Rigging equipment and cargo lashing are two distinct equipment categories with different tasks, standards, and rules of use. Confusing them is dangerous: incorrectly selected equipment leads to cargo damage, fines during roadside inspections, and workplace accidents.
What is rigging equipment?
Rigging equipment is equipment used for lifting, moving and positioning loads during loading and unloading operations. Rigging is used during loading and unloading; once the load is placed, it is removed.
Common rigging equipment includes:
- Textile slings (EN 1492-1) — for general and palletised cargo
- Chain slings (EN 818-2) — for metal, hot or abrasive loads
- Wire rope slings (EN 13414-1) — for very heavy or sharp-edged loads
- Hooks, shackles, carabiners — connecting components
- Lifting clamps for plates, pipes and pallets
- Eye bolts and welded lifting rings
- Blocks, pulleys and turnbuckles
Key parameter: WLL (Working Load Limit) — the maximum permissible working load on a sling in vertical position. Standards: EN 1492-1 (textile), EN 818 (chain).
What is cargo lashing equipment?
Cargo lashing equipment is equipment for securing a load on a vehicle during transport. Unlike rigging, lashing stays on the load for the entire journey and is removed only upon arrival.
Common cargo lashing equipment includes:
- Ratchet lashing straps (EN 12195-2) — universal securing
- Chain lashings with hooks — for heavy machinery
- Wire rope lashings and tensioners — for long loads
- Anti-slip mats and pads — reduce required LC by 20–60%
- Corner protectors — protect strap and load at sharp edges
- Cargo nets and tarpaulins
Key parameter: LC (Lashing Capacity) — the calculated restraint force. Standards: EN 12195-1 (calculation method), EN 12195-2 (straps).
What is the difference between rigging and cargo lashing equipment?
The key difference: rigging is used during loading and unloading (vertical load, brief duration); cargo lashing is used during transport (horizontal and dynamic load, continuous). A lifting sling must not be used as a lashing strap: different load geometry, different label, different certification.
Comparison table
| Parameter | Rigging Equipment | Cargo Lashing Equipment |
| When used | Loading / unloading | During transport |
| Removed | After placing load | On arrival |
| Main standard | EN 1492, EN 818 | EN 12195 |
| Key parameter | WLL | LC (Lashing Capacity) |
| Label colour | Yellow / Green | Orange / Red |
| Example | Textile sling 2 t | Ratchet strap LC 2500 daN |
How do you calculate WLL based on lifting angle?
WLL decreases as the angle between the sling legs increases. According to EN 1492-1 (Annex B), the reduction factors are:
| Angle between sling legs | WLL factor | Practical note |
| 0° (vertical) | 100% | Full rated WLL |
| Up to 45° | 100% | Safe working range |
| 45° – 60° | 82% | Always select with margin |
| 60° – 90° | 71% | Use heavier sling grade |
| Over 90° | ≤50% | Avoid if possible |
Practical rule: Always select a sling with a WLL safely above the calculated load weight, accounting for angle and dynamic forces. Source: EN 1492-1, Annex B.
What is the checklist for safe loading and cargo securing?
A safe loading and securing operation requires:
- Check WLL and LC — The load on the equipment must not exceed WLL/LC, accounting for angle and safety factor.
- Inspect before every use — Cuts, abrasion, corrosion, cracks in hooks — immediate withdrawal from service.
- Use corner protectors — Sharp edges damage textile slings even with light contact.
- Verify CE documentation — EU law requires a CE conformity certificate for every sling and lashing strap (Directive 2006/42/EC for lifting equipment; Directive 2014/33/EU applies to related components). Without documentation, expect fines at inspection.
- Match lashing method to cargo type — Flat loads: direct top lashing. Cylindrical: V-shape diagonal strap. Fragile: with padding and reduced tension.
Where to buy certified rigging and cargo lashing equipment?
LPX Trade SIA (Latvia) supplies rigging equipment and cargo lashing with CE certificates across Europe. Range includes: textile and chain slings, ratchet straps, corner protectors, clamps and connecting hardware.
Website: lpxtrade.lv | Delivery across Europe | CE certificates included.