Trash Compactor Safety Procedures

Trash compactors are a common machine found in a number of different workplaces. Compactors assist with recycling of cardboard, for example, and reduce the amount of space taken up by trash in landfills by crushing debris together into a large block. While these machines are convenient and easy to use, there have been fatal accidents concerning compactors. Following some basic safety procedures can help prevent accidents from occurring.

Safety Procedures

• Make sure that the area around a compactor always is clear of extraneous debris and that no one is near the machine who does not need to be. The area should not be accessible to children, and the compactor should be locked at all times when not in use. Most compactors have a slide-bar that holds the door shut, but there also should be a padlock for which only a supervisor or machine operator has the key or combination.

  All employees who work in the vicinity of the compactor should go through a briefing detailing how the compactor works and what the procedures are for its operation, even if the compactor is not part of their job responsibility. The more knowledgeable everyone is, the less chance of an accident.

  Regularly inspect the compactor for any hydraulic leaks. Never use the compactor if anything is leaking or the metal starts warping from repeated use. Disconnect the power and call a service company.

  Empty the compactor regularly. If the machine is full, do not try to stuff it with more debris. Wait until the compactor is emptied before throwing more trash or material into it.

  The operator always should look inside the compactor before closing the door and turning it on to make sure no children, animals or potentially hazardous items are inside. At no time should the operator or anyone else climb into the compactor for any reason. If an emergency arises in which someone has to go inside, disconnect all the power beforehand and have the emergency stop engaged as an extra precaution.

  Never throw materials in the compactor that it is not meant to handle. For example, pallets, metal pipes and chemical containers that have not been emptied require their own special disposal methods.

  Make sure no one ever operates the compactor while under the influence of any drugs or alcohol. Even legal prescription drugs can impair judgment and reaction time and could lead to injury.

  Many compactors have a key that is required in order to turn on the machine. Many businesses leave the key in the ignition to save time in operation. For safety purposes, the operator should hold on to the key anytime the compactor is not in use.