How to safely use a cardboard baler

If you ever need to use a waste baler at work, read our Useful Guide to discover some crucial safety advice.

Important Training

By compressing waste into dense, compact blocks, waste and recycling balers increase productivity in businesses. However, balers should only be used by trained personnel in secure environments, just like any other commercial or industrial gear.

The vendor must thoroughly train you on how to use the machine properly, with the required duty of care, how to bale out, ready the machine, change the bands, and do other basic maintenance and cleaning tasks. Training is crucial.

Safety tips for using a baler

Never operate a baler without training and (initially) supervision.
Make sure all staff are notified of the existence of a waste baler by placing clear warning signs next to it.
Check to see if your baler meets EN16500 safety standard for vertical balers. EN16500 was introduced in 2015 to minimize the risk of injury to users. If in doubt, contact the company from whom the machine was purchased.
Is there a safe operating procedure (SOP) available? Many balers have SOP instructions or visual guides printed on the door or accessible by QR code. Try to ensure a guide is available for staff.
Does the baler have an emergency lock-out switch? Familiarise yourself with this feature in case you need to suddenly cut power to the machine.
To ensure that unauthorized personnel do not start the baler by mistake, keep it turned off when not in use.

Advice for baling out

Do you have the proper banding? Baler banding varies in terms of its breadth, breaking strength, composition, and, most importantly, its quality. Make sure the banding you’re using is appropriate for the machine you’re using
Before baling out, make sure the area is clear of employees and obstructions
You will require something to convey the bale securely, depending on the size of the baler. When baling out, be sure to have something available, such as a pallet or a lift trolley

Advice on Maintenance Safety

To keep the baler in good operating order, have it inspected and maintained annually by a certified professional. When properly serviced and maintained, a baler can survive much longer than its recommended 10-year lifespan.
Employees should not use or attempt to repair a broken baler themselves before a qualified expert has fixed it.
Always consult the handbook if you are unsure. Keep the instruction manual nearby so that users can consult it. Contact a representative and ask for a second copy or a soft copy of a manual if necessary.

Have a question?

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NOTE: This guide is not a replacement for any safety manual. DO NOT operate a baler unless you have been appropriately trained. ALWAYS consult the user manual. If in doubt, contact the supplier.