Right out of the box, stainless steel banding is is not a dangerous material. However, our banding is used in some of the most treacherous applications you can find, so safety does become a critical factor when handling not only steel banding, but the products it's often required to fasten and secure. Tips for Staying Safe When Handling Steel BandingWear Appropriate ClothingSteel banding, whether when you put it on or while taking it off, demands that you wear appropriate clothing. It may seem perfectly tame, but when pressure is released from the banding, the steel can immediately lash out as a dangerous weapon.To begin with, you always want to be wearing leather gloves when working with steel bands. Whether you're unraveling it or wrapping it around the cargo, these gloves are essential to safety.Even though our banding is cut with safety edges to prevent unnecessary cuts, the fact is that simply handling the bands could potentially hurt someone. Additionally, once you begin to wrap the bands and apply pressure, your hands are immediately in their way if the bands come loose or tighten too quickly.Also, it's a good idea to wear long sleeves and pants. Again, you want to think about what would happen if that steel banding came loose. There's a high likelihood it'd be level with your waist or legs, but your arms could get hurt too. Wear safety shoes as well, just to be safe.Lastly, protect from the shoulders up by wearing safety glasses and a hard hat.Keep Everyone Else ClearBe aware of your surroundings while handling banding and make sure that others who may be working nearby and have appropriate safety clothing.Cutting BandingIn order to cut the banding, you'll want to use a specialized cutting tool that can go through steel and have a long handle. It can be tempting at times to use a claw hammer, crow bar or some other substitute, but why take chances when there are specialized crimpers, cutting and banding tools designed specifically for this use.Click here to see a list of specialized banding tools.Consider the CargoIf you're cutting banding that surrounds sheet metal, you already know what you're in for. But you may also be cutting banding and not know what's inside the cargo. Take the time to figure out what's inside so you can prepare yourself. Often the contents are under enough pressure that steel bands are the least of your worries. Clean UpLastly, don't leave bands lying around. They should be disposed of immediately. Otherwise, they could still be dangerous for other workers if they step on them, especially individuals who aren't wearing the right clothing. Steel banding doesn't need to be unsafe. So long as you observe the above rules, and those around you do too, this material is a great and safe way to transport all kinds of materials.
