Provided by: Australian Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container Assocation
3/09/2008 - It is timely to remind all companies using Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers to check the quality and standard of bags being used as well as the implementation of a safe handling strategy of bags at all times.
It is as much the duty and care of the owner of the company, as it is the supplier of the bag, to protect the health and welfare of all workers using such products and machinery.
We have drawn up a list of obvious precautions that should be adhered to at all times to protect both workers and life of your bags.
DO’S
- Always read instruction labels
- Protect FIBC’s from rain and prolonged sunlight
- Use lifting gear with sufficient capacity to take the suspended load
- Adjust fork lift tines to the correct width for the FIBC being handled
- Make sure crane hooks are big enough and well rounded
- Inspect reusable MultiTrip FIBC’s before refilling
- Check that the discharge spout is closed off before refilling
DONT'S
- Don’t stack FIBC’s unless stackability is certain
- Don’t repair FIBC’s as their performance and safety cannot be guaranteed
- Don’t subject FIBC’s to snatch lifts and jerk stops
- Don’t drag FIBC’s
- Don’t re-use bags labelled ‘Use Once Only’ or ‘Single Trip Only’
- Don’t allow personnel under suspended FIBC’s
- Don’t fill FIBC’s unevenly
- Don’t exceed the SWL under any circumstances