Section 2 Fixed cargo securing fittings, materials and testing

2.1.1 Randomly selected samples of fixed cargo securing fittings are to be subjected to prototype testing and, upon satisfactory completion, will be granted General Approval.

2.1.2 Randomly selected samples drawn from production runs are to be subjected to production testing prior to delivery to the ship.

2.1.3 Cargo securing fittings, certified by an organisation other than LR, will be accepted where the certification scheme is to the satisfaction of LR.

2.2.1 Steel used for the construction of the fixed cargo securing fittings is to comply with the requirements of the Rules for the Manufacture, Testing and Certification of Materials (hereinafter referred to as the Rules for Materials) or with an equivalent specification acceptable to LR. Due account is to be taken of the grade and tensile strength of the hull material in way of the attachment. The chemical composition of the steel is to be such as to ensure acceptable qualities of weldability. Where necessary, tests are to be carried out to establish specific welding procedures.

2.2.2 Where securing arrangements are intended to operate at low ambient temperatures, special consideration is to be given to the specification of the steel.

2.2.3 Proposals for the use of materials other than steel will be specially considered.

2.2.4 Attention is drawn to the need for measures to be taken to prevent water accumulation in pockets or recesses that could lead to excessive corrosion.

2.3.1 Prototype tests to determine the breaking or failure loads are to be carried out on at least two randomly selected samples of each item used in the securing system. The relationship between design breaking load and safe working load (SWL) is to be as indicated in Table 14.2.1 Design breaking loads and proof loads for fixed cargo securing fittings.

2.3.2 The Surveyor is to be satisfied that the design and materials of the fittings are in accordance with the approved plans.

2.3.3 For acceptance, no permanent deformation (other than due to initial embedding of component parts) is to be induced by test loads up to the proof load given in Table 14.2.1 Design breaking loads and proof loads for fixed cargo securing fittings.

2.3.4 When considering the test modes, all expected directions of operation are to be taken into account. Jigs are to be employed, where necessary, in order that satisfactory simulation is obtained.

2.3.5 In the interest of standardisation of the strength of container securing fittings, safe working loads in accordance with Table 14.2.2 Test loads and test modes for fixed container securing fittings are recommended.

Table 14.2.2 Test loads and test modes for fixed container securing fittings

Item No.	Description	Required test modes		Recommended minimum, in kN
				SWL	Proof load	Breaking load
1	Flush socket		Pull-out load	250	375	500
			Pull-out load	250	375	500
2	Pedestal socket		Tangential load	200	300	400
3	‘D’ ring		Tensile load	250	375	500
4	Lashing plate		Tensile load	250	375	500
Note 1. For items 3 and 4, where specifically designed for use with chain or steel wire rope (SWR) lashings, a lesser SWL may be considered. Note 2. For items 1 and 2, where multiple flush sockets or pedestal sockets are involved, test loads are to be applied simultaneously to each socket opening which can be loaded simultaneously in service. Note 3. For item 4, where multiple lashing points are fitted in one deck plate fitting, testing is to be similarly arranged as for Note 2. Note 4. Where containers with strength higher than required for ISO containers are used, consideration will be given to the required minimum loads. Note 5. The test modes illustrated above are diagrammatic only.

2.3.6 Where one of the required two randomly selected test samples fails before the design breaking load is reached, this can be accepted, provided that:

1. the failure is not less than 95 per cent of the design breaking load;

2. an additional randomly selected sample is tested satisfactorily; and

3. the average failure load of the three randomly selected samples is equal to or greater than the design breaking load.

2.4.1 The nature and extent of proposed production testing will be considered by LR, but the arrangements are to be at least equivalent to one of the following testing procedures:

1. One randomly selected sample from every 50 pieces, or from each batch if fewer than 50 pieces, is to be proof loaded in accordance with Table 14.2.1 Design breaking loads and proof loads for fixed cargo securing fittings.

2. All fittings are to be loaded to the SWL of the item.

2.4.2 Consideration will be given to a reduced frequency of the mechanical production testing proposed in Pt 3, Ch 14, 2.4 Production testing 2.4.1, provided that:

1. the prototype test results indicate a breaking load at least 50 per cent greater than that required by Table 14.2.1 Design breaking loads and proof loads for fixed cargo securing fittings; and

2. a suitable non-destructive inspection procedure is agreed.

2.4.3 Permanent deformation (other than that due to initial embedding of component parts) will not be accepted unless tests are conducted in accordance with Pt 3, Ch 14, 2.4 Production testing 2.4.1 and the SWL of the sample is 250 kN or greater. In this case, consideration may be given to acceptance of permanent deformation in the load range between SWL + 125 kN and the proof load, provided that satisfactory manual operation can be achieved after completion of tests.

2.4.4 In the event of premature failure or serious plastic deformation occurring in a test sample, a further randomly selected sample is to be selected for testing. In the event that this sample is found to be unsatisfactory, the associated batch will be rejected.