A company lifts large FIBCs from ground level to a 1st floor mezzanine by FIBC frame and hoist, the operator orientates the bag when lifted and earths the bag, then loosens the spout cover underneath the FIBC before placing the FIBC onto a glovebox over a hopper, where the spout is then fully opened through the glove box and the hopper is filled.

They have identified the following hazards as they relate to loosening the spout cover before loading to the hopper:
a. They are reaching over the mezzanine railing to do this
b. They are reaching to work underneath the FIBC

They have suggested putting a cage overhead to address the risk of the FIBC falling from the hoist when reaching beneath the FIBC and loosening the spout but is this too much?

What do other companies with FIBCs do if they load hoppers from the bottom and need to open from the bottom?

Thanks,

Meabh