The Importance of Cardboard Baler Safety Training

Safety training is essential to ensure operators stay safe and avoid injuries whilst using recycling equipment within the workplace.

Understanding Cardboard Baler Safety

There’s a lot to think about when installing a new cardboard baler at your business. Not only do you need to choose a location with the appropriate amount of safe working space around it, you also need to think about who will authorised to use it. Users will need to know the ins and outs of how to operate the machine as well as any important related general workplace safety policies and procedures.

Common Safety Hazards

Cardboard balers can pose many hazards which users need to be aware of so that accidents can be avoided. To make sure people know about them, they should be covered in detail during a thorough training session.

Some examples of problems that could arise if people ignore hazards include:

1. Back injuries can occur if people don’t lift bales in the correct way
2. Employees can fall over and hurt themselves if spillages and other obstructions aren’t dealt with before using the machine
3. Certain waste materials such as aerosol cans should not be placed into a baler as they can cause an explosion

The Key Cardboard Baler Safety Considerations

Most importantly, staff shouldn’t operate a baler without appropriate training. Everyone using it should know exactly how to operate it. Different machines have different operating procedures therefore it is important that users receive machine-specific training. For example, staff should know where to locate the key safety features of the machine such as the emergency stop button.

Some specific examples of company specific safety protocols include:

• Who they need to speak to if the machine develops a fault
• How they can request refresher training
• Where they can purchase baler consumables

The machine manual for the machine should be stored in an accessible prominent place to enable users to consult it.

Baler Training Introduction

Before the machine is put into service you will need to decide who will be responsible for pulling together a detailed staff training plan for your employees. This must include training plans for current staff and anyone that joins your company in the future. A step-by-step demonstration of how to use the machine should be included. It should also include other important points such as what to do before operating the machine and scenarios of what could go wrong. If anyone has any questions either during or after the training session, make sure there’s a named competent person who can answer them.

Don’t forget to document all training received by employees in detailed records. When a training session ends, make sure staff have access to any relevant training materials and the full instruction manual. You can do this through digital tools like filming demonstrations that can be watched back. QCR provide free online demonstration videos on our website that can be incorporated into your training program.

Balers supplied by QCR feature a number stickers pinpointing important safety features on the machine. Ensure these stickers are intact, un-obstructed and legible because they act as important safety reminders to users.

If you rent or purchase a baler from QCR, free high-quality training is always available and machine stickers can be ordered. If you rent a baler from us, training can be provided free of charge throughout the length of your contract.

The Benefits of Prioritising Safety

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is a primary piece of workplace legislation in the UK. If you break this legislation, your business could end up in serious trouble.

Contact QCR for Your Baler Needs

With over 25 years of experience, QCR is a UK leading supplier of cardboard recycling machinery in the workplace. On our website, you’ll find a wide range of cardboard balers available to rent or purchase. We have solutions for other types of waste as well! This includes plastic, polystyrene, glass bottles, paint cans and empty drums. Our expert team, who are safe contractor accredited, are happy to give you advice and answer any questions you have. With no obligation to rent or purchase, we can do a free confidential visit to your site. In most cases, we’ll be able to offer a free machine trial for your business so you can decide if our equipment fits your expectations. You can put your trust in QCR for reliable machinery.