INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

Here you can see a pratical guide for the correct use of flexible packaging.

FILLING BIG BAGS

When filling the big bags, the slots of the lifting straps shall be in a vertical position (not at a corner) and shall not be twisted. It is advisable to fill the bags under slight tension. To achieve this, simply suspend the bag so that the base is about 6 cm from the support plate.

The filling operator shall ensure that the bottom spout (where it exists) is securely connected before the start of the filling process. When the spout is fastened before leaving our comoany, the strap can loosen during packing and transport. For the filling of bags equipped with a polyethylene liner, it is important to inflate the liner before filling. During the preparation for filling, it is recommended not to pull up a piece of over long liner, as this would reduce the volume of the remaining liner in the bag. The inner liner of polyethylene, when locked in the bottom spout, should protrude about 15 cm from the skirt spout.

When filled, leave the product time to empty the air before closing. The polyethylene liner and the skirt spout should be securely tied with a swan neck knot. To facilitate, the opening, tie the tie with a bow.

HANDLE BIG BAGS

Filled big bags shall be distanced from the filling point through the lifting straps.

When suspended, for example, to the arms of a forklift, the product settles giving the bag a square shape, which makes the product easier to handle and store.

Ensure that the arms of the forklift are smooth, without corners, beacuse they might cause damages to the fabric of the lifting straps.

To handle hygroscopic produtcs (like cement), it is essential to use a polyethylene liner which act as a barrier for moisture.

VIBRATION OF BIG BAGS

Where it is used a vibrating base, it is essential to establish the optimal time of the vibration cycle as it varies from product to product. Remember that excessive vibration can be counterproductive.

TEMPERATURE OF BIG BAGS

Big bags equipped with a polyethylene liner shall not be filled with material whose temperature exceed 80°.

STORAGE OF BIG BAGS

Even if big bags are equipped with inhibitors that oppose maximum resistance to ultraviolet light, they shall be stored faraway from the direct light of the sun. It is advisable to cover big bags with tarpaulin and to not store them in waterholes.

"Extrusion coated bags should be stored in a sheltered place as they are not waterproof, but only provide a barrier against the absorption of the humidity of the external environment. Bulk bags should not be stored under strongly acidic or alkaline conditions. "

STORAGE SYSTEM OF BIG BAGS

The safer solution is to store each big bag on the ground. The most used storage system are:
- on the ground;
- on the shelf;
- pyramid;
- between walls;
- coaxial stacking.

The different solutions have different risks, that shall be evaluated according to the needs of each situation. Anyway, you should take account of the following general instructions:
- suitable traffic routes for means of transport and internal handling are required;
- appropriate measures must be taken to ensure the stability of the loads and to protect workers against serious falls;
- workers intended to operate at dangerous heights must be appropiately protected against the risk of falling;
- suitable measures to inform the users about the risks and the correct use of big bags must be taken.

MULTI-USE BIG BAGS

After each travel, multi-use big bags shall be inspected by a staff responsible for ensure that there aren't mechanical damages. If the lifting straps or the big bag itself are damaged , the big bag must me eliminated.

When polyethylene liners are used, they must be changed after each travel. For further information about any kind of damage, please contact our technical staff.

TRANSPORT OF BIG BAGS

For truck transport, the FIBC shall be securely fastened to the vehicle.

NAVAL STOWAGE OF BIG BAGS

To store big bags, lift them up vertically from the wharf and low them vertically in the cargo hold. If this procedure is not followed, the bulk bags could slam into the side of the ship and the hatch door. In addition to the probable damage to the bags, this could create a crane cable loosening, which is extremely dangerous.

Similarly, during unloading, ensure that the bag does not impact the underside of the hatch door. The ships used nowadays, equipped with large doors, are extremely suitable for loading and unloading bulk bags. When it is possible, it is better to avoid ships with decks below deck. Bags should be standing in the hold. Avoid storing the bags against rough loads, such as bricks.

UNLOAD BIG BAGS

In any case, you cannot stand or put your hands under a full big bag. The bottom spout shall be opened only if the bag is properly supported.

BLADES FOR THE TRANSPORT OF BIG BAGS

Correct handle of big bag with the blades of the forklift.

Blades are at the appropriate distance

Blades are too distant

Blades are too wide

SLOTS OF THE STRAPS OF THE BIG BAGS

Correct handle of big bag through the use of the slots.

The slots of the straps are at the right distance and the support is tilted slightly backwards.

One of the slots is twisted.

The assembly of the four slots on the same point causes a non regular effort.

Lifting on two slots can damagae the big bag.

Lifting on two diagonally opposite slots can detach the strap of the big bag.

One-slot lifting can detach the strap from the big bag.

TIPS OF THE FORKLIFT FOR THE TRANSPORT OF BIG BAGS

Handling big bags using of the forklift.

Tips are too short so the big bag may slay and slam against the support.

The four slots risk to pour along the tips when the support is too tilted.

The big bag can slip out of the tips when the support is tilted forward.

When proceeding at excessive speed with the pillar tilted forward, the big bag may fall.

Hinge points with too much inclination cause the straps to be assembled. This can reduce the safety margin of the big bags.

WORKERS IN CONTACT WITH BIG BAGS

Correct behaviour from the workers that use big bags.

Service staff must keep away from hanged big bags.

Service staff can't walk under hanged big bags.

HOOK FOR THE LIFTING OF BIG BAGS

Correct use of crane hook for the correct lifting of big bags.

A locked hook is a guarantee of safety.

Chains or long cables guarantee the vertical lifting of straps.

The use of a ring passed through the slots, or of very long hooks, guarantees a good lifting.

Open hooks are not secure.

PLATFORM FOR MOVING BIG BAGS

Handling through platform for a correct moving of big bags.

Correct use of double platform with distributed balance.

Correct use of a single platform with distributed balance.

LIFTING BIG BAGS

Correct lifting of big bags using crane hook.

Lifting a big bag fell on one side, using a ring inserted between the slots of the four straps.

The attempt to lift a bag using a single strap can tear it.

Lifting with two straps is not safe enough and can tear them.