How To Train Staff On Using A Cardboard Baler

Cardboard balers are an effective way for your business to run more efficient and more sustainable waste management processes. They can help you compact cardboard to a more manageable size, making it easier to store and stack ready for collection. Many businesses are investing in cardboard balers to help improve recycling processes, but if staff aren’t trained to use them properly, they may not get used in the way you want.  

Training your staff to operate a cardboard baler can help them learn how to use the machinery safely and effectively. In this guide, we’ll outline the steps you’ll need to take to train your staff on using a cardboard baler, so that you can meet your waste management needs.

Highlight the importance of your baler

It’s not always easy to motivate your staff to see the importance of something. But by introducing the purpose behind your new cardboard baler, you can help your employees show an interest and encourage them to use it actively. Highlighting your company’s sustainability strategy can help employees take ownership of their actions and behaviours, helping to contribute to your overall objectives. 

Familiarise staff with the baler's components and safety features

Any equipment in the workplace should be used safely, and a baler is no exception. Introduce your staff to the various components and safety features of the cardboard baler. You should explain in detail what each part does, highlighting vital functions such as the control panel and emergency stop button. Emphasising safety protocols can help prevent accidents and injuries while helping staff feel more confident when using the baler. 

Ensure you provide detailed operating instructions

Provide step-by-step instructions on how to operate your cardboard baler. This should include the process from start to finish, including how to start up the baler and how to shut it off when it’s no longer in use.  

People like to consume knowledge in different ways, so consider making the information available in a variety of formats. Face-to-face demonstrations are a must for everyone, but written instructions and video demos can also help people get the information they need when they need it. 

Teach effective safety procedures

When introducing your cardboard baler, it’s important to introduce safety procedures that will help your staff use the baler safely. This should include instructions for any personal protective equipment needed, as well as how to respond in an emergency.  

Cleaning and maintenance measures should also be introduced to help keep the area around the baler clean and clear. Signage in the area can serve as constant reminders to your employees of what’s expected when it comes to using the baler. 

Provide Demonstrations

Demonstrations are an effective way to help your teams learn how to use the baler safely. They should be taught correct loading techniques, not only to use the machine properly, but to help with manual handling and protect from injury. It should be made clear what can and can’t be loaded into the baler to help prevent damage caused to the machine. 

Give your staff the chance to try the process for themselves under supervision. The more practice they have, the more confident they will become in using the baler. 

Explain what to do in the event of a problem

All machinery can experience issues from time to time, but it’s important that your teams learn how to troubleshoot and what to do in the event of a problem. Guidance for common issues, such as jams, should be provided, helping teams to solve routine issues themselves. 

Conduct regular refresher courses

Regular refresher courses can help reinforce knowledge and awareness of how to use a cardboard baler correctly. It can be a way to keep staff up to date on any changes or updates to processes, while giving them the chance to provide feedback or make suggestions on what can be improved.  

Bring in professional cardboard baler training

One of the simplest ways to help your staff learn how to use a cardboard baler is to bring in professional training. Learning from the experts can help your teams learn the correct techniques and processes, allowing them to ask questions from those who are knowledgeable on the subject.  

With professional training, your teams can learn everything they need to know about using cardboard balers to ensure safe and efficient use. 

Introducing cardboard baler training from phs Wastekit

phs Wastekit is thrilled to announce our baler training for employees. Understanding that as much as 35% of baler breakdowns are caused by operator misuse, our training aims to equip your staff with everything they need to know to safely use and look after a baler. Taught by experts and featuring trainee assessments, our sessions can help improve the way you use your balers to meet your waste management needs. 

Want to know more about our baler training? Contact phs Wastekit today and speak to our friendly team. 

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