The Hidden Risks: When Protective Sleeving Fails

The Hidden Risks: When Protective Sleeving Fails

LINE-OF-SIGHT PROTECTIVE SLEEVING

In high-risk industries like mining, construction, and hydraulic applications, safety is paramount. Protective sleeving plays a critical role in preventing catastrophic failures caused by hydraulic hose bursts and pinhole leaks. However, not all protective sleeving is created equal. When manufacturers cut corners in quality, the consequences can be severe—leading to equipment damage, costly downtime, and, most alarmingly, serious safety hazards.

The Danger of Inferior Protective Sleeving.

While many protective sleeving products claim to offer robust safety features, real-world testing tells a different story. Some competitor products fail under pressure, unable to contain the force of a hydraulic hose failure and do not offer the flame resistance required. This can result in:

  • Uncontrolled Fluid Discharge – Instead of safely dissipating the hydraulic fluid’s kinetic energy, inferior sleeving can rupture or degrade, allowing high-pressure fluid to escape dangerously.
  • Flammability – Without the correct flammability capabilities fire and spark can deteriorate hoses to failure resulting combustion of hydraulic oil.
  • Abrasion and Wear – Lower-quality textiles and coatings often deteriorate rapidly in demanding environments, exposing hoses to premature failure.
  • Lack of Compliance – Many competitor products fail to meet international safety and performance standards, putting both personnel and operations at risk.

Real-World Failures:

Through our in-house testing and customer feedback, we’ve observed numerous cases where competitor protective sleeving has failed to perform as promised. Some common failure points include:

  • Sleeving that bursts on contact with high-pressure fluid, offering no protection.
  • Materials that degrade quickly when exposed to oil, chemicals, or UV light.
  • Products that claim high-temperature resistance but fail under prolonged exposure to heat and friction.

These failures not only compromise safety but also lead to significant financial losses due to equipment damage, downtime, and potential liability issues.

Why Webbing Products Leads The Industry

At Webbing Products, we take a different approach. Our protective sleeving undergoes rigorous in-house testing to ensure it meets and exceeds the highest safety standards. Our commitment to quality means:

  • Superior Strength and Durability – Our sleeving is designed to withstand extreme pressures and harsh industrial conditions.
  • Effective Containment – Engineered to safely dissipate energy and contain high-pressure leaks, preventing uncontrolled fluid discharge.
  • Long-Lasting Protection – Resistant to abrasion, heat, and chemical exposure, ensuring longevity and reliability.
  • Certified Safety Compliance – Meeting stringent international safety standards to provide the highest level of protection.

Choose Safety. Choose Reliability.

The failure of competitor protective sleeving is a risk no industry can afford to take. When it comes to safety and performance, cutting corners is not an option. Investing in high-quality, rigorously tested solutions from Webbing Products ensures peace of mind and superior protection in the most demanding environments.

Don’t compromise on safety—choose Webbing Products for reliable, industry-leading protective sleeving solutions.

Recommended videos:

Zero Compromise on Safety in Woven Polyester Strapping Manufacturing

Zero Compromise on Safety in Woven Polyester Strapping Manufacturing

WOVEN POLYESTER STRAPPING

In industrial packaging and cargo securing, safety is paramount. Woven polyester strapping plays a crucial role in transportation safety, and any compromise in manufacturing standards can lead to severe consequences, including product failure, property damage, and even loss of life.

Why Safety Standards Matter

Woven polyester strapping is designed to withstand extreme conditions, from high tension and pressure to exposure to various environmental factors. To ensure its reliability, stringent safety and quality control measures must be in place at every stage of production. These standards are not just guidelines but essential requirements that safeguard users, businesses, and the entire supply chain. Cutting corners can lead to:

•     Load Failures: Weak strapping can cause cargo shifts or falls.
•     Workplace Hazards: Increased risk of injury due to breakage.
•     Financial Losses: Damage to goods, legal liabilities, and reputational harm.

Narrowtex’s Commitment to Safety

At Narrowtex, our woven polyester strapping is manufactured under strict quality control protocols, ensuring compliance with international safety standards such as ISO 9001. Our commitment to excellence includes:

•     High-Quality Materials: Premium polyester fibers for strength and durability.
•     Advanced Weaving Techniques: Precision interlocking for optimal load-bearing capacity.
•     Rigorous Testing: Assessments for tensile strength, elongation, and environmental resistance.
•     Industry Compliance: Adhering to international safety certifications.

The Industry’s Responsibility

Manufacturers must uphold the highest safety standards—there are no shortcuts. Businesses should verify the quality of their strapping materials and choose suppliers that prioritize safety.

Conclusion

Narrowtex maintains a zero-compromise approach to safety, ensuring secure cargo transportation and minimizing risks. Trust us for safety-compliant woven polyester strapping solutions.

#Strapping #WovenStrapping #WovenPolyesterStrapping #PolyStrap #Cordstrapping #Narrowtex #Timberstrap #SteelStrapAlternative #ISO9001 #ISO14001 #SafetyFirst #Manufacturing #WovenPolyester #CargoSecurity #IndustrialSafety #LoadSecuring #SupplyChainSafety #QualityControl #NoCompromise #Narrowtex #StrappingSolutions

 

ACCREDITATIONS

In line with our commitment to continuously improve performance and remain at the forefront of the narrow textiles market, Narrowtex holds the following accreditations:

  • Narrowtex is AAR (Association of American Railroads) certified for selected lashing and composite strapping products for open-top loading requirements.

  • We have established an Environmental Management System that is in conformance with the  ISO 14001:2015 International Environmental Management System.

  • We have established a quality management system that is in conformance with the ISO 9001:2015 International Quality System Standard.

  • Narrowtex SGS certification decal
  • Narrowtex holds SGS certification for specified lashing and composite strapping products.

  • Narrowtex holds DNV – Germanischer Lloyd certification for specified lashing and composite strapping products.

  • Narrowtex seatbelt webbing is manufactured in accordance with the IATF 16949:2016 quality system.

  • The Narrowtex production facility’s up to date laboratory is used for continuous testing at different stages of production, ensuring our consistent delivery of superior products.

    Timberstrap

    Timberstrap

    WOVEN POLYESTER STRAPPING

    Enhance Your Product Offering with NARROSTRAP™ Polyester Woven Strapping

    As a reseller in the strapping and packaging industry, staying ahead of the competition and meeting the diverse needs of your customers is paramount. The Narrowtex range of polyester woven strapping, known as NARROSTRAP™, provides an excellent opportunity to expand your product line with a superior solution for securing timber and lumber cargo. This robust, versatile, and highly effective strapping is designed to meet the demanding conditions of timber and lumber transportation, offering numerous benefits that will appeal to your clientele.

    Key Advantages of NARROSTRAP™ for Your Customers
    1. Superior Strength and Durability:

    Crafted from high-tenacity polyester yarn, NARROSTRAP™ stands out for its exceptional strength and durability. It is split-resistant and highly flexible, ensuring reliable performance even under heavy or uneven loads. By offering NARROSTRAP™, you provide your customers with a strapping solution that outperforms traditional methods such as steel, composite, extruded materials, chains, and wire ropes. This high-performance strapping ensures that timber and lumber cargo remain securely fastened during transit, minimizing the risk of damage or accidents.

    1. Versatility in Application:

    NARROSTRAP™ is available in a variety of tensile strengths and widths, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Whether your customers are dealing with small bundles or large, heavy timber loads, there is a NARROSTRAP™ option that meets their specific requirements. This versatility makes it an attractive choice for diverse industries and transport scenarios, from timber yards and sawmills to construction sites and logistics companies.

    1. Ease of Use:

    One of the standout features of NARROSTRAP™ is its ease of use. It can be tensioned with both manual and pneumatic tension tools, allowing for flexible application depending on the available equipment and the specific needs of the job. Additionally, NARROSTRAP™ is compatible with various buckles, tensioners, and dispensers, streamlining the strapping process and saving time and effort for your customers. By stocking NARROSTRAP™, you offer a user-friendly solution that enhances operational efficiency.

    1. Enhanced Safety:

    Safety is a critical concern in cargo transportation, and NARROSTRAP™ addresses this by offering a safer alternative to traditional banding methods. Its polyester composition reduces the risk of injuries from sharp edges or snapping, which can be a common issue with steel or wire ropes. By providing a strapping solution that prioritizes safety, you help your customers protect their workforce and reduce the likelihood of workplace accidents.

    Why You Should Choose NARROSTRAP™
    • Expand Your Product Range

    Adding NARROSTRAP™ to your inventory allows you to offer a high-quality, in-demand product that meets the needs of various industries. This addition can attract new customers and provide existing clients with a reliable solution for their timber and lumber transport requirements.

    • Enhance Customer Satisfaction

    By offering a product that is known for its strength, versatility, and ease of use, you increase the likelihood of customer satisfaction and repeat business. NARROSTRAP™’s proven performance and safety features make it a trusted choice for securing timber and lumber, ensuring your customers can rely on it for their critical transportation needs.

    • Stay Competitive in the Market

    In a competitive market, offering innovative and superior products like NARROSTRAP™ can set you apart from other resellers. Highlighting the advantages of NARROSTRAP™ in your marketing efforts can attract attention and position your business as a leader in providing high-quality strapping solutions.

    Conclusion

    For strapping resellers looking to expand their product offerings and meet the diverse needs of their customers, NARROSTRAP™ polyester woven strapping from Narrowtex is an excellent choice. Its robust construction, versatility, ease of use, and enhanced safety make it the ideal solution for securing timber and lumber cargo. By adding NARROSTRAP™ to your inventory, you can enhance customer satisfaction, stay competitive, and grow your business. Offer your customers the best in strapping solutions—choose NARROSTRAP™.

    LINE-OF-SIGHT PROTECTIVE SLEEVING IN ACTION

    LINE-OF-SIGHT PROTECTIVE SLEEVING IN ACTION

    PROTECTIVE SLEEVING

    This video showcases the production and rigorous testing of our Webbing Products line-of-sight protective sleeving range.  This innovative sleeving not only surpasses abrasion resistance standards but also offers exceptional protection against bursts and pinholes, exceeding the stringent requirements for line-of-sight operator protection (EN982, EN414, EN ISO Regulation 3457:2008).

    Designed to contain damage and allow hydraulic fluid to safely seep through in case of a burst or pinhole, our sleeving helps prevent pressure buildup and provides an early alert to any damage. Made with dope dyed yarns and advanced weaving and finishing techniques, this sleeving offers top-tier protection and resistance to chemicals and other contaminants.

    Check out the video to see our product in action and learn more about how we’re setting new standards in hydraulic protection!  #Innovation #HydraulicProtection #SafetyFirst #EngineeringExcellence #ProtectiveSleeving #ProtectiveSleeveWebbing #HydraulicHoseSleeving #WebbingProducts

    Discover the strength and efficiency of woven polyester strapping.​

    Discover the strength and efficiency of woven polyester strapping.

    WOVEN POLYESTER STRAPPING

    Narrowtex Woven Polyester Strapping is engineered to be safer, lighter, and as strong as steel strapping.  Our woven polystrap offers a range of benefits that make it the superior choice for securing heavy or uneven loads whether inside or on top of rail cars, containers, shipping vessels, trucks, lorries, flat racks, open-top containers, freight carriers etc.

    This video shares a glimpse of the benefits of woven polyester strapping. #Strapping #WovenStrapping #WovenPolyesterStrapping #PolyStrap #Cordstrapping #Narrowtex #Timberstrap #SteelStrapAlternative #ISO9001 #ISO14001

    FEATURES & BENEFITS OF NARROWTEX WOVEN POLYESTER STRAPPING

    • Economical
    • Safe to use
    • Maximum impact resistance
    • Minimal lash back during cutting
    • High join efficiency
    • Shock absorbent
    • Maintains tension over time
    • Corrosion free
    • No cargo damage
    • Ideal for manual handling and disposal
    • Soft on hands
    • Low tooling costs and maintenance
    • Lightweight and portable
    • UV resistant
    • Weather resistant
    • As strong as steel
    • High system strengths
    • Exclusive extra grip buckle provides superior join efficiency

    Narrowtex strapping and lashing at #appex2024

    Narrowtex strapping and lashing at #appex2024

    NARROWTEX NEWS

    Excited to showcase our premium line of Narrowtex woven polyester strapping and lashing, composite strapping, and bonded/hotmelt strapping at #appex2024! Swing by booth G084 to meet our team. We can’t wait to connect with you! #Lashing #Strapping #Packaging #Narrowtex #Australia 🌟

     

    Supporting Wildlife Conservation Through CROW Partnership

    Supporting Wildlife Conservation Through CROW Partnership

    NARROWTEX NEWS

    Here at Narrowtex Pty Ltd, we believe in giving back to our community and environment. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our partnership with CROW (Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife), a leading wildlife rehabilitation center based in Durban, South Africa.

    Through this partnership, Narrowtex becomes a Corporate Sponsor to CROW, contributing funds towards the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of over 3000 – 4000 injured, displaced, and orphaned wildlife that CROW admits each year. This support is vital for the continuation of CROW’s important work in providing our indigenous wildlife with a second chance at life in the wild.

     
    Narrowtex wildlife support (CROW)

    CROW remains Durban’s only registered and fully permitted wildlife rehabilitation center, including permits for TOPS (Threatened or Protected Species) and TOPS Marine species. Their dedicated team works tirelessly to care for a diverse range of animals, from mongoose to genets, monkeys to birds, and scrub hares to reptiles.

    Through our partnership with CROW, Narrowtex is proud to contribute to the conservation of South Africa’s wildlife heritage. We recognize the importance of preserving biodiversity and ensuring the survival of native species for future generations.

    By supporting CROW, Narrowtex aims to make a positive impact on environmental conservation while fulfilling our corporate social responsibility. Together, we’re making a difference in protecting and nurturing our precious wildlife, ensuring they have a free, safe, and sustainable life in their natural habitat.

    Join us in supporting CROW and their mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and release wildlife in need. Together, we can create a better future for all inhabitants of our planet. #NarrowtexCares #WildlifeConservation #CROWPartnership

    Through this partnership, Narrowtex Pty Ltd demonstrates its commitment to environmental stewardship and wildlife conservation, aligning with our values of sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

    Ensuring Hydraulic Safety: The Critical Role of Webbing Products Protective Sleeving in Pinhole and Burst Suppression

    Ensuring Hydraulic Safety: The Critical Role of Webbing Products Protective Sleeving in Pinhole and Burst Suppression

    PROTECTIVE SLEEVING

    🌟 Hydraulic systems are the lifeblood of industries but can be hazardous when they fail. Best practice is for the installation of woven protective sleeving over the hydraulic hoses as a first line of defense. Our testing shows that many sleeves supplied into industry fail to offer the promised protection in pinhole and burst suppression.  If you want to ensure your employees’ safety and avoid the risk of legal liability for injuries, then ensure your sleeving does what the manufacturer says it will. Webbing Products rigorous in-house testing ensures our sleeving is top of class and what we sample is what you will get.  

    🔍 Pinhole suppression is your first line of defense against those inconspicuous leaks that can wreak havoc, compromising efficiency and increasing maintenance costs.

    ⚠️ Pinhole leaks within hydraulic hoses are a hidden hazard, often going unnoticed until it’s too late. This can lead to serious consequences for operators.

    💥 Burst suppression is your last line of defense against catastrophic hose bursts, ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment.

    🧐 While others make claims, our high-pressure tests prove the reliability of Webbing Products Protective Sleeving.

    ⚙️ Quality and integrity matter when it comes to protective sleeving. Regular inspections and investing in top-notch materials are non-negotiable for ensuring the safety and reliability of your hydraulic systems.

    👷 Let’s prioritize safety in every hydraulic operation. The stakes are too high to ignore the importance of protective sleeving.

    #Hydraulics #SafetyFirst #ProtectiveSleeving #ProtectiveSleeveWebbing #WebbingProducts 💼

    Inspirational people of KwaZulu-Natal

    Inspirational people of KwaZulu-Natal

    NBI NEWS

    Reflecting on the “Inspirational People of KwaZulu-Natal” interview conducted a few years ago featuring Mark Sykes, our General Manager at NBI. We take great pride in having a dedicated management team and employees who are deeply committed to their roles and their local community. 

    Read the complete (updated) feature article below:

    Currently I am the General Manager for National Braiding, which is based at Loskop in the Drakensberg area.  This is a very remote region and we provide employment for +/-100 local community members.  The only other manufacturer here is Bata Footwear behind us, so employment opportunities in the industrial sector are not abundant.

    I grew up in Howick, so the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is in my blood.  My career path took me to Johannesburg for a while, but I returned to KwaZulu-Natal in 2001 and joined the SA Bias Group in Estcourt in 2003.  SA Bias is an international organisation with operations in South Africa, Europe and Australia.  Our head office is based in Cape Town.

    Being firmly entrenched in this rural community for many years takes our role beyond just braiding. 

    We have purchased the land next door and set up a creche for the children of our employees and those from Bata Footwear.  We have sponsored all costs and ad hoc requirements for this facility.  Through our sister company Narrowtex in Estcourt, the group has also built an extra classroom, with 25 PCs and software, to establish an IT facility at a local school.

    Furthermore, we take in 10 to 15 young people on a one-year internship programme that provides them with a formal qualification in weaving and braiding.  We started out predominantly in the production of shoelaces for Bata Footwear, but we have expanded our range to include ropes and cords.  The group also exports to Australia and the African continent.  We are also exploring the production of new high-tech products.

    My wife is a teacher and, together with our two children, we enjoy the tranquillity of the Midlands.  There is no hustle and bustle here, just a 20-minute scenic drive to and from work each day and the added pleasure of having the beautiful Drakensberg Mountains on our doorstep.

    NBI Specialised IRATA membership

    nbi Specialised IRATA membership

    ACCESS ROPE NEWS

    Exciting news! We’re delighted to share that we’ve achieved official associate membership status with the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA). IRATA is a globally recognized organization dedicated to upholding industry standards and ensuring safety in the field of industrial rope access. At NBI Specialised, we’re proud to be affiliated with such a prestigious authority in our profession #IRATA #SafetyFirst #ProudMember #AccessRope