A cushy new method
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A TIME-SAVING method of securing cargoes in containers and road vehicles using a range of inflatable "dunnage" bags has been produced by Safex Equipment Limited of Warlingham, Surrey. Called the Safex Viking range, these large, high-strength bags are placed in the space between the cargo and the compartment and inflated by compressed air to create a tightfitting shoring that will prevent the cargo from shifting even under the most violent motion of transit. No further lashings are required, so shoring can be carried out extremely quickly. Safex claims time savings of as much as 50 per cent are possible when compared with conventional methods.
The Viking dunnage bag is made from a strong nylon textile, capable of withstanding a constant pressure of 20 tonnes per square metre and a shock load of 50 tonnes per square metre. The interior is coated with a special air-tight rubber compound and the exterior with Du Pont Neoprene synthetic rubber.
The weatherproof fabric is resistant to oils, chemicals and sea water, and ensures that the bag has a very long working life (typically four to six years). Lightweight and fitted with stout handles, the bags are easily manipulated either inflated or deflated. Four sizes of bag are available: 120cm x 120cm, 120cm x 180cm, 120cm x 240cm and 120cm x 270cm (47 x 47in, 47 x 70in, 47 x 94in and 47 x 106in). Prices are from E75. SAFEX EQUIPMENT LIMITED 50 The Green Warlingham, Surrey CR3 9NA