16 Oct Steel Strapping Safety

Steel Strapping Safety

Steel strapping is commonly used to secure sheet metal, lumber, crates, boxes, and other heavy or compressed materials during storage and transportation. Although effective, steel strapping can store significant tension. When cut, the strap or the material it restrains can release suddenly and cause serious cuts, eye injuries, or struck-by injuries. Safe steel strapping practices are essential whenever banding is removed or handled.

Guide for Discussion

Recognize Stored Energy

Before cutting steel strapping, remember that the band may be under considerable tension.

When a strap is cut:

• The ends may recoil or spring outward suddenly.
• The load may shift, expand, roll, or fall.
• Compressed materials may expand unexpectedly.
• Sharp strap ends can cause severe cuts or punctures.
• Nearby employees may be struck by the released banding or material.

Never assume a strap is safe simply because it does not appear to be under tension.

Wear the Proper PPE

Evaluate the task and wear PPE appropriate for the hazards.

This may include:

• Safety glasses with appropriate side protection.
• Face protection when additional protection from recoiling material is necessary.
• Cut-resistant gloves appropriate for handling sharp metal.
• Safety footwear.
• Long pants and other protective clothing appropriate for the task.
• A hard hat when overhead or struck-by hazards are present.

Remember that the cut edges of steel strapping can be extremely sharp.

Keep Others Clear

Before cutting a strap:

• Establish a safe work area.
• Keep unnecessary personnel away.
• Determine where the strap could travel when tension is released.
• Position yourself outside the anticipated recoil path.
• Make sure no one is standing on the opposite side of the load where the strap or material could strike them.
• Warn nearby employees before making the cut.

Never allow someone to hold a tensioned strap while another employee cuts it.

Use the Correct Cutting Tool

Use a cutter specifically designed for the type and size of strapping being removed.

• Inspect the cutter before use.
• Use long-handled or other appropriate strapping cutters when required by the application.
• Position the cutter according to manufacturer instructions.
• Make controlled cuts that minimize sharp, projecting ends when possible.
• Never use screwdrivers, hammers, pry bars, or other makeshift tools to break steel strapping.
• Keep your hands and body away from the expected recoil path.

Damaged or inappropriate tools should not be used.

Plan Before Cutting

Do not simply walk up to a load and start cutting.

First determine:

• How much tension may be stored in the strap.
• Which direction the strap is likely to move.
• Whether the load could shift or collapse.
• Whether the contents are compressed.
• Whether multiple straps are supporting the load.
• The safest sequence for removing multiple straps.
• Where you can stand while remaining outside the line of fire.

The safest cutting sequence depends on the load and how it has been secured. Do not automatically assume that the farthest strap should always be cut first.

Compressed and Unstable Loads

Use additional caution with materials that may have been compressed before being strapped.

Examples may include:

• Springs.
• Baled materials.
• Bundled sheet products.
• Coiled or rolled materials.
• Lumber or building materials.
• Other products packaged under compression.

Removing the strapping may allow the contents to expand or move violently.

Do not remove strapping from an unfamiliar compressed load until you understand how the material is packaged and can safely control the stored energy. Specialized procedures or equipment may be necessary.

Coiled and Rolled Materials

Steel strapping is often used to restrain coiled or rolled materials. Removing the banding may allow the material to unwind, roll, or shift.

Before cutting:

• Make sure the load is adequately supported.
• Prevent unintended rolling or movement.
• Verify that removing the strap will not destabilize the load.
• Keep personnel out of potential movement paths.
• Follow established procedures for the particular material.

Handling Used Strapping

The hazard does not end after the strap has been cut.

• Do not leave steel strapping on floors, aisles, loading docks, or work surfaces.
• Avoid creating large loops that could catch a person’s foot.
• Handle cut ends carefully.
• Coil, flatten, or otherwise control used strapping according to company procedures.
• Place discarded strapping promptly in an appropriate scrap or recycling container.
• Continue wearing appropriate hand protection while handling discarded banding.

Loose steel strapping creates both cutting and tripping hazards.

Before Cutting Steel Strapping

Ask yourself:

• Is the load stable?
• Is the strapping under tension?
• Could the material expand, roll, shift, or fall?
• Am I wearing the proper PPE?
• Am I using the correct cutting tool?
• Is everyone outside the danger zone?
• Am I positioned outside the line of fire?
• Do I know the safest sequence for removing the straps?
• Do I have a safe way to dispose of the strapping immediately?

If you cannot determine how the load will react when the band is cut, stop and obtain assistance before proceeding.

Remember

Steel strapping can release stored energy without warning. Keep yourself and others out of the line of fire, use the correct cutting tool, wear appropriate PPE, control unstable or compressed loads, and dispose of cut strapping immediately.