A piece of steel strapping becomes a dangerous weapon when it lashes out at you suddenly. It’s an experience similar to having someone make a pass at you with a knife.
Despite the dangers to your eyes, face and hands, steel strapping works well for reinforcing and binding boxes or containers. So you have to learn to live with it safely.
Before attempting to remove steel strapping from a container, you should be dressed for the job. Safety goggles and leather palm gloves should be worn. When working with heavier weight straps, it may be necessary to wear steel-studded gloves and a face shield in addition to goggles.
Long sleeves, fastened at the wrists, also help ward off blows from the strapping that would cause cuts. Safety shoes, of course, are a good idea for any materials-handling job.
The persons removing the strapping are not the only ones to be considered when safety precautions are taken. Everyone else in the area should be clear of the danger zone or be wearing protective equipment.
After these preliminary safety measures are taken, you can proceed with the removal of the steel strapping or wire.
A cutting tool designed for the job should be utilized. Manufacturers or other suppliers furnish duck-billed shears which should be used. Long handled cutters may also be used so the person doing the cutting will be at a safer distance from the strapping. Special cutting tools should not leave sharp edges. Cuts should be made squarely to avoid forming extra sharp surfaces.
The temptation might be great to snap the strapping with a crowbar, claw hammer or similar tool. But, don’t do it. It will increase your chances of being injured by flying metal.
Experts say that the person doing the cutting should hold down the strapping with one gloved hand while cutting with the other. He should stay out of line of the end that will spring loose when cut.
When articles are bound with heavy strapping, the rebound may be too strong to control with your hands, so every precaution should be taken to stay out of the way of the strapping and to wear proper protection.
Contents of the container or box should be known before cutting the straps, as some materials, such as auto springs or mattresses might recoil violently when the steel binding is released. Skill and special instruction are required for opening bales of burlap or sacking.
After cutting the straps, there are still further safety measures which must be accomplished. The straps should be placed in a scrap container and not left on the floor to form tripping hazards. A container for scrap should be kept in the cutting area.
If mechanical dumping is not available, whoever empties the scrap container should also wear gloves and goggles.
Despite all precautions, you will receive cuts occasionally and these, and all injuries, should receive first aid treatment immediately as a measure against tetanus and other complications.
The steps for making the cutting of steel strapping a safe operation are clearly defined and easy to follow. First, always wear proper protective equipment; make sure that everyone is a safe distance away; use the right cutting tool; stay out of line of the cut strapping; and dispose of these straps safely.
Remember that if you handle steel strapping wrong, it will strike back. So don’t get hurt!