If you work in dry goods transportation, you’ve probably heard of FIBC bags (flexible intermediate bulk container bags). Made of woven polypropylene and industrial packaging materials, FIBC bags are a type of flexible container commonly used for the storage and transportation of dry goods. Due to their lightweight design and flexible packaging, bulk bags are the ideal solution for many industries, including agriculture, construction, and manufacturing.
However, in order to ensure safety and prevent damage to bulk bags and their contents, users need to handle them correctly. Keep reading as we discuss the dos and don’ts of using bulk bags to help you handle them safely.
Do’s of Handling Bulk Bags
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your bulk bags are handled safely and that their contents are protected during storage and transportation.
Here’s a list of dos to follow recommended by bulk Bag manufacturers.
1. Select the Right FIBC Bulk Bags
It’s crucial to consult with your bulk bag manufacturer or supplier when selecting FIBCs or bulk bags to ensure that you are selecting the one best suited for the job. They can advise you on the capacity, size, and material of the best FIBC or bulk bag for your needs.
2. Read the Instructions Label
We suggest reading the bulk bag’s instruction label carefully before use. The maximum weight capacity, handling guidelines, and safety precautions are all listed on this label.
3. Inspect Reusable FIBC
Check the FIBCs or bulk bags for reusability before filling them if you plan to reuse them. Verify that the FIBCs or bulk bags don’t have any flaws or damages that could cause them to break or leak during handling.
4. Check the Discharge Port
Make sure the discharge port is closed before filling the FIBCs or bulk bags. This will stop any contents from leaking out during transportation.
5. Ensure Stability
Make sure the FIBCs or bulk bags are stable and not in danger of toppling over after they’ve been filled.
6. Close the Top Inlet Correctly
To guarantee that the components of the FIBCs or bulk bags are safe and secure during transportation, ensure to properly close the top inlet.
7. Use Lifting Equipment With Sufficient Capacity
Make sure the lifting equipment you use to handle the bulk bags has enough strength to support the suspended load.
8. Adjust Forklift Arms
The distance between the forklift arms must be adjusted to the appropriate width for the FIBCs or bulk bags being handled in order to ensure the safe handling of the container.
9. Tilt Mast
To help balance the load and keep it from toppling over, tilt the forklift truck’s mast backwards at a suitable angle.
10. Adequate Size Lifting Devices
Ensure that any crane hooks, bars, or forklift arms used for lifting are the correct size and have a minimum radius of 5 mm or at least the same thickness as the sling belt or rope suspensions.
11. Dust Control
Take the necessary precautions to control dust during transportation, as it can be hazardous to both workers and the environment.
12. Static Electricity Hazards
Static electricity hazards could lead to a fire, so ensure you’ve taken the appropriate safety precautions to avoid them.
13. Protect from Rain and Sunlight
Protect the FIBCs from rain and direct sunlight, which could damage the containers or their contents.
14. Adequate Securing during Transportation
During transportation, ensure that the FIBC or bulk bag is adequately secured to prevent it from shifting or spilling its contents.
Don’ts of Handling Bulk Bags
If you want to ensure the safe handling of your bulk bags and protect their contents during storage and transportation, here are a few don’ts you need to keep in mind.
1. Don’t Choose the FIBCs or Bulk Bags Without Consulting the Manufacturer or Supplier
Choosing the best FIBCs or bulk bags for the job necessitates taking into account the nature and weight of the material to be stored, as well as consulting the manufacturer or supplier for other use.
2. Don’t Exceed the SWL (Safe Working Load) In Any Circumstances
The SWL, or maximum weight the FIBCs or bulk bags is designed to support, should never be exceeded in order to protect the container or prevent personnel injuries.
3. Don’t Fill FIBCs or Bulk Bags Unevenly
To maintain stability and prevent damage to the container or the material being stored, it’s crucial to fill the FIBCs or bulk bags evenly.
4. Don’t Stop or Start Suddenly During Transportation
During transport, abrupt stops or starts can harm the FIBCs or bulk bags and the material in them. It even puts workers at risk.
5. Don’t Subject the FIBCs or Bulk Bags To Snatch Lifts and Jerks
Snatch lifts and jerks put workers at risk in addition to damaging the container and the material being stored.
6. Don’t Allow Personnel Under Suspended FIBCs
To prevent potential harm in the event of a sudden drop, personnel shouldn’t be permitted to stand or work beneath suspended containers.
7. Don’t Allow the FIBCs or Bulk Bags to Project Over the Side of a Vehicle or Pallet
This can pose a risk to personnel and cause damage to the FIBCs or bulk bags and the material stored.
8. Don’t Tilt the Mast of the Forklift Forward
Tilting the mast of the forklift forward can cause the load to shift and pose a risk to personnel and damage to the FIBCs or bulk bags and the material being stored.
9. Don’t Withdraw the Forklift Arms Prior To Relieving the Load on the Lifting Devices
To prevent damaging the FIBCs or bulk bags or injuring personnel, it is crucial to release the load on the lifting devices before removing the forklift arms.
10. Don’t Stack the FIBCs or Bulk Bags Unless Sure of the Stability
To prevent collapse and damage to the bulk bags or the material being stored, make sure the containers are stacked securely.
11. Don’t Use the FIBCs or Bulk Bags in Extreme Conditions Without Consulting the Manufacturer or Supplier
If the FIBCs or bulk bags will be used in extreme circumstances, such as high temperatures or harsh environments, check with the manufacturer or supplier to make sure they are appropriate for such use.
12. Don’t Reuse Single Trip FIBCs or Bulk Bags
Single-trip FIBCs should not be reused; they are only intended for a single use.
13. Don’t Replace Heavy-Duty Reusable FIBCs Unless the New Requirements Can Be Met
Heavy-duty reusable FIBCs are built to specific specifications, so they shouldn’t be replaced unless the new container can meet those specifications as well.
14. Don’t Drag the FIBCs or Bulk Bags
Dragging the FIBCs or bulk bags over uneven surfaces or across the ground can cause damage and potentially ruin the container’s stability and strength.
Safely Handle Your Bulk Bags
By following the guidelines outlined above, we can ensure that you can protect and maintain your FIBCs, allowing them to last longer. Stick to the dos and don’ts to reap the advantages of versatile and cost-effective FIBC solutions.
If you have any questions or concerns about the safe handling of bulk bags, be sure to check out Big Bags International, the best bulk bag manufacturer in India, for qualified and professional guidance.