Heavy-duty machine lashing and choking are techniques used to secure large and heavy machinery or equipment during transportation to prevent movement and ensure safety. These methods are crucial for protecting valuable machinery from damage and ensuring stability throughout transit.

Key Components:

1. Lashing Belts:
   • Material: Typically made from strong synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon, which offer high tensile strength and durability.
   • Types: Often feature ratchet mechanisms or cam buckles for easy tightening and adjustment.
   • Specifications: Available in various widths and lengths, with breaking strengths rated to handle substantial loads.
2. Choking Straps:
   • Purpose: Used to wrap around machinery or equipment to provide additional stability and prevent movement. They often complement lashing belts in securing heavy loads.
   • Material: Made from strong webbing materials similar to lashing belts, often with reinforced edges for durability.
   • Design: May include various fittings and adjustment mechanisms to ensure a secure fit.

Techniques:

1. Lashing:
   • Securing: Use heavy-duty lashing belts to secure machinery to a base or platform. The ratchet mechanism or cam buckle allows for precise tightening.
   • Placement: Position the lashing belts around the machinery at multiple points to evenly distribute the load and prevent shifting.
   • Tightening: Ensure that the lashing belts are tightened firmly to eliminate slack and keep the machinery stable. Avoid over-tightening, which can damage the equipment.
2. Choking:
   • Wrapping: Wrap choking straps around the machinery in a crisscross or diagonal pattern to provide additional stability and prevent movement.
   • Adjusting: Adjust the choking straps to ensure they are snug and secure. The straps should be positioned to minimize any potential shifting or tipping of the machinery.
   • Securing Ends: Secure the ends of the choking straps to prevent them from loosening during transit.

Best Practices:

1. Inspection:
   • Pre-Use Check: Inspect lashing belts and choking straps for any signs of wear, damage, or defects before use. Replace any damaged components to maintain safety.
   • Load Assessment: Ensure that the lashing and choking equipment is rated for the weight and dimensions of the machinery being secured.
2. Load Distribution:
   • Even Distribution: Distribute the load evenly across multiple lashing points to prevent excessive stress on any single point and ensure stability.
   • Proper Positioning: Position the lashing belts and choking straps to effectively counteract any potential movement or tipping of the machinery.
3. Compliance:
   • Regulations: Ensure that the lashing and choking methods comply with relevant safety standards and regulations for transportation.
4. Safety:
   • Protective Measures: Use protective padding or cushioning to prevent damage to the machinery or the securing equipment.
   • Training: Ensure that personnel responsible for securing the machinery are trained in proper lashing and choking techniques.