A staggering number of packages are shipped by businesses and individuals every year. UPS alone handled 5.1 billion packages and documents in 2017. Regardless of the number your company contributed to that stream, when it comes to your packaging operations, you need equipment that increases both efficiency and effectiveness.
For example, you want water-activated tape (WAT) dispensers that help your team get more cartons sealed faster, and ensures that they are sealed securely with a single strip of WAT for a professional appearance. These factors contribute to a better bottom line. However, bottom line considerations are never more important than the safety of your employees operating the machinery.
Protecting Packers from Injury
Water-activated tape is more effective than pressure-sensitive tape (PST). But, to achieve that level of effectiveness, the dispenser uses two things that should never meet: water and electricity.
It also has a cutting blade that can potentially pose a danger to a packer. Consequently, it is critical that the equipment your employees use is thoroughly evaluated, tested, and vetted. One way to ensure safety, is to look to see if your dispenser is “UL listed.”
“It goes without saying that your bottom line is never more important than the safety of the employee operating the machinery.” TWEET THIS
UL Listing: Your Assurance of Product Safety
As the need for uniform product safety testing and certification became apparent in the mid-1890s, Underwriters Laboratories® (UL) was founded for that purpose. Since then, the organization has been the leading authority and the “gold standard” in its field. Independent and not-for-profit, UL gives businesses and consumers the trusted safety information they need to make wise purchases.
The organization’s detailed and stringent engineering safety standards mean that UL-listed products have been thoroughly evaluated and found to be safe when used as directed. And, UL evaluation and listing is not a one-and-done process. UL field representatives make unannounced visits to manufacturers at least four times each year to ensure that the listing standards are being continuously upheld.
Important Safety Features for a Water-Activated Tape Dispenser
Some of the kinds of water-activated tape dispenser features that UL requires are:
- Detachable electrical cord with enough length to provide for operator safety and comfort
- Flame-retardant plastic
- Steel side frames
- Zinc-plated stainless-steel parts
- Thermal cutoff that prevents overheating of the motor when the unit is used for long periods
- Safety interlock switch that disables the cutting blade when the front cover is open
These items, along with the use of the latest manufacturing best practices, result in devices that deliver exceptional product safety.
Protecting Employees Protects Your Business
Your number one priority when it comes to product safety is, no doubt, protecting your employees. But, there is no denying the impact that accidents have on the company. Injuries cost U.S. employers tens of billions of dollars annually.
From sick days to legal fees, the expenditures related to an injury can add up quickly and have a negative impact on your operations. So, by providing individuals with UL-listed equipment, you are not only reducing their risk of injury, you are helping to ensure the company's financial health.
The Better Pack 555 electric tape dispenser earned UL certification when it was launched in 1959, and the line retains the designation today. With each innovation and upgrade, the equipment is reviewed by UL for assessment.
Looking for a water-activated tape dispenser that combines state-of-the-art features with outstanding safety? To learn more about our advanced, safety-certified product line, contact us today.