Lifting or Lashing Hardware - Is There a Difference?

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In a word, YES, there is a difference!

Lifting Hooks & Lifting hardware are effectively lifting chain components and can be used for both lifting & lashing operations. Lashing Hooks & Lashing Links are NOT lifting chain components so can only be used for lashing operations, they are NOT for lifting.

Lifting Hooks & Lifting Hardware

Lifting chain components or hardware, such as master links and component connectors, are pieces of equipment that are used to attach the load to lifting equipment, providing a link between the two. There are different rating standards used for lifting as opposed to lashing type operations, and so, any lifting operation undertaken MUST include hardware that is rated accordingly.

The image above shows examples of hooks rated for lifting purposes. Stamped on the hook or hardware will be either or both the size and the grade of alloy steel.

7-8 8(or 80) or 7-8 10(or 100)
10 8(or 80) or 10 10(or 100)
13 8(or 80) or 13 10(or 100)
16 8(or 80) or 16 10(or 100)
etc

The 7-8, 10, 13, 16 figures indicate the size.

The 8(80) and 10(100) figures indicate the grade of steel quality G8 / G80, G10 / G100.

Lashing Hooks & Lashing Hardware

Lashing accessories or hardware are used for ‘non-lifting’ applications, such as load restraint. For example, tying/lashing down vehicles on the back of a truck where the characteristics and weight/strength capabilities of the strap are totally different to lifting.

The image above shows examples of hardware rated for lashing purposes. Lashing hardware will have, within it's stamped information, the letters LC followed by a number.

Lashing top ring LC stands for Lashing Capacity.

So, in a nutshell, if you have LC stamped on any of your webbing hardware, then it should NOT be used for any lifting operations.

Labelling of Lashing Straps & Lifting Slings

Lashing Strap Labelling

Lashing straps do need to carry a rating label showing the Lashing Capacity & the STF (Standard Tension Force) of the ratchet and most importantly the words NOT FOR LIFTING

Below is the information that appears on a webbing rating label:

Strap rating label

Section B - this is the part of the label which is visible to the user. Section A - this part is sewn into the webbing strap itself.

Visit the Straps, Load Restraints & Tie Downs section on the Cardno website

Lifting Sling Labelling

Polyester lifting slings are rated & certificated for lifting under the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and are subject to LOLER (Lifting Operations & Lifting Equipment Regulations). They are manufactured to BS EN 1492-1-200 + A1:2008

The rating label is sewn into the sling. It will include the following information: