Strapping Machine Health & Safety: 7 Tips
As with any type of machinery, using a piece of equipment incorrectly can lead to injury or even fatalities. The same applies to strapping machines. With over 561,000 non-fatal workplace injuries reported in 2022/2023, it is crucial companies put measures into place to protect their workers from harm. In this guide, we take you through our essential tips for operating strapping machines safely to minimise the chance of injury and create a more productive and efficient working environment.
- Common Injuries from Strapping Machine Misuse
- 1. Wear Proper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
- 2. Provide the Appropriate Safety Training
- 3. Review Safety Mechanisms
- 4. Assess the Load Correctly
- 5. Maintain the Strapping Machine
- 6. Follow Instructions and Safety Guidelines
- 7. Never Pull a Load by the Strap
- Increase Productivity by Operating Strapping Machines Safely
Common Injuries from Strapping Machine Misuse
If not handled correctly, strapping machines can cause serious injuries, including repetitive strain injuries, back injuries, trips and falls, and cuts and burns. Most of these injuries are caused by the lifting and lowering of packages and from strapping material.
For example, repeatedly lifting and lowering heavy packages onto the strapping machine can cause back injuries, especially if the worker is not lifting the item correctly. Additionally, loose strapping material left on the floor can be a trip hazard, causing trips and falls.
It is also common for injuries to occur when workers are maintaining or clearing blockages from the machinery.
Workers should be trained to understand how to operate a strapping machine correctly to minimise the chance of injury and avoid costly expenses such as covering absences. Here are our 8 essential tips for ensuring your workers are well-equipped to handle strapping machinery and put their safety first.
1. Wear Proper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
Workers should be provided with the appropriate PPE when working in a warehouse. This can include long-sleeved shirts, pants, and protective footwear. When working with strapping machinery, it is important to also wear gloves to protect the hands from sharp edges or recoiling strapping material and safety glasses to shield the eyes from any potential flying strapping.
2. Provide the Appropriate Safety Training
By providing the appropriate training for workers, you can equip them with the knowledge of how to act safely in the warehouse and how to operate a strapping machine efficiently while considering safety measures. You can usually ask your strapping machine supplier for training or safety manuals to help you get started. For more information about the safety information we provide, get in touch with us today!
3. Review Safety Mechanisms
All strapping machines should be equipped with safety mechanisms such as emergency stops. This is to ensure workers have a means of stopping the machinery should an accident happen. For example, if a worker’s sleeve gets caught in the machinery, the worker or other employees can press the emergency stop button to immediately pause the operation of the machine and address the situation. All workers should be informed of the different safety mechanisms of each strapping machine they operate to prepare for situations like this.
4. Assess the Load Correctly
Although most strapping machines are able to handle heavy loads, sometimes oversized loads can exceed the machine’s capacity or can pose challenges for proper and safe strapping. Plus, the package may be too heavy for an operator to handle, which can cause injury. Operators should be taught how to correctly determine the load’s dimensions and weight before handling the package to minimise the risk of physical injury due to handling.
5. Maintain the Strapping Machine
A well-maintained strapping machine can perform more efficiently and reduce the number of injuries to workers. Before operating, workers must complete basic maintenance, including:
- Checking for signs of damage in all areas of the machine
- Cleaning any debris
- Ensuring the strapping material is loaded correctly
By performing this basic maintenance, workers can have peace of mind that faulty machinery will not be putting them at risk of injury. Any issues should be reported immediately to ensure they are addressed promptly, avoiding the cause of unnecessary injury.
6. Follow Instructions and Safety Guidelines
There is a correct procedure to follow when operating a strapping machine. The steps include:
- Place and position the parcel in place on the flat surface of the machine.
- Ensure your hands are clear from the package.
- Push the strapping button.
- The machine will now wrap the strapping material around the package, apply tension, heat seal and release the strapping.
- The worker can now remove or reposition the package to apply more strapping.
This is a basic summary of the steps required for operating a fully automatic strapping machine. To find out more about how to use a strapping machine, take a look at our guide!
7. Never Pull a Load by the Strap
It might be tempting to pull a package by the strap as it seems like a makeshift handle, but this has the potential to cause injury. As strong as strapping material can be, it is not unbreakable. The strapping can easily snap if too much force is applied, leading to a worker falling over or cutting their hands. It is best practice to use other equipment, such as a hand pallet truck, to manoeuvre heavier items.
Increase Productivity by Operating Strapping Machines Safely
Strapping machines can create a more productive work environment, especially for warehouses that handle a large volume of packages. However, your packaging process can only be made more efficient if the machinery is used correctly and safely. By utilising our tips for working with strapping machinery safely, you can experience the benefits of a safer and quicker packaging process.
At Schott Packaging, we have a range of Strapping Machines and Strapping Kits to equip you with everything you need to get started on streamlining your packaging process. Shop our range today and upgrade your warehouse with automation.
FAQs
What are the safety instructions for a strapping machine?
Before operating a strapping machine, you should read the safety manual and ensure you are wearing the appropriate PPE to prevent injuries. You should also complete a basic maintenance check to identify any issues or debris that may cause a problem during operation. Any issues should be reported immediately.
What are the hazards of strapping machines?
Strapping machines can cause minor and serious injuries if not used correctly. Some common injuries workers have experienced include:
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Back injuries
- Trips and falls
- Cuts and burns
What precautions should be taken when operating the strapping machine?
To prevent injuries when operating a strapping machine, workers should have the following:
- Appropriate PPE
- Comprehensive Safety Training Relating to Strapping Machines
- An Understanding of Safety Mechanisms
- The Ability to Assess the Load Correctly
- Knowledge of How to Conduct a Pre-Use Check