Basics on transporting bulk bags.
Lifting FIBCs
All FIBCs should be checked for damage before being lifted. Damage can occur during transit, even if dispatched in good condition.
When a filled FIBC is raised by its top lifting devise, the resulting forces may be:-
1. Absorbed by the body and the base of the unit, where the body fabric is extended to form the lifting loops or where other devises are attached to the upper part of the body.
2. Partially absorbed by separate or integrated lifting devises which pass under the body of the container as a form of support.
In either case the FIBC should be raised and lowered smoothly avoiding sudden jerks. Cranes and hoists are the most common cause of shock load damage to FIBCs.
Handling with cranes or hoists
FIBCs should be lifted according to the manufacturer’s instruction (as per the instructions on the label). The use of safety hooks with integrated latch to avoid accidental slipping of the loop from the hook, particularly when several FIBCs are lifting together, is essential.
The correct size and condition of the hook should be checked to ensure they are sufficiently large to avoid squeezing the loops and hooks should not have any burrs or sharp edges which can cut the loops.
