BS EN 12195-1:2010 is the recognised British and European standard for calculating the forces required to secure loads during transport. It provides a structured method for determining suitable restraint arrangements, helping transport operators prevent cargo from sliding, tipping or becoming unstable while a vehicle is moving.
The standard applies to securing methods used on relevant road transport vehicles, including lorries and trailers, and covers direct lashing, friction-based restraint, blocking and combinations of these methods. Its formal scope excludes vehicles with a total weight of 3,500kg or less, although safe load securing remains essential for lighter vehicles.
Understanding the Forces Acting on a Load
One of the fundamental principles of BS EN 12195-1 is that a load must remain secure when subjected to forces generated by braking, acceleration and changes in direction.
For UK road transport, DVSA guidance requires load securing systems to withstand forces equivalent to:
- 100% of the load's weight forwards, particularly during emergency braking.
- 50% of the load's weight sideways, when cornering or swerving.
- 50% of the load's weight backwards, during acceleration or other vehicle movements.
These UK guidance requirements should not be confused with the standard's individual calculation coefficients, which depend on the securing arrangement and direction of loading.
How Friction Affects Load Security
Friction plays an important role in preventing cargo movement. BS EN 12195-1 incorporates friction coefficients into its calculations to establish how much restraint is required.
The amount of friction depends on the materials in contact, surface conditions and any friction-enhancing equipment used.
For example, steel machinery positioned directly on a steel vehicle bed may have relatively limited resistance to sliding. Suitable anti-slip materials can improve friction and potentially reduce the additional restraint required.
However, friction values must be appropriately established. UK DVSA guidance specifies a default coefficient of 0.2 for load securing calculations where no tested or certified value is available.
Direct Lashing and Friction-Based Restraint
The standard recognises different securing methods, each requiring a different calculation approach.
Direct lashing involves connecting suitable restraints between the load and vehicle attachment points. Its effectiveness depends on lashing capacity, attachment angles and the direction of the forces being resisted.
Friction-based restraint, commonly achieved using over-the-top webbing lashings, increases downward pressure on the load to improve friction with the vehicle bed.
For this method, the standard tension force (STF), lashing angle and friction coefficient are particularly important.
BS EN 12195-1 also considers the risk of tipping, making the load's dimensions and centre of gravity essential factors in the calculation.
Why BS EN 12195-1 Matters
BS EN 12195-1 provides a recognised technical foundation for designing and assessing load restraint systems. It helps operators determine appropriate securing methods and calculate the forces that individual restraints must withstand.
Although the standard itself is not a standalone legal requirement under UK road traffic law, it is an important reference used when assessing load security.
The key principle is that safe restraint depends on the complete securing arrangement, not simply the rated capacity or number of straps used.
For machinery, plant equipment and other heavy loads, calculations should be completed by someone competent in load restraint design, using the relevant standard and current UK guidance.