Synthetic Tow Strap Safety Bulletin
WARNING
This bulletin contains important safety information about the use of tow straps. However, it DOES NOT contain all the information you need to know about handling, manipulating and towing vehicles safely. It is your responsibility to use tow straps safely and to consider all risk factors prior to using any tie down system. Failure to do this may result in severe INJURY or DEATH due to tow strap failure.
The following points highlight some important safety issues.
1. All users must be trained in tow strap selection, use and inspection, cautions to personnel, environmental effects, all applicable standards, regulations and tow strap best practices
2. Inspect tow straps for damage before each use, if the strap is damaged, remove it from service. Protect tow strap from damage.
3. ALWAYS protect tow straps in contact with edges, corners, protrusions, or abrasive surfaces with materials of sufficient strength, thickness and construction to prevent damage
4. Do not exceed the breaking strength of the tow strap; taking into account the the load of the towing vehicle, the vehicle anchor points, tow strap configuration and angle, etc
5. Be alert when using tow straps. Users must remain alert to hazards when recovering and towing vehicles.
6. Maintain and store tow straps properly. Tow straps should be protected from mechanical, chemical and environmental damage.
1. All Tow Strap Users Must be Trained and Knowledgeable
All tow strap users must be trained on the proper use of tow straps, including selection and inspection, cautions to personnel and environmental effects. The Web Sling & Tie Down Association (WSTDA) defines a "qualified person" as one:
“who by possession of a recognized degree, certificate of professional standing or by extensive knowledge, training and experience has successfully demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems related to the subject matter and work." (WSTDA T-1, page 2)
It is important that all tow strap users be knowledgeable about the safe and proper use and application of tow straps and securement practices and be thoroughly familiar with the manufacturer's recommendations and safety materials provided with each product. In addition, all users must be aware of their responsibilities as outlined in all applicable federal, state, provincial, and local regulations and industry standards (where applicable)
If you are unsure whether you are properly trained and knowledgeable, or if you are unsure of what the standards and regulations require of you, ask your employer for information and/or training— use tow straps until you are absolutely sure of what you are doing. Remember, when it comes to using tow straps, lack of skill, knowledge and care can result in severe or to you and others.
2. Tow Straps Must Be Regularly and Properly Inspected
Even seemingly "minor" damage to a tow strap can significantly reduce its capacity to tow and recover vehicles and increases the chance that the tow strap will fail during use. Therefore, it is very important that tow straps are regularly and properly inspected. In reality, there simply is no such thing as "minor" damage. If you are not sure whether a tow strap is damaged, remove it from service immediately.
2a. How to inspect tie downs
To detect possible damage, you should perform a visual inspection of the entire tow strap. You should look for any of the types of conditions listed in Table 1. Table 2 shows examples of some of these types of damage, but note that they are relatively extreme examples provided for illustration purposes only.
2b. What to do if you identify damage in a tow strap
If you identify ANY of these types of damage in a tow strap, remove it from service immediately, even if the damage is not as extensive as shown in the pictures in Table 2. Tow straps that are removed from service must be destroyed and rendered completely unusable, as no repairs of tow strap webbing, fittings, buckles, or stitching/sew patterns shall be permitted.
Synthetic web tow straps may be re-webbed using existing hardware if the tow strap manufacturer determines the hardware is reusable. All re-webbed straps utilizing used hardware shall be proof-tested to 150% of the WLL and certified. You should never ignore tow strap damage or attempt to perform temporary field repairs of damaged straps (e.g., tie knots in the webbing, etc.).
2c. How often to inspect tow straps
A three-stage procedure is recommended to help ensure that tow straps are inspected with appropriate frequency.
Initial Inspection—Whenever a tow strap is initially received, it must be inspected by a designated person to help ensure that the correct tow strap has been received and is undamaged, and that the strap meets applicable requirements for its intended use.
Frequent Inspection—tow straps should be inspected by the person handling/using the tie down before every use.
Periodic Inspection—Every tow strap should be inspected "periodically" by a qualified and designated person. The frequency of periodic inspections is based on the tow straps frequency of use, severity of service conditions, and experience gained during the inspection of other tow straps used in similar circumstances. Tow strap users should establish written inspection records to be kept on file.
Table 1.
The entire tow strap must be inspected before each use and it shall be if ANY of the following are detected:
Holes, tears, cuts, snags or embedded materials.
Broken or worn stitches in the load-bearing splices.
Knots in any part of the webbing.
Acid or alkali burns.
Melting, charring or weld spatters on any part of the webbing.
Excessive abrasive wear or crushed webbing.
Signs of ultraviolet (UV) light degradation.
Distortion, excessive pitting, corrosion or other damage to hooks, shackles, or end fitting(s).
Any conditions which cause doubt as to the strength of the tow strap.
