Safety 101: Operating Waste Balers and Compactors in Compliance with UK Regulations

Waste machinery can be dangerous, so knowing how to operate it safely is essential for looking after your team. The right waste baler and compactor safety training also leads to more efficient waste management. Beyond that, it ensures you meet HSE requirements, protecting your business at a fundamental level.

Here’s why paying attention to baler and compactor safety is vital to your business waste operations.

What are some common hazards when using balers and compactors?

Operating waste balers and compactors safely is paramount for employee wellbeing. The most common hazards include:

Mechanical hazards such as crushing, entanglement and falling bales leading to a range of injuries such as crushing, amputation and striking injuries.
Electrical hazards, including risk of electrical shock, malfunction or improper lockout procedures.
Material hazards caused by incorrect handling or improper waste sorting, leading to slips, cuts, falls, and back strains.

What’s the key legislation around using waste equipment?

Compliance with waste compactor regulations is non-negotiable. The following pieces of legislation cover the safe operation of balers and compactors. Adhering to these reduces the risk of accidents, creates a safety culture and keeps your business legally compliant:

The BS EN 16500 Safety Standard specifies safety requirements for waste baler safety, including operational safety and hazard protection. This standard applies to the safe use of vertical baling machinery for the mechanical or manual handling of paper, plastics, cardboard, and mixed waste.
HSE guidance covers the PUWER and LOLER regulations (1998) for using work equipment safely and reducing risks when buying, repairing and maintaining waste equipment. Failure to comply with HSE regulations can lead to reputational damage, significant fines or imprisonment.
BS EN 13857: BS EN ISO 13857 establishes safety distances to protect the upper and lower limbs when working with machinery.

Can proper training and maintenance prevent accidents?

There’s no doubt that using waste balers and compactors can help your business make significant savings. Fewer collections, reduced transportation costs, and lower landfill tax minimise disposal costs. Plus, selling recyclable materials can provide a valuable income stream. See for yourself with our Waste Saving Calculator.

Training

However, operators working with machinery are exposed to a range of common risk factors. Waste baler safety training can help your staff avoid preventable dangers and accidents, and achieve HSE compliance:

Hazard awareness training, including handling materials and electrical safety.
Safe operating procedures, including lockout protocols
Emergency procedures if the machinery goes wrong or an accident happens.

Our phs Wastekit Baler Safety Training is City & Guilds assured and could help your business eliminate 35% of baler-related downtime and incidents

Maintenance

Safety training goes hand in hand with regular maintenance. Malfunctioning machinery can cause serious injury or costly downtime. You could also find yourself in breach of your compliance obligations, leading to a hefty fine. A phs Wastekit maintenance plan can ensure your waste management equipment is safe and fit for use.

A regular maintenance schedule should include:

Routine visual inspections to check for damage and wear.
Safety feature checks, including guards and gates, to ensure compliance with HSE regulations.
Consumable checks to ensure you’re using the correct twine or tape for safe operation and to avoid injury.
Making prompt repairs at the first signs of a mechanical problem. Repairs should always be undertaken by a certified technician when the machine is switched off.
Regular statutory EICR and PAT testing to ensure the compliance of your machinery and your electrical installation.

What are the best baler safety tips to mitigate hazards?

Although multiple risks can be mitigated through training and maintenance, these operational tips will help minimise accidents and downtime:

Provide the correct PPE (including hard hats, ear defenders, goggles, and gloves), and ensure operatives know how to use it correctly and wear it at all times.
Make sure the area around your baler or compactor is clear before use. Obstructions and debris can pose a safety risk.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which should be easily accessible. When the machinery is not in use, leave it in the off position and remove the key.
Display appropriate safety signage, such as “dangerous machinery” or “authorised personnel only”, and establish clear communication and hand signals for all operators.
Always load the baler or compactor correctly, never exceed the maximum size or weight warnings, and ensure safety guards are in place before operating.

Make phs Wastekit your trusted partner for waste compliance

Ensuring the safety of your operatives is the key to regulatory compliance. At phs Wastekit, we offer training and maintenance plans alongside our range of balers and Static and Portable Compactors that can save up to 90% on your waste disposal costs.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss our baler training.