Technical Resources

Automatic Strapping Machine Safety Guide: How to Wear Essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

This guide covers the protective equipment operators need when strapping corrugated box bundles with PP straps. It lists the essential PPE for each hazard and explains how to wear it and what to watch for during equipment inspections.

Why Strapping Operations Require PPE

On the shipping lines of corrugated box plants, finished box bundles are strapped with PP strap continuously. Even when an automatic strapping machine does the strapping, operators work close to the equipment when they load strap, move bundles, and inspect the machine. Tensioned PP strap, sharp box edges, and moving conveyor sections can all cause injuries.

Wearing PPE isn't optional. It is a basic condition of the job. This article lists the essential PPE for strapping operations by hazard type.

Essential PPE by Hazard

The hazards change at each stage of the strapping process. Deciding in advance which PPE each stage needs helps make sure nothing is missed on the floor.

Replacing and loading PP strap coils

Key Hazards

Cuts from strap ends, strap snap-back

Required PPE

Cut-resistant gloves, safety glasses

Moving and stacking box bundles

Key Hazards

Falling loads, pinching

Required PPE

Safety shoes, work gloves

Cutting applied straps

Key Hazards

Snap-back when tension is released

Required PPE

Safety glasses, cut-resistant gloves

Equipment inspection and cleaning

Key Hazards

Pinching in conveyor sections

Required PPE

Close-fitting workwear, safety shoes

Automatic Strapping Machine Safety Guide: How to Wear Essential PPE – Image 1

Safety Glasses and Gloves: Protecting Against Strap Snap-Back

PP strap that is cut under tension can snap back without warning. Always wear safety glasses when you cut straps on a bundle or change a coil, and wear cut-resistant gloves to protect your hands from the strap ends. The edges of corrugated boxes can also cut hands easily, so don't work bare-handed.

Caution When Cutting Straps

Before you cut a tensioned strap, move your face and body out of the direction the strap will snap. Always wear safety glasses for this task.

Safety Shoes and Workwear: Staying Safe Around Conveyors

Box bundles are bulky and can collapse while they are being stacked, so foot protection is essential. Wear safety shoes as standard in the shipping area. Loose sleeves and clothing with ties or drawstrings can get caught in the conveyor and strapping sections, so wear close-fitting workwear and take off all jewelry.

Check that safety glasses, gloves, and safety shoes are on before starting work

Remove loose sleeves, ties, and jewelry

Confirm the equipment has fully stopped before inspecting or cleaning it

Replace damaged PPE immediately

Automatic Strapping Machine Safety Guide: How to Wear Essential PPE – Image 2

How You Operate the Equipment Is Part of Safe Practice

JS SYSTEM's AMB 1500 S/T inline automatic PP strapping machine sets itself up automatically when an operator selects a new size on the touch panel. This means operators make far fewer manual adjustments with their hands inside the machine. Its direct servo drive avoids the air leaks and cylinder wear that cause frequent minor faults in pneumatic machines, so it also needs less maintenance on the floor.

Even so, PPE is essential whatever equipment you use. A safe strapping operation needs both the right PPE and orderly work habits. For questions about installing and operating our equipment, visit jssys.work.

28cycles/min
Korea's First Full-Servo Auto-Setting

Automatic Inline Strapping —
See It in Action

AMB 1500 S/T
28 cycles/min, 40% energy savings.
Designed, built & serviced — all in-house.

Request a Quote