Flexible clips secure hazardous loads

Tom Shelley reports on a simple innovation in plastic that should prevent more than a few injuries Large plastic spring clips can do much to ensure the safer transport and storage of gas bottles. Named 'Bottlechocks', they are the invention of Australian Robert Frean, whom we encountered at the Safety and Health exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham. Poorly secured gas bottles falling over is a major hazard. In worst cases, the valves or attached gauge heads can be knocked off, allowing the rest of the bottle to be propelled as a potentially lethal missile by the issuing gases. Even if this is not so, they are quite heavy, and more than one user has strained muscles making a grab to arrest their descent as they toppled towards the ground. By making the clips out of the right grade of plastic, (which we have been informed of but have been asked not to disclose), they are flexible enough that by tightening the securing strap, they can be made to firmly retain bottles large or small. Even if the strap is not engaged, the bottles are still retained sufficiently well for static use, although the straps should always engaged for transport in a vehicle or boat. Mounting brackets are normally galvanised steel but can also be supplied in stainless steel. The devices absorb vibration and meet the requirements of the Australian Defence Force and major Australian companies. They are now available in the UK through BOC. Robert Frean at Safetgas