Safety Warning for Motor Vehicle Recovery Straps
Published Friday, 28 December, 2007 at 02:03 PM
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland
The Honourable Kerry Shine
The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Kerry Shine, has warned off-road enthusiasts that the incorrect use of motor vehicle recovery straps can cause serious injury or death.
“Before they head off-road, motorists should check their recovery or “snatch” straps to make sure their holiday adventure doesn’t become a nightmare,” Mr Shine said.
“The straps are designed to stretch and release energy when connected between two vehicles.
“While they are safe when used correctly, motorists need to select the right straps for their situation, follow all safety instructions and attach them correctly to both vehicles.
“If the strap is too light it may break, and if it’s too strong it may rip components off the vehicle being pulled out.”
Mr Shine said there had been two reported deaths and one serious injury in Queensland caused by the uncontrolled release of snatch straps.
“The Office of Fair Trading is working with industry to develop a safety standard for motor vehicle snatch straps, to ensure consumers will be provided with appropriate safety information.
“In the meantime, consumers should take the strictest safety precautions and not underestimate the potential danger in the improper or unsafe use of these products.”
Mr Shine said there were a number of key safety precautions to observe with the use of motor vehicle recovery straps:
• The stated loading capacity of a snatch strap must be suitable for the vehicle being towed and the particular extraction taking place.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on use and maintenance.
• Connect snatch straps securely to appropriately rated shackles or tow hitches engineered and suitably bolted to the vehicles for that purpose.
• Never connect a snatch strap to a conventional tow-bar, tow-ball or tie-down point on a vehicle because they are not designed to withstand the immense force of energy created by the stretch and release movement of snatch straps.
• Use a damper device such as a recovery damper, heavy bag or blanket draped over the strap to limit the extent of any unintentional rebound.
• Ensure that any people outside the vehicles involved in the recovery are at least 1.5 times the non-stretched length of the strap away from the point of recovery in any direction and NEVER in the line of recovery.
• The stretching properties of snatch straps are significantly reduced when they are saturated.
• When not in use, store and protect snatch straps from sharp edges or abrasion. Dirt or sand can cause damage and reduce effectiveness. Soak straps in clean water until grit is removed and dry out thoroughly before storing or re-use.
“Snatch straps operate completely differently from tow ropes and chains and therefore it’s critical you get the right one for your vehicle,” Mr Shine said.
The Office of Fair Trading has produced a fact sheet on the safe use of snatch straps, which can be downloaded free from www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or by phoning 13 13 04.
Some four-wheel drive clubs in Queensland provide training in the safe use of snatch straps. For information contact the Australian Four Wheel Drive Industry Council at www.4wdcouncil.com.au.
Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400, 0488 799 273
“Before they head off-road, motorists should check their recovery or “snatch” straps to make sure their holiday adventure doesn’t become a nightmare,” Mr Shine said.
“The straps are designed to stretch and release energy when connected between two vehicles.
“While they are safe when used correctly, motorists need to select the right straps for their situation, follow all safety instructions and attach them correctly to both vehicles.
“If the strap is too light it may break, and if it’s too strong it may rip components off the vehicle being pulled out.”
Mr Shine said there had been two reported deaths and one serious injury in Queensland caused by the uncontrolled release of snatch straps.
“The Office of Fair Trading is working with industry to develop a safety standard for motor vehicle snatch straps, to ensure consumers will be provided with appropriate safety information.
“In the meantime, consumers should take the strictest safety precautions and not underestimate the potential danger in the improper or unsafe use of these products.”
Mr Shine said there were a number of key safety precautions to observe with the use of motor vehicle recovery straps:
• The stated loading capacity of a snatch strap must be suitable for the vehicle being towed and the particular extraction taking place.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on use and maintenance.
• Connect snatch straps securely to appropriately rated shackles or tow hitches engineered and suitably bolted to the vehicles for that purpose.
• Never connect a snatch strap to a conventional tow-bar, tow-ball or tie-down point on a vehicle because they are not designed to withstand the immense force of energy created by the stretch and release movement of snatch straps.
• Use a damper device such as a recovery damper, heavy bag or blanket draped over the strap to limit the extent of any unintentional rebound.
• Ensure that any people outside the vehicles involved in the recovery are at least 1.5 times the non-stretched length of the strap away from the point of recovery in any direction and NEVER in the line of recovery.
• The stretching properties of snatch straps are significantly reduced when they are saturated.
• When not in use, store and protect snatch straps from sharp edges or abrasion. Dirt or sand can cause damage and reduce effectiveness. Soak straps in clean water until grit is removed and dry out thoroughly before storing or re-use.
“Snatch straps operate completely differently from tow ropes and chains and therefore it’s critical you get the right one for your vehicle,” Mr Shine said.
The Office of Fair Trading has produced a fact sheet on the safe use of snatch straps, which can be downloaded free from www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or by phoning 13 13 04.
Some four-wheel drive clubs in Queensland provide training in the safe use of snatch straps. For information contact the Australian Four Wheel Drive Industry Council at www.4wdcouncil.com.au.
Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400, 0488 799 273