BALERS AