5 important general safety tips for working with shock cords

Whatever industry you work in, safety is always going to be one of your overriding priorities when you are working with shock cords, and rightly so. In addition though, everyone on your team needs to be equally appreciative of the risks involved, because the same qualities that make shock cords so useful (their strength, for example), can also make them dangerous when they are underestimated, or not used correctly.

We have extensive experience working with shock cords here at Ibex Marina Ropes, and in fact we are able to trace our history back almost 250 years – so that means you can rely on our experts to know all about best practice. Here are some of the most important shock cord safety tips to bear in mind.

Inspect shock cords before each use

Shock cords always need to be subjected to a thorough inspection before starting any task. It is a good idea to ensure that your operators look closely at the cords for signs of wear, such as fraying, cuts, or exposed elastic strands. If you or your team notice any damage, then take care to remove the shock cord from service immediately to prevent accidents. Checking the shock cords also includes verifying the integrity of any end fittings or hooks attached to the cords – as these parts can weaken or deform and cause the cord to fail under tension.

Use protective equipment when handling shock cords

This is one that for some reason can get overlooked worryingly often – teams always need to be wearing appropriate protective gear when handling shock cords. Safety goggles are particularly important for staff to wear, to shield their eyes from snapping cords – which easily have the potential to blind someone, temporarily or even permanently.

It is also worth taking the time to ensure they use gloves to protect their hands from abrasion or cuts caused by cord material or hardware. Staff will also benefit from wearing sturdy clothing and footwear to reduce injury risk if a cord slips or recoils unexpectedly. Ideally, clear instructions need to be included in any training materials about which protective equipment suits each task involving shock cords.

Keep a safe distance when tensioning shock cords

When your teams stretch or tension shock cords, they will always need to maintain a safe distance from the cord’s path. Staff will need to identify the maximum stretch length in advance, and ensure that they are always outside the area where the cord might recoil if it slips or breaks.

Spotters or supervisors can control the workspace and prevent bystanders from entering dangerous zones during tensioning. Equally, staff need to position themselves so they can release tension quickly if needed and never stand directly in line with the cord. If necessary, you can use tools or fixtures designed to hold shock cords under tension to reduce the need for manual stretching and increase safety.

Store shock cords safely to maintain their condition

Shock cords are designed to be durable by nature, but they can still be vulnerable to certain environments. For that reason alone, they need to be stored away from direct sunlight, chemicals, oils, and sources of heat, which degrade the elastic material. You can hang cords on hooks or place them on shelves to prevent unnecessary bending or tangling. Maintain clean, dry storage areas to avoid moisture damage or mould growth on the cords, and label your cords clearly, so that you can keep records of their condition. That can go a long way to ensuring your staff are able to choose suitable cords for specific tasks without risking failure.

If you need more information, why not check out our post on the best ways to store shock cords?

Schedule regular safety briefings focused on shock cord risks

As the saying goes, experience breeds familiarity, and familiarity can breed negligence. So, it is never a bad idea to organise safety briefings that highlight the risks associated with shock cords and review best practices. They can be valuable opportunities to remind your teams of inspection routines, protective gear requirements, and correct tensioning procedures. Equally, make sure to provide opportunities for staff to report hazards or near-misses involving shock cords. Include demonstrations or practical exercises to reinforce safe handling techniques, and keep detailed records of attendance and training content to ensure everyone working with shock cords understands the hazards and the precautions necessary to prevent injury.

These are all the essential points covered – and if you ever need any help or more specific advice on shock cord safety, that is exactly where we can help here at Ibex Marina Ropes. We have unrivalled experience with shock cords, and serve a wide range of sectors across the UK and beyond, including aerospace, military and defence, subsea and offshore, and sport and leisure – just to name a few.