3. Tow Straps Must Be Adequately Protected From Damage
3a. Avoid environmental degradation
Environmental factors such as exposure to sunlight, dirt, or gritty-type matter and cyclical changes in temperature and humidity, can result in an accelerated deterioration of tow straps. The rate of this deterioration will vary with the level of exposure to these conditions and with the thickness of the strap webbing. Tow straps that are used regularly should generally be permanently removed from service within a period of 2 to 4 years. All tow straps that are exposed to these conditions should be highly scrutinized during their inspections.
Visible indications of such deterioration can include the following:
Fading of webbing color.
Uneven or disoriented surface yarn of the webbing.
Shortening of the tow strap length.
Reduction in elasticity and strength of the tow strap material due to exposure to sunlight, often evident by accelerated abrasive damage to the surface yarn of the tie down.
Breakage or damage to yarn fibers, often evident by a fuzzy appearance of the web.
Stiffening of the web, which can become particularly evident when tow straps are exposed to outdoor conditions without being used or cyclically tensioned.
3b. Avoid actions that cause damage to tow straps
You should always avoid any action that causes the types of damage identified in the previous section of this Safety Bulletin, including (but not limited to):
Dragging tow straps on the ground, floor, or over abrasive surfaces.
Twisting, kinking, or knotting the tie down.
Exposing tow straps to damaging acids or alkalis.
Using tow straps or allowing exposure to temperatures above 194°F (90°C) or below -40°F (-40°C).
Using the tow strap against edges or surfaces that could damage the strap webbing
Running/driving over tow straps with a vehicle or other equipment.
Tow straps are affected by some chemicals ranging from little to total degradation. Time, temperature, and concentration factors affect the degradation. For specific applications, consult the manufacturer. In addition, water absorption can decrease a nylon tie down's strength by as much as 10–15% (its strength returns when the tie down dries completely). Consult a tie down manufacturer for specific application loss factors.
Table 2.
4. Always Use Tow Straps Properly
When using tow straps to secure a load, a trained, qualified, and knowledgeable user must consider the factors outlined in this bulletin, along with any other relevant factors specific to the towing situation. Key activities related to proper tow strap use include (but are not limited to):
4a. Assess the Load
Evaluate the nature, shape, weight, and potential dynamic forces (such as G-forces) that might impact the load during towing. Consider how the load could shift in any direction—forward, backward, or sideways—during transport.
4b. Use the Appropriate Tow Strap System
Determine the number and placement of tow straps needed, and select the correct type for the load, environment, and anchor points on the vehicle. Be sure to identify the working load limit (WLL) of the tow straps and ensure the vehicle's anchor points are compatible with the straps. Tow strap fittings must be the correct type, size, and shape for secure attachment.
Consult the manufacturer's specifications to understand how the angle of the tow strap affects its effective load capacity. The angle of the strap relative to the horizontal can reduce its downward pressure and impact performance.
4c. Do Not Misuse Tow Straps
Tow straps should be used strictly for towing purposes. NEVER use them for securing or lifting objects, or for any other tasks beyond their intended use. Misusing tow straps can lead to accidents or equipment failure.
5. Make Sure All Personnel are Clear of Tow Operations and Alert to Risks
Even with the best preparation and adherence to safety measures, unforeseen issues can still arise when using tow straps. All personnel must remain alert to potential risks throughout the towing process. Before applying or releasing tension on the tow straps, ensure the vehicle or equipment being towed is stable and secure.
Extra caution is essential when releasing tension, as vehicles or loads may shift unexpectedly, creating a risk of sudden movement. Have a clear plan for personnel to move to a safe location if the situation becomes hazardous. Additionally, ensure that everyone involved maintains stable footing to prevent slips or falls. Stay mindful of hazards associated with positioning or tossing tow straps, and take care to avoid creating risks for others in the vicinity.
6. Properly Store and Maintain Tow Straps
To ensure the longevity and reliability of tow straps, they should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark location. Keep them away from environmental or mechanical hazards, such as weld spatter, sharp edges, grinding debris, heat sources, or chemical exposure, which could cause damage.
Tow straps should remain clean and free from dirt, grease, or other contaminants. Clean straps with mild soap and water, ensuring they are thoroughly dried before returning them to storage or using them again. Proper storage and maintenance help prevent wear and extend the life of your tow straps.
Where to Find Additional Information
This bulletin is not a comprehensive guide to ensure you are fully trained or knowledgeable in towing practices or tow strap use. However, it provides essential information on the safe and proper use of tow straps. If you require additional guidance regarding tow straps or your responsibilities under applicable regulations and standards, consult your employer.
Both you and your employer should utilize available resources to ensure you are sufficiently trained and informed to use tow straps safely and effectively.
- Manufacturers catalog, User Manuals, Safety Bulletins, Website etc.
- Formal training provided by manufacturers, or other outside entities