How to Read a Body Bag Datasheet: Tensile, Tear, Puncture and Safe Working Load

A proper technical datasheet is the best protection against buying the wrong product. Here is how to read one.

Identity information

Product name and code, manufacturer, country of origin, batch or lot traceability, and date of the datasheet. If a supplier cannot tell you who manufactured the bag, treat that as a warning sign.

Dimensions

Internal length and width (not flat outer size), and zip length. Bariatric and paediatric bags especially need accurate internal dimensions.

Material and thickness

Polymer type, thickness in microns (per layer), colour, and whether the material is chlorine-free.

Mechanical tests

• Tensile strength – how much pulling force the material withstands before breaking. Usually stated in MPa or N per width, often separately for machine direction (MD) and transverse direction (TD).
• Elongation at break – how far the material stretches before breaking. Higher values usually mean better toughness.
• Tear resistance (e.g. Elmendorf) – how easily a small nick spreads into a tear.
• Puncture / dart impact resistance – resistance to sharp objects and impacts.

Datasheets should name the test method (for example an ISO or ASTM standard). A number without a method is hard to compare.

Finished-bag tests

• Safe working load (SWL) and how it was tested.
• Handle pull strength.
• Seam strength and leakage tests on the complete bag.

Red flags

• “Leak-proof”, “biohazard” or “infection-rated” claims with no test reference.
• Thickness quoted as “heavy duty” without a micron figure.
• Total thickness of two layers quoted as if it were one.
• No manufacturer name or batch traceability.

Where a figure is not supplied, leave it blank in your evaluation – never assume it.

Need a quote or a specification check? Send your quantities, sizes and application to our Bulk & Tender Enquiries desk and we will match products to your requirements.

Educational resource only. This article does not replace facility protocols, infection-prevention policies, official forensic procedures, manufacturer instructions or legal advice. Always verify product suitability against the applicable protocol and supplier test evidence. Last reviewed: October 2026.