Industrial Shredder Safety
The waste and recycling work place setting is no different to any other industry sector (eg general manufacturing, construction and agriculture). Operator competence is judged on the basis of experience, recognised training (formal training – either delivered in-house or externally) and testing of knowledge and ability.
Safety in waste handling and collection
Representatives from the waste management and recycling industry have come together to form the Waste Industry Safety and Health (WISH) forum. WISH members include representatives from HSE, main trade associations, professional associations, trade unions, recycling organisations and national and local government bodies involved in waste management and recycling.
The aim of WISH is to identify, devise and promote activities in order to improve industry health and safety standards. Its purpose is to provide information, identify solutions and stimulate action across the industry to ensure the health, safety and well-being of those working in the industry and those affected by its activities. It works by consensus and partnership, promoting good practice, sharing ideas and solutions. WISH has a number of active working groups – to get involved go to the WISH Forum website.
Shred waste safely
Selecting the work area
Select as firm a surface as possible and stabilise the machine. Ensure ventilation is adequate and any exhaust fumes are vented into the open air if working in an enclosed space. Where appropriate, if the shredder is mobile, detach from the tow vehicle, apply the handbrake and, if necessary, chock the wheels.
On all reasonably foreseeable approaches to the worksite, erect warning and prohibition signs conforming to the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, indicating a hazardous worksite and that unauthorised access is prohibited. In areas of very high public access, additional controls (eg barrier tape, barriers, extra manning) may be required. Ensure all operations near to highways are adequately signed with the appropriate notices as specified in the Department of Transport’s Safety at street works and road works: A Code of Practice.
Ensure the discharge chute is positioned to prevent chips being blown onto the highway during roadside operations or in any direction where they can affect colleagues or members of the public. Position the chipper so that operators do not have to stand on embankments/ slopes when feeding material into the machine.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
The HSE recommend the use the following PPE:
■ A safety helmet, complying with EN 397, if identified as required during risk assessment.
■ Eye protection (a mesh visor complying with EN 1731 or safety glasses to EN 166).
■ Hearing protection (complying with EN 352) where the noise level exceeds 85 dB(A)
■ Gloves with long, close-fitting cuffs that can be tucked into sleeves.
■ Safety boots with good grip and ankle support (complying with EN 345-1).
■ Non-snag outer clothing appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions.
High-visibility clothing (complying with EN 471) should be worn when risk assessment identifies that it is needed.
Each person should carry a personal first-aid kit including a large wound dressing, and hand-cleaning material such as waterless skin cleanser or soap, water and paper towels should be readily available.
The machine (smaller wood chipper type machines)
Before working with a machine, check it has been properly converted from any transport mode. Ensure guards for dangerous parts (eg belts, pulleys, shafts etc) are secure and undamaged. Protective devices such as the infeed control bar incorporating the stopping device need to be working correctly.
Any lock for the chipping components must be disengaged, the infeed hopper should be clear of any materials and any noise warning signs must be in place.
For machines driven by a power take-off (PTO) shaft, before starting ensure:
■ the PTO shaft is fitted with a suitable guard, complying with EN 1152, that encloses the shaft along its full length from tractor to machine;
■ the guard is correctly fitted and in effective working order;
■ the PTO speed is suitable for the machine.
Industrial Shredder operator training
Operator competence is judged on the basis of experience, recognised training (formal training – either delivered in-house or externally) and testing of knowledge and ability. This should be supported by regular refresher training every 3 – 5 years or immediately following an accident or incident. Familiarisation training should be considered if the candidates have been absent for a period of time, such as furlough.
Over the last 5 years, an average of 200 workers each year have been killed in accidents at work. Many more suffer serious injury or illnesses caused, or made worse, by work.
Every employer has a legal duty to ensure that their employees are adequately trained for the work activity they undertake and this also means ensuring that this is regularly maintained by providing Shredder operator refresher courses.
Kentra Training
At Kentra we provide over 100 different training courses, for all types of tools, machinery and equipment in all shapes and sizes. We have been established since 1997 and are proud of the number of operators who have passed their training and assessments with us.
If you would like to be one of them, require Industrial Shredder safety training give us a call on 01606 832 556 or contact us we would be happy to help.
The Kentra Training Team
Good afternoon,
we are looking for shredder safety training, we have a team of 13 people.
Hello, Thank you for contacting us, we have emailed you directly with a reply to your question. Have a great day. Kentra Training