Bulk Bag Safety Guide: Forklift and Crane Lifting
Safe lifting protects the people around the bag as well as the load. These checks apply to four-loop bulk bags handled by forklift or crane.
Personnel safety
Never stand or walk beneath a suspended bulk bag. Never put hands, feet or any other body part underneath.
Keep people outside the lifting and landing area. Never move a suspended load over people.
Before every lift. Inspect the label, fabric, seams and loops. Stop if there is damage, the label is unreadable or suitability is uncertain. Confirm the contents are suitable and within the bag’s safe working load (SWL).
01 Lifting with a forklift
For bags approved for direct fork lifting; follow the instructions for the exact bag and forklift.
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Check the setup. Use a licensed operator. Check the capacity plate for the actual load centre and any attachment fitted, including all weight carried.
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Position the forks. Engage all four loops, normally two per fork. Adjust spacing to keep loops vertical and untwisted. Contact surfaces must be smooth and rounded.
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Travel low. Keep the bag close to the mast, clear of wheels and ground, with a clear view. Do not tilt the mast forward or jerk the load.
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Set down first. Stop before raising or lowering. Fully support the bag and release tension from every loop before withdrawing the forks.
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Separate people and forklifts. Keep pedestrians out of the forklift route. The operator must stop and secure the forklift before anyone approaches.
02 Lifting with a crane
Match the lifting arrangement to both the bag and the site.
Loop-lifting principle only. A competent person must approve the arrangement and assess suitable containment for the site.
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Use suitable lifting gear. Use a rated arrangement suited to the lift, with suitable safety-latched hooks and smooth contact surfaces. Keep all four loops vertical and evenly loaded.
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Check single-hook suitability. Do not gather ordinary four-loop bags onto one hook unless the bag manufacturer specifically approves that method.
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Control access to the lifting area. Establish an exclusion zone around the lift, travel path and landing area. Keep everyone clear and do not continue the lift if someone enters the danger area.
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Keep hands and feet clear. Never reach underneath to inspect the bag, adjust it or untie its outlet. Lower the bag onto suitable support and make the lifting equipment safe before anyone approaches for checks or adjustments.
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Assess containment. For construction-site crane lifts, have a competent person specify suitable rated containment where needed. A spreader frame aligns the loops; it does not contain the contents if the bag fails.
A few checks before and after lifting
Close the bottom outlet before filling. Protect stored bags from sunlight and moisture. Do not refill single-trip bags.
A 5:1 safety factor does not permit overloading or five uses. This guide supports the bag instructions and site procedures; it does not replace operator training. Diagrams are illustrative.
Further reading
FIBCA handling guide · NSW bulka bag guidance · SafeWork NSW forklift guide · Forklift ratings · FIBCA load terminology