When Should Casket Lowering Device Straps Be Replaced?
Updated: 1 day ago
Casket lowering-device straps are load-bearing wear items and should be included in routine visual inspection. They should not be judged only by age; condition, damage, storage, exposure, and service history all matter.
Look for visible damage before use
Check for significant fraying, cuts, severe abrasion, damaged stitching, chemical or environmental deterioration, or any other visible condition that makes the strap's integrity uncertain.
If a strap is visibly compromised, remove the device from service until the straps have been evaluated and replaced as needed.
Uneven winding does not automatically mean the straps are worn out
If one lowering strap tightens before the other during setup, first check the external short-strap connections and make sure they were reconnected consistently. An external setup issue and actual strap deterioration are different problems.
Use replacement straps appropriate to the application
Replacement straps should meet the manufacturer requirements and be appropriate for the lowering-device application. The Master, Imperial, and Standard model identification discussed elsewhere is important for many mechanical parts, but it is not what determines whether a lowering strap itself fits the application.
Service history matters
A strap that has seen years of frequent use, weather exposure, improper storage, or an unknown service history deserves closer inspection even if severe damage is not immediately obvious.
When in doubt, do not load-test questionable straps with a casket
A graveside service is not the place to find out whether a damaged strap will hold. If the integrity of a load-bearing strap is uncertain, remove the equipment from service and inspect it before the next use.
The bottom line
Replace lowering-device straps based on condition and manufacturer requirements, not on a guess from the device model. Visible damage, uncertain integrity, and questionable service history are reasons to inspect and replace straps as needed.
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