FIBC Bulk Bags Handling Guidelines

While our bags go through tight quality control and random testing, and they are made of tough materials – we recommend that bulk bag users follow the instructions below.

Filling FIBCs

This is recommended to fill an FIBC is by ground support or a pallet support at the bottom, and having the loops held by bulk bag frame, filler machine or forklift. Based on the materials you fill, the bag may be required to be grounded before you fill.
While filling a bulka bag suspended by the forks of a forklift truck, do not bounce (sudden up and down) the bag to fill access products. That way, you may fill the product that have weight lower than SWL, but the filled bag may fail due the huge pressure of volume around the bag. We always recommend to fill your material free flowing, not to make any pressure to fit excessive volume.

Discharging FIBCs

Usually FIBCs are emptied through opening the bottom spout. For construction builder bags, it's often used flat and closed bottom, they cut the bottom to empty/ discharge the bag. Please do not stand, sit or work beneath a suspended filled bag. While a bag is being emptied, do not try to control the flow using tie rope that comes with spout or enclosure of the spout. Discharge flow control is allowed by using valve that is mounted on a bulk bag filling/ discharging frame/ machine. Many busy manufacturing processes use FIBC discharge system. Manually if you want to stop the discharge, slowly lower the bag on the ground.

Transporting Filled FIBCs

FIBCs are widely transported by trialers, road trains, trucks, rail. Please ensure that the bags are secured by straps around. The bags must not be rubbed against any object during transport, which could damage the bag. If the bags are on pallets, make sure that the filled bags are not overhang of the pallets. For the long distance transport by road train, driver needs to check all the bags everytime he stops on the way.

Stability Of Filled FIBCs

This is widely practiced to keep height and width of the bag ratio is less than 2:1.
Height of the FIBC: Width of the FIBC is less than or equal to 2:1.
While filling, the product must be filled uniformly in the bag.

Lifting FIBCs

You must avoid lifting the bag suddenly, never drag the bag by loops. Ensue that the loops are not twisted or folded. Use all loops to lift the bag vertically. Check the forks for sharp edge, sharp rust before lifting.

Handling With Forklift

You must keep a filled FIBC as low as possible to the ground. Lift the bag up or down as necessary, but do it gently.
Please also follow the safety guideline of the forklift manufacturer while using forklift truck to handle the FIBCs.

Handling With Cranes And Hiab

Most importantly, when a filled bag is to be lifted by crane's hook using bag's loops - use all loops, ensure 30 degree angle of the loops with a vertical line (such as wire rope/cable). See the picture of the label here.
The hooks of the crane or hiab must be free of sharp parts, rust which could damage the bag. Use protective materials wherever possible. We advise that you use special safety hooks, so that the bag can never unexpectedly come off the hooks. When the bags are lifted, the loops must be vertical. Ensure the loops are not twisted, knotted while lifting. Please take highest possible safety measure while lifting by crane or hiab.

Straightening FIBCs

The lifting loops of an FIBC are made in such a way that you have to use all the lifting loops at the same time. An FIBC is made in such a way that the full weight must be distributed over all the lifting loops.

Storing Filled FIBCs

Using racks is safe way to store the FIBCs. Beside you can stack the filled bags. If you want to stack more than 3 high, please contact us, we will advise you correct way to stack with certification to maintain certain height.

Check Each Bag Before Use

- Check the correct safety label of the bag.
- Check the bag for damage. A new bag can be damaged during transport or storage.
- Check the safety factor 6:1 before multiple use.

DO

- Support the bag while filling. For filling while suspended, use all lifting loops and follow manufacturer's instruction.
- Fill the bag evenly, avoid awkward stop or start filling.
- Move the bag horizontally with forklift.
- Lift and lower the bag gently.

DON’T

X Never over load the bag more than SWL rating.
X Never fill with flammable materials or take closure to the flammable materials.
X Never use for multiple trips which has Safety Factor below 6:1.
X Never over fill the bag where the materials may overflow or drop.
X Never lift multiple bags from a single hook.