During repeated use, Flexible Bulk Containers are exposed to various factors, including material weight, loading and unloading operations, handling friction, environmental changes, and storage conditions. Even when no obvious external damage is visible, some load-bearing components may experience wear or fatigue. Therefore, each container should be thoroughly inspected before reuse rather than being considered safe simply because it performed normally during its previous use.
The container fabric is the main component responsible for holding and containing materials. Inspect its surface for tears, holes, thinning, severe abrasion, and visible deformation. Pay particular attention to areas that frequently come into contact with equipment, floors, pallets, or other cargo. If the container has previously been exposed to sharp objects or used to carry materials that may abrade the fabric, examine the affected areas carefully. A container with visible damage or significantly weakened fabric should not be reused, as it may rupture during lifting or transportation.
The seams, bottom stitching, and connections between the lifting loops and the container body are also important inspection points. Repeated loading and unloading can cause stitching to wear, loosen, or split, potentially compromising the strength of the connected sections. Check whether the stitching is intact and look for loose threads, broken stitches, openings, or unusual stretching. If a seam shows significant damage, the container should not be returned to service simply by smoothing or adjusting the affected area. Any necessary repairs should be carried out by qualified personnel in accordance with applicable requirements, and the container's safety should be verified before reuse.
The lifting loops and their connection points are directly related to lifting safety. Before use, check for cuts, abrasion, fraying, broken fibers, unusual discoloration, aging, or deformation. Also confirm that the connections between the lifting loops and the container body remain secure. For containers that have been used repeatedly or frequently lifted mechanically, pay particular attention to areas exposed to bending, loading, and friction. If the lifting loops are visibly damaged or their remaining load-bearing capacity cannot be confirmed, discontinue use. Do not use knots, improvised splices, or temporary reinforcement as substitutes for a suitable lifting structure.
The bottom of a Flexible Bulk Container generally supports the weight of the contents and may experience additional stress during discharge. Inspect the bottom fabric, seams, and discharge opening connections for abrasion, cracking, and signs of leakage. For containers equipped with bottom discharge outlets, confirm that the outlet is intact and that its fastening and closure components function properly. If the bottom shows unusual sagging, deformation, or loose connections, assess the condition before deciding whether the container can be reused.
For containers equipped with filling openings, discharge outlets, or other closure systems, inspect all relevant components for damage. Check ties, zippers, drawstrings, and other fastening mechanisms to ensure they remain intact. Damage to a filling opening may interfere with proper filling and material containment, while a defective discharge outlet may cause unloading difficulties or accidental material leakage. Before use, confirm that the components can be opened, closed, and secured correctly according to the container's design.
After completing the inspection, evaluate the container's suitability based on the properties of the materials, loading requirements, lifting methods, and operating environment. Containers with significant damage, a history of use beyond their intended conditions, or an uncertain safety status should be withdrawn from service pending professional assessment. Reusability does not eliminate the need for inspection. A container should only be returned to service after its condition and suitability for the intended operation have been confirmed.
