When it comes to transporting goods safely across the UK, ratchet straps are the unsung heroes of haulage. However, even the toughest web lashings don’t last forever. Regular inspection of your ratchet straps is critical—not just for compliance with safety standards like EN 12195-2, but also to protect your load, your business, and your people.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through why inspections matter, what to look out for, and how to keep your straps in service-ready condition.
Why Regular Inspections Are Non-Negotiable
Failing straps can lead to serious accidents, damage to goods, vehicle instability, and legal consequences. According to the UK Department for Transport (DfT) and DVSA guidelines, ratchet straps should be checked before every use and maintained to ensure continued compliance with BS EN 12195-2 standards.
Routine checks can:
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Prevent costly load damage
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Reduce risk of injury and fines
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Extend the service life of your equipment
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Keep your business audit-ready
How Often Should You Inspect Ratchet Straps?
We recommend three levels of inspection:
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Pre-Use Checks – Before each use.
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Routine Checks – Weekly or at regular maintenance intervals.
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Thorough Inspection – Monthly or when equipment is returned to central stores.
Maintain a log of inspections, repairs, and replacements as part of your load restraint compliance documentation.
Step-by-Step Ratchet Strap Inspection Guide
1. Visual Check for Webbing Damage
Look for:
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Cuts, tears, fraying or nicks in the webbing
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Burns, abrasions, or chemical stains
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UV damage or discolouration
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Holes or complete piercings
⚠️ Reject if: Damage exceeds 10% of the strap’s width or if the core is exposed or pierced through.
2. Inspect the Label
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Ensure the identification label is present and legible.
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It should display key data like Lashing Capacity (LC) and Standard Tension Force (STF).
🚫 No label = Non-compliant. Such straps should be removed from service.
3. Check the End Fittings
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Look for corrosion, cracks, deformation, or wear in hooks or D-rings.
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Ensure flat hooks fully engage the bearing surface.
🔧 Replace if any part is bent, rusted or otherwise compromised.
4. Examine the Tensioning Mechanism
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Ratchets should rotate smoothly and lock securely.
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Look for bent handles, jammed gears, or damaged locking mechanisms.
🧰 Keep ratchets lubricated and free from dirt to avoid mechanical failure.
5. Confirm No Knots or Improvised Fixes
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Never knot webbing to secure it or use rope hooks.
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Don’t use bars or levers not provided by the manufacturer.
🔒 Using unauthorised methods can reduce lashing strength by up to 50%.
Tips to Extend the Life of Your Straps
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Use corner protectors to prevent sharp edges from cutting into straps.
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Store in dry, clean conditions, away from sunlight and chemicals.
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Avoid over-tensioning – use only the standard hand force of 500N.
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Do not use straps for towing or lifting – they’re designed for restraint only.
When to Replace Ratchet Straps
Any strap that shows signs of wear or damage should be immediately removed from service. Repairs should only be carried out by the original manufacturer and only if the strap bears an intact label.
If in doubt, replace it.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your ratchet straps in top condition is a simple but powerful way to improve transport safety, remain compliant, and protect your business from unnecessary risk. A few minutes of inspection can save you thousands in damages, fines, or lost time.
At UK Ratchet Straps, we stock BS EN 12195-compliant straps built for the rigours of UK haulage. Browse our full range of web lashings and accessories or contact us for expert advice.