load cannot move. Match chain to fittings - all fittings must have at least the minimum breaking strength of the chain used.

"Remember to always protect chains from unnecessary exposure to the weather during storage and always check you lashings before moving off, and also, after you have travelled a few kilometres. Where practical, chain should be protected from sharp-cornered loads with suitable packing, such as wood blocks etc.

Understand breaking strength
"Lastly, it must be remembered that the minimum breaking strength of a chain is the theoretical or calculated force at which the chain or fittings, in the condition in which they would leave the factory, will break under tests in which the force is applied in direct tension, at a uniform speed, on a standard horizontal chain testing machine. Shock and impact loading, as well as chain that has been weakened as a result of wear or abuse, could fail prematurely.

Bottom line
"Load safety is ultimately the driver's responsibility. It is therefore essential that not only the highest quality tie-down chains and binders are used but that all drivers are properly trained how to use chain lashing equipment."