5 ways to ensure safety when using a bungee cord

Do you use

on a regular basis? It’s important to handle them with care.

may be an everyday piece of equipment, but they can be very dangerous. If used incorrectly, they can lead to serious facial and bodily injuries – and it’s always worth seeking the help of an expert, such as

, to make sure you are using the right cord for the job.

Why are bungee cords dangerous?

are made from elasticated strands of natural rubber, with metal J-shaped hooks at each end, and this is why they can be dangerous. When in use (i.e. stretched out), tension builds in the elasticated strands and – if this tension is suddenly released – the cord backlashes. It’s possible for it to reach speeds of up to 60mph or more and this can cause serious injury upon impact.

How can I ensure my safety when using a bungee cord?

The goods news is, there are simple steps you can take to promote your safety:

1. Know your limits

All

have a certain level of stretchiness. This is known as the cord’s ‘elongation’ rating and it’s important to note before you start to use your rope. You should never use a

at its maximum elongation, as this can increase the chances of backlash – and, if you’re unsure what length of rope and elongation is best for your needs, our

are always happy to help.

2. Invest in bungee hooks

It’s good practice to secure

in place using high-quality

– such as those available at Ropes Direct. This will reduce the likelihood of an unexpected release, particularly if you tie the rope securely to the hook and double check it’s positioning before you let go.

3. Choose bungee ropes wisely

When buying new

, always make sure it’s been made in line with relevant safety standards. Here at Ropes Direct, all of our

are made in Europe by an ISO:9001 registered manufacturer. They are fully compliant with health and safety regulations and, as such, they are exceptional quality and designed with your safety in mind.

4. Check for signs of damage

It may seem like an obvious point, but before you use a

, always check for any signs of damage. If you do spot a defect – whether that be general wear and tear, frays, cracks or something more – never try to fix it or patch it up. The best option will

be to invest in a new product.

5. Be cautious

Of course, mistakes can sometimes happen. But if you’re using a

, you need to be as careful as possible. Try to maintain concentration when securing the rope in place and keep your face (and other vulnerable body parts) out of its potential recoil path – just in case it does release.

Get in touch for a bungee cord to rely on

can sometimes cause injuries. However, most incidents can be avoided – simply by following the steps outlined above and by selecting the right bungee rope for the job. The team of experts, here at

, demonstrate a wealth of knowledge and experience in this area. Not only will they identify the ideal bungee shock cord for your needs, but they can also offer further advice and tips on how to ensure your safety. So why not

today? If you’re looking to invest in new

or

, either give us a call on

or send an email to

and we will respond as soon as possible.