scope:

This Standard specifies the manufacturing requirements of metal fittings for wooden containers used for the Services, including material specifications and information for lifting straps and other ancillary items.

This specification is for metal fittings including lifting straps for wooden containers that have been designed for a maximum gross package mass of 10, 000kg. This specification does not apply to metal fittings for wooden containers which have been designed to carry masses in excess of 10, 000kg.

It contains no information on the positioning and securing of the metal fittings which is covered in each respective container construction specification, or as stated on the Services Packaging Instruction Sheet.

It is pointed out that the suppliers of metal attachments for wooden containers, that differ in construction from the specification described in this Defence Standard (Def Stan) (including materials, fasteners, lifting aids etc). Must ensure that the container complete with the respective fittings has been tested as fit for the purpose intended.

Note 1: Lifting Straps: Method of Attachments. The decision as to the best method of attaching strap assemblies will depend upon many factors, such as the type of construction of the case, the type of equipment being packed, the method of securing it to the case, and upon the lifting facilities. It is therefore not practicable to give specific guidance on this subject, but figures 19, 21, 22, 27, 28 and 32 illustrate examples of commonly used methods. They should not be regarded as definite recommendations as there are many other methods that may be more appropriate to circumstances.

Note 2: The tables in this standard for link and strap assemblies are the recommended maximum safe working loads for four links. These tables also include a load reduction factor of 0.5 for angular loading on the link and strap assembly when being lifted. The load reduction factor makes an arbitrary allowance if in no circumstances will the incline angle between any diagonally opposite lifting slings exceeds 120°, and that the lifting points on the case are approximately placed in relation to the centre of gravity of the load. When slinging it is recommended that the inclined angle between any opposite legs shall be limited to a maximum of 90°.

Note 3: When only two lifting straps are required for certain types of containers the recommended maximum safe working load shall be 50% of the values shown in the respective tables.