SAFTEY WORKLOAD AND SAFETY FACTOR
1. SWL – Safety Workload – Maximum Carrying Weight of Big Bag
Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs) are built with a designated Safety Workload (SWL). Typical
SWLs include 500kg, 1000kg, 1200kg, 1250kg, 1500kg, or 2000kg, based on the customer’s specifications.
The SWL is often chosen to ensure optimal load weight for transportation, typically aiming for a truck
capacity of 24 or 25 metric tons. FIBCs with SWLs of 1000kg or 1250kg are commonly used. Higher SWLs
signify that the fabric used is stronger.
2. SF – Safety Factor – One Way vs Multi Trip Big Bag
a. One-way big bag
One-way FIBCs are meant for single use. After being filled and delivered, these bags are usually
not collected or returned due to cost or hygiene reasons, particularly in the food sector.
Sometimes, these bags are used as waste containers. One-way FIBCs have a Safety Factor (SF)
of 5:1, meaning the bag will burst at five times its SWL during testing. For instance, a 1000kg SWL
bag would burst at over 5 tons, while a 2000kg SWL bag would burst at over 10 tons.
One-way bags cannot be repaired or reused.
b. Multi Trip Big Bags
Multi-trip FIBCs are designed for reuse and are often more cost-effective when all bags are
returned to the same location after emptying. They are not suitable for food-grade applications.
These bags are built stronger, with an SF of 6:1, meaning they can withstand more than six times
their SWL before bursting in tests. Multi-trip bags may have an additional label to track their
number of uses. Though not infinitely reusable, there are no specific limits on the number of trips
they can make.
Damaged multi-trip bags should not be used, and different materials should not be filled in them
on subsequent trips.
3. Certification of SWL & SF
All our FIBCs are either tested in-house or by accredited testing facilities. Certificates provide details on
the SWL and SF of each bag. Test reports can be provided upon request.
4. Labeling Bulk Bags
Each bulk bag comes with a label that indicates its SWL and SF. Multi-trip bags may also have a label to
record the number of trips.
5. UN Bags
UN bags for hazardous materials have specified SWLs and maximum stacking loads but do not have an SF. These bags are intended for single use only.