Marking Load Restraint Straps for Use-by Date Tracking

A Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) has a duty to ensure that load restraint straps are in safe working condition and are replaced before failure occurs. Load restraint equipment degrades over time due to factors such as UV exposure, chemical contact, abrasion, tension forces, and environmental conditions.

To effectively track the use-by date of load restraint straps based on their activity type, a PCBU can implement the following marking and monitoring strategies:

1. Color-Coded Tagging System

Assign different colored tags based on the expected lifespan of straps used in various applications.

Example system:

Red (High-intensity use, daily heavy transport) – Replace every 6–12 months.

Blue (Moderate use, general freight transport) – Replace every 12–24 months.

Green (Light use, occasional or non-critical loads) – Replace every 24–36 months.

Tags should include date of first use and inspection intervals.

2. Heat-Stamped or Printed Date Codes

Use heat-stamping, ink marking, or printed labels to display:

Manufacture date (factory-applied).

First use date (marked when deployed).

Expected replacement date (based on usage classification).

This allows quick visual checks for expired straps.

3. RFID or Barcode Tracking System

Attach RFID chips or barcodes to each strap, scanned into a digital maintenance log.

The system logs:

Usage frequency and load weight history.

Environmental exposure conditions (dust, chemicals, UV).

Inspection history and retirement dates.

This is ideal for large-scale fleet operations with automated tracking needs.

4. Inspection Punch Cards or Logbook System

Each strap receives a physical punch card or digital log entry where:

Regular inspections are recorded.

Any damage, wear, or stretching is logged.

If a strap is used in extreme conditions (heavy loads, exposure to oil/chemicals), its replacement date is adjusted accordingly.

5. UV and Wear Indicator Straps

Some modern load restraint straps feature UV degradation indicators or woven wear markers that change color when the strap has been weakened beyond safe use.

A PCBU can establish policies where straps must be retired when the indicator fades or changes color.

6. Mandatory Pre-Use and Annual Inspections

PCBU policy should require drivers/loaders to inspect straps before each use and report:

Fraying, cuts, or tears.

Loss of elasticity or reduced tensioning ability.

Any chemical burns, UV damage, or excessive wear.

Formal annual inspections can mark straps with a renewed inspection date or remove them from service.

Conclusion

By implementing clear marking strategies, a PCBU can ensure load restraint straps are replaced before failure, reducing risks associated with load shifts, vehicle instability, and compliance breaches under the HVNL. A combination of color coding, date stamping, tracking technology, and inspection procedures provides an effective system for ensuring load restraint safety and regulatory compliance.