EN 12195 is a European standard that establishes requirements and guidelines for the stowage and securing of loads on transport vehicles, such as trucks, trailers and vans. Its main objective is to ensure safety in the transport of goods by preventing the load from moving or shifting in a dangerous manner during the journey. This standard defines various parameters and procedures to be followed to ensure proper stowage.
One of the key aspects of EN 12195 is the consideration of the forces acting on the load during transport. For this, acceleration coefficients are used that represent the acceleration forces in different directions: longitudinal (forward or backward), lateral (sideways) and vertical (up or down).
These coefficients are essential for calculating the necessary lashing forces and ensuring that the load remains securely on the vehicle.
The newton is the unit of force measurement in the International System (SI). It is represented by the symbol "N". One newton is defined as the force required to provide an acceleration of 1 meter per second squared (1 m/s²) to an object having a mass of 1 kilogram (1 kg). In other words, one newton is the amount of force required to change the velocity of a 1 kg object by 1 meter per second every second.
In the context of stowage and load securing, it is common to work with multiples of the newton, such as the decanewton (daN) or the kilonewton (kN). A decanewton is equivalent to 10 newtons (1 daN = 10 N), while a kilonewton is equivalent to 1,000 newtons (1 kN = 1,000 N). These multiples are used to express larger forces in a more practical way.
In EN 12195 and on labels identifying lashings and other items used in stowage, forces are usually measured in newtons (N) or their multiples such as decanewton (daN) and kilonewton (kN). The use of these units of force is essential to make accurate calculations and ensure that lashing forces are adequate to hold cargo securely during transport.
In the context of EN 12195, it is essential to understand the concept of Standard Tension Force (STF). The STF refers to the nominal tensile strength that is determined through specific tests on lashing devices used to secure loads during transport.
This measure of force is expressed in units of newtons (N), as well as its multiples, such as decanewton (daN) or kilonewton (kN). STF is usually clearly indicated on labels or plates attached to lashing and other fastening devices.
The importance of the STF lies in its ability to assess and ensure the suitability of a lashing device in safely restraining a load during transport. In practice, a lashing device with a higher STF can reduce the need to use multiple lashings to secure a load. This simplifies and streamlines the stowage and lashing process, increasing efficiency and safety in the transportation of goods.
In summary, the Rated Tensioning Force (STF) is a crucial parameter according to EN 12195 that evaluates the capacity of lashing devices and their effectiveness in securing loads during transport. Opting for lashing devices with a higher STF can reduce the number of lashings required, thus improving efficiency and safety in the cargo stowage process.
