Handling & Safety

Handling
Big bags can be lifted using a hook (eg. Crane) or by forks. Common to both is that there must be no sharp edges to damage the loops and the lifting point must be vertically above the loop attachment on the big bag - so that the straps are held nearly vertical. However an angle of up to 45 degrees measured from vertical to the lifting position is accepted.

Safety
Safety is specified in two terms:

SWL (Safe Working Load). SWL is the loading limit.
SF (Safety Factor). SF shows what the bag has been tested and approved to carry for example 5:1 ie. 5 x SWL. An example:

SWL : 1000 kg
SF : 5:1
Maximum capacity is 1000 kg but the big bag has been designed and tested to withstand 5 times this amount ie. 5000 kg.

It is a requirement within the Big Bag industry to ensure a safety factor (SF) of min. 5:1 for disposable bags and min. 6:1 for reusable bags. The large safety margin between loading capacity and actual carrying capacity is required for safety reasons, because big bags are often handled with high lifts for example on/off truck or ship, where a falling sac would be lethal.

UV
Bulk bags which are stored outdoor, either empty or filled, should always be covered as UV radiation breaks down the plastic (straps, yarn and fabric) and thus become "fragile". The degration naturally depends on the length og intensity of the UV radiation. Gleco's big bags are standard manufactured with UV protection and can "tolerate" being stored outdoor (North Europe) for up to 6 months with a strength-related impairment of 50% as a result. Contact us for further information.

Temperature
Be aware that extreme temperatures can weaken the plastic. Normal conditions of -10 to +60 degrees Celsius is not a problem, but if for example it is -20 degrees outside and big bags are transported on an open truck the temperature can easily drop to -60 degrees due to the wind chill factor. Very high temperatures will also weaken the plastic. Contact us for further advice and information.

General Precautions

SWL must not be exceeded
No sharp edges on the lifting gear
Keep straps vertical during lifting (max 45 degree angle)
Always lift in all loops simultaneously
Lift and handle big bags wisely and avoid violent jerk in loops
Never position a filled Big Bag over a person.
Big Bags should always be protected against UV radiation
Avoid extreme temperatures <-20 and >+60 degrees Celsius
Be careful when stacking filled bags in multiple layers

Big Bags are generally considered to be very safe because of the high safety margin. It requires however that above regulations are observed.