Pallet wrappers are essential for companies that need to palletize their goods. In this article, we discuss the importance of proper wrapping to avoid issues.
Pallet Wrappers and Safety: Why They Are Important in Goods Transport
Firstly, it is worth noting that pallet wrappers provide safety when used correctly. This involves some basic conditions, which we outline below:
- Proper Size of the Wrapper: Not all pallets have the same size or characteristics. Therefore, there are different types of wrappers for industrial companies and the agricultural sector, as well as for construction, food, or beverage sectors. Sometimes, there are variants like strapping machines for other types of goods.
- Machine in Perfect Condition: The machinery must be in perfect working order. If it doesn’t work correctly or isn’t properly calibrated, problems may arise. Therefore, it’s important to follow all necessary updates and maintenance.
- Properly Trained Personnel: The use of pallet wrappers reduces the number of staff required and, consequently, the risk of work accidents. However, prior training is necessary to use them correctly. For instance, the right level of tension must be applied for a high-quality and safe wrap. Staff should be familiar with operating the machine, which is not usually very difficult.
- Proper Packaging Material: Packaging materials can vary depending on the product’s needs and characteristics. Besides transparent film, other options may be considered, though they are less common.
If these conditions are met, using pallet wrappers is particularly useful, not just for efficiency but also for safety during transport. Let’s see how this premise is achieved by emphasizing these factors:
1. Ensuring Load Stability
The first thing to do when opting for proper wrapping is to ensure it guarantees load stability. When handling a pallet, it’s crucial to ensure it remains cohesive when moving significant quantities.
Load stability is achieved with a wrapper that adjusts to pallet sizes (mainly European or American) by tensioning the transparent film as needed. This makes it much harder for any box to move, simplifying transport. Considering the risks of a pallet falling during transport, the safety gains are substantial.
However, to ensure load stability, make sure the items are correctly placed. Often, the problem lies in boxes or packs not being properly stacked. Neglecting this issue is not minor, so staff should pay close attention.
2. Preventing Goods Damage
Proper wrapping is equally important if you want to avoid damage to goods. Some goods are particularly fragile. Thanks to the film, which provides stability, the chances of damage during transport are minimized.
When moving a wrapped load, it is transferred using a forklift or a production belt until it reaches the truck platform. This material prevents falls, making it a preferred choice for transportation. To secure the goods, it’s also advisable to protect the edges where breaks usually occur. In some cases, it is useful to place cardboard to prevent edge impacts that can damage the loads.
Therefore, these steps will effectively reduce problems with your pallets. Proper and well-executed wrapping is highly recommended for goods.
3. Limiting Dirt Accumulation
Dirt is another problem associated with transporting goods, sometimes underestimated. It is not surprising, as pallets often pass through several places before reaching their final destination.
Dirt can complicate the transport of certain products (like food or chemicals) due to contaminated loads. Proper wrapping acts as a protective barrier, ensuring that dirt like water, dust, oil, or other agents only affects the film. This reduces the chances of returns when passing clearance controls or reaching the final client.
In summary, cleanliness is also a safety ally during transport. A clean load and a cleaner pallet are much safer.
4. Easier Goods Traceability
Finally, traceability is a crucial factor in ensuring safety. Proper wrapping is a perfect ally in achieving this because it provides organization.
Today, real-time GPS tracking techniques are used for every shipment. The widespread use of the Internet of Things (IoT) allows us to know where each pallet is at any moment to monitor traceability. For this reason, individual pallet labeling is becoming more common. At the end of the day, safety also involves knowing where the loads are and classifying them correctly. Properly palletized loads make this possible.
This makes it much easier to know the location of a pallet at any time. How does wrapping contribute here? By securely grouping a set of items and facilitating traceability control, it reduces incidents.
In Summary…
Pallet wrappers provide safety and reduce accidents, both in terms of damage and workplace injuries. They also increase productivity. For all these reasons, it’s a good investment to include them in your company. At Movitec, you’ll find various wrappers classified by capacity, size, and industry. Contact us to learn more!
