About safe application/removal of strapping
Strapping Safety
When it comes to steel and plastic strapping it is a fact that most companies ignore any safety instructions given by the supplier of the equipment on the basis that ’ it’s always been done like this, and we’ve had no accidents’
Well now there is good reason why this attitude should quickly change with the increased prominence of corporate manslaughter legislation. The consequencies of unsafe work practices can be very serious for offending Companies and their Directors, as well as any employee should an accident occur.
Typical of the safety recommendations ignored are:
Eye, face and hand protection must be worn when applying and removing straps to/from unit loads and other packages, at all times.
Operators tensioning both steel and plastic strapping should never stand with face in direct line of strap such that in the event of strapping failure, they are at risk of injury if it comes into contact with the face.
Safety cutters that stop the cut ends of the strapping flying when removing strap must always be used – the common ‘tin snip’ type of cutter is not suitable – Super Tymer cutters are recommended as the best available.
Strapping tools should be inspected weekly and any damage reported immediately to a supervisor to take remedial action. They should have a manufacturers check once a year minimum as faults affecting safety arising out of component wear are not always visible e.g. sealer jaws.
Frequently tools are fitted with ‘foreign parts’by the user attempting a self repair that materially affects safety , or the simple routine maintenance instructions recommended by strapping equipment manufacturers are ignored, resulting in accelerated wear and deteriorating safety margins.
Safety affects your employees and those of the Company receiving your products together with members of the public too, particularly when goods are in transit on motorways. The use of the wrong type or ill maintained strapping tools presents serious safety risks.