Skip to main content

Tarp Straps Marked with a Working Load Limit

Entry DateOctober 11, 2011
Issue Number11-054-VEH
NameWarren Reynolds
AgencyOntario Ministry of Transportation
Address3rd Floor, 301 St. Paul StreetSt. Catharines, Ontario, L2R 7R4United StatesMap It (opens in a new tab)
Phone905-704-2168
Email[email protected]
CommitteeVehicle Committee
StatusClosed
Summary of Issue

We are now seeing tarp straps with a marked working load limit of 50 lbs. (see attached pictures) In question 7 of the summary information guide posted on the CCMTA website and dated December 2, 2010, it provides that; \"Bungee cords and tarp straps are not suitable for use as tiedowns, and are equally unsuited to having an assigned Working Load Limit. There is no intention to prohibit the use of these devices as supplementary restraint for light weight cargo and equipment.\" Now that manufacturers of tarp straps are assigning Working Load Limits to tarp straps, does the above statement still hold true? Will we recognize them as a tiedown and allow them to be the primary restraint for light weight cargo and equipment?

Justification or Need

This issue requires clarification on whether a tarp strap with a marked Working Load Limit can be considered an acceptable tiedown option due to its stretching characteristics. Depending on the resolution of this issue, the Summary Information document on the CCMTA website may require changes to reflect the acceptance of rated tarp straps as a tiedown or primary restraint for light cargo.

Request for Action

I request that a decision be given on the suitability of rated tarp straps as a primary restrain.