Bulk bags, also known as flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs), have transformed the storage and transportation of bulk goods in many of South Africa’s industries. These versatile and flexible containers unlock many advantages for companies, but it’s still important to use the correct equipment when handling FIBCs, like forklifts.
Custom Bulk Bags is a leading manufacturer and supplier of bulk bags in South Africa. We produce up to 3.5 million units per year and our products can safely hold between 500kg and two tonnes of material per bag. We offer several UN-certified designs and attachments, making our products fully customisable to meet your unique needs.
Employee safety is a priority for all companies, so it’s important to know how to move bulk bags in an efficient but safe manner. Forklifts are the best tool for handling loaded FIBCs, as long as drivers and handlers are aware of their surroundings and pay attention to small details. Here are some tips for moving bulk bags with forklifts.
Using forklifts to move FIBCs
Before lifting a bulk bag with a forklift, check the fabric for signs of damage, such as tears, punctures, or excessive wear. Discard and recycle any defective bags to avoid mishaps and product spills.
Be sure your forklift has the correct lifting capacity to accommodate the weight of the bulk bag. All bulk bags have a safe working load (SWL), and your forklift must be able to hold this weight. Avoid overloading the forklift, as this might cause instability and accidents.
Position the tines correctly. Insert the forklift tines into the bulk bag’s specified lifting loops and make sure they are evenly spaced to keep the bag from tipping or tearing. Lift slowly and carefully, avoiding rapid movements that may cause the bag to sway or shift.
Maintain stability and move the bulk bag gently and cautiously, avoiding abrupt stops and turns. Make sure the forklift is sturdy and the load is evenly distributed. It’s also important to avoid obstacles and to keep an eye out for any barriers in your path.
Always inspect the forklift before using it. Look for any mechanical concerns that may be affecting its performance or safety. Proper maintenance is essential for a safe and effective operation.
Advantages of bulk bags
Bulk bags are a more cost-effective packaging solution than traditional methods such as drums or cardboard boxes. Their reusable nature further reduces long-term costs. FIBCs are made from high-quality polypropylene fabric and can endure heavy loads and hard handling circumstances. This guarantees the safe and secure transportation of commodities.
Bulk bags can also be tailored to the individual requirements of different sectors. They can be customised with lifting loops, discharge spouts, and inner liners, making them appropriate for a variety of applications. This means that they can be made to fit your lifting equipment and forklifts.
Bulk bags can also be ordered with standardised dimensions and lifting loops that allow them to be used with the majority of forklift attachments. This makes it easier to load, discharge, and transport FIBCs.
Working with Custom Bulk Bags
Finding the bulk bag manufacturer may seem like a challenging task but Custom Bulk Bags has facilities in KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State, making us an accessible packaging supplier. We are a renowned South African manufacturer and supplier of world-class FIBCs, providing a range of products designed and tailored to meet your specific needs.
Our team of professionals can help you choose the best bulk bag for your applications based on considerations such as weight capacity, material compatibility, and handling needs. We will walk you through the ordering and specification process to ensure you get the perfect bulk packaging products.
We also prioritise safety and efficiency, so our bulk bags are designed to be readily handled by forklifts. By partnering with Custom Bulk Bags, you can be confident that you are obtaining the best bulk bag solution for your company. For more information about our bulk bags or to get advice on the ideal designs, please contact us today.
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Custom Bulk Bags is a leading South African manufacturer of woven polypropylene bags for various industries, such as mining, chemicals and food. We are able to produce over 3.5-million bulk bags per year, keeping our customers in stock at all times. Our bags adhere to the highest levels of quality as a result of our stringent in-house testing and quality control programmes.
Custom Bulk Bags holds ISO 9001 certification and we currently have a number of UN-certified designs. We are a Level 2 B-BBEE manufacturer and supplier and fall under the ownership structure of Deneb Investments Limited. For more information on our products, contact sales@custombulkbags.co.za. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for our latest news and industry insights.
