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1. Before Every Lift — Inspection Checklist
A thorough pre-use inspection takes 2–3 minutes. This is the minimum investment in safety before lifting 1,000 kg overhead. If in doubt, throw it out.
| Inspection point | Reject if you see… | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Label & SWL | Missing, illegible, or load exceeds stated SWL | REJECT |
| Manufacture date | Outdoor storage exceeded 6 months (3–4 months in high UV climates) | REJECT |
| Lift loops — condition | Any cuts, abrasion, chemical staining, discolouration, or brittleness | REJECT |
| Lift loops — stitching | Broken or frayed stitches at the loop-to-body junction | REJECT |
| Body fabric — visual | Cuts, holes, tears, thinning, chalky white surface, crazing, or dull matte finish | REJECT |
| Body fabric — flex test | Fabric cracks or flakes when gently bent (sign of UV degradation) | REJECT |
| Seams | Broken stitches, open sections, or any seam separation | REJECT |
| Spouts | Fill or discharge spout not properly closed and tied | CLOSE |
⚠️ UV damage can be invisible
A bag can lose 30–50% of its tensile strength while looking completely normal. Visual inspection alone cannot detect early UV degradation. This is why the 6-month outdoor storage rule is critical — do not wait for visible signs.
2. Forklift Handling
1
Spread fork tines wide
Spread to maximum safe width within loop dimensions — typically 800–1,100 mm. Narrow forks concentrate load dangerously.
2
Engage ALL loops — every time
On a 4-loop bag, lifting with 3 loops means each carries 133% of rated load. With 2 loops: 200% each. All loops must be on the tines, fully seated — not bunched.
3
Lift slowly and smoothly
No sudden jerks or rapid acceleration. Keep the load low during travel. Do not allow forks to contact the bag body.
4
Establish an exclusion zone
Clear the area beneath and around the entire lift path before every lift. No personnel near a suspended load — ever.
5
Check forklift capacity
Rated capacity must cover the combined weight of bag, pallet, and any attachment. Do not exceed the rated load.
❌ Never do this
- Lift with fewer loops than rated
- Allow forks to touch the bag body
- Carry passengers near a lift
- Exceed rated capacity
- Drag a filled bag
- Drop or release suddenly
- Stack more than 2 high
3. Crane Handling
Use a spreader bar
A spreader bar keeps loops vertical and at correct spacing. Never thread all loops over a single crane hook — this concentrates the load at one point and risks failure.
Check every hook before lifting
Attach hooks to all loops before lifting. Verify each hook is fully seated. Raise 100–200 mm and pause to confirm stability before continuing the lift.
Exclusion zone under the full path
No-entry zone beneath the entire travel path of the suspended bag — not just the start and end point.
Never swing a suspended bag
Pendulum forces multiply the effective load on the loops. Lower slowly and controlled — no sudden release.
4. Storage of Filled Bags
5. If a Bag Fails During Handling
Step 1 — Lower immediately
Lower to the nearest safe surface. Do not attempt to continue the lift under any circumstances.
Step 2 — Clear all personnel
Clear the area immediately. If anyone is injured, call emergency services before doing anything else.
Step 3 — Preserve evidence
Do not move or dispose of the failed bag. Photograph the bag, failure point, and handling equipment before anything is touched.
Step 4 — Report & investigate
Report to site supervisor. A dropped or failed bag must never be reused — not even if it appears undamaged.
6. The Top 5 Causes of FIBC Failure
Most FIBC failures are preventable. In order of frequency:
Questions about safe handling?
Our team is available to advise on correct handling for your specific application.