The importance of practicing proper load security in your work must always be considered. Properly securing loads protects your inventory, cargo, and worker safety and improves the efficiency of your operations, making it one of the most important pieces of running a successful warehouse, logistics, or shipping operation. At Strapping-Products.com, we understand the need for affordable load-securing tools that can withstand harsh working conditions, whether in storage at a warehouse or in shipping to a customer. We are proud to be able to offer straps, packaging, buckles, and more to our customers at the best prices. Let’s look deeper at load security and how our products can help your operations.
Choosing the Right Strapping for a Load
When securing a load, several factors come into play, including:
- Weight of the load
- Size and shape of the load
- Environmental conditions
- Safety compliance
- Cost of securing a load
These factors will determine what type of strapping is best suited for the job. Strapping comes in a variety of materials, including steel straps, polyester straps, and polypropylene straps, each with its own benefits and downsides. Let’s examine what strapping material is best for different loads and conditions.
Steel Straps: Steel straps are best suited for larger and heavier loads due to their high tensile strength and durability. They are an excellent option for loads that have sharp edges when edge protectors are not practical. Steel straps may not be the best type of strap to use for fragile loads or lighter loads as they are not as gentle and cost-efficient as other straps that can perform better with these types of loads.
Polyester Straps: Polyester straps are best suited for medium loads and are also UV resistant, making them a good choice for loads that will be exposed to UV rays for extended periods. While polyester straps have high tensile strength, they are less strong than steel straps and might not be the best option for heavier loads or loads with sharp edges.
Polypropylene Straps: Polypropylene straps are an excellent option for short-term securing smaller to medium loads due to their low cost and flexible nature. However, securing loads for long-term storage or larger loads may not be the best option.
Proper Strapping Techniques
After choosing the correct strapping product for your load, it is essential to use proper strapping techniques to secure it. Start by inspecting the load to make sure its weight is distributed evenly, with heavier items at the base and lighter items at the top. Place the correct straps around the load to evenly distribute pressure across the load. Edge protectors can be used on sharp edges to protect straps from damage. Using the proper strapping tools for the job, secure the straps to the load and secure them in place with the correct seal or buckle for the strap. Once the straps are secured to the load, inspect the load for any signs of weakness, light cuts, or damage to the straps.
Common Strapping Mistakes to Avoid
When loads fail, it is generally caused by a mistake made during strapping. Common mistakes to look out for when securing a load include:
- Over or under-tensioning of straps
- Incorrect strapping material used
- Improper placement of straps
- Improper sealing of straps
- Failure of a strapping tool
- Not taking environmental concerns into consideration
By avoiding these mistakes, you can significantly decrease the chances of a load failing. Properly securing your loads can increase workplace safety, protect your inventory during storage and shipping, and ensure that your operations run smoothly and efficiently.
Get Affordable Load Securing Straps from Strapping-Products.com
At Strapping-Products.com, we understand the need for affordable and durable straps, strapping tools, and packaging in warehousing, logistics, and transportation. We are proud to be able to offer our customers affordable tools for these industries at prices that beat the competition. To learn more about our products and tools, contact us today through our online contact form or by phone at 888-803-8140.
