What is ISO 21894 about?
ISO 21894 discusses cargo stopper devices for aircraft. ISO 21894 specifies the design, performance and testing requirements for “Cargo Stopper” air cargo restraint accessories with a 22 250 N (5 000lbf) rated load capacity, to be used in conjunction with air cargo restraint straps meeting ISO 16049‑1 (TSO/ETSO ̶ C172), or air cargo restraint slings meeting ISO 20291‑1, with the same rated load.
Cargo stopper devices designed for ISO 21894 are intended to be used in either of the following typical instances:
- To ensure restrain/tie-down of a piece of cargo that does not lend itself to either direct hooking of tie-down straps or passing a strap around without risk of slippage; a common example is long shaped cargo items with a narrow cross-section, whether or not overhanging from the pallet, individual or in bundles, e.g., pipes or beams; see ISO 16049‑2:2020, 7.4
- To restrain cargo smaller than the pallet net’s mesh, or identified as “piercing” cargo, presenting a hazard to the aircraft in the event of it being released during flight
- When a crate containing cargo, even though its cross-section is large enough to be directly tied-down with the pallet net or restraint straps, contains or can contain a heavy item, e.g., a piece of machinery, shaft, or similar, with a cross-section lower than the pallet net’s mesh size.
- To assist in tying-down odd-shaped cargo pieces where it is difficult or not allowed to directly attach tie-down straps or pass them around the load in an effective manner
Who is ISO 21894 for?
ISO 21894 on cargo stopper devices for aircraft is useful for:
- Cargo stopper manufacturers
- Airport ground staff and baggage coordinators
- Quality control personnel
- Shipping and cargo companies
- Aeronautical engineers
- Maintenance personnel
Why should you use ISO 21894?
Cargo stopper devices restrain the movement of freight while the aircraft is in transit. If the cargo stopper devices fail to hold down the package it might gain mobility and disturb the aircraft’s balance and thereby compromise its safety. This can also damage other parcels in its vicinity.
ISO 21894 provides you with accurate dimensions to help you design the cargo stopper device. ISO 21894 also gives you multiple test methods like load test, puncture test and flammability test to ensure that your cargo stopper devices meet the minimum requirements for operating on aircraft. ISO 21894 helps you to maintain the optimum condition of cargo stopper devices by giving you guidelines for quality assessments for development and operation stages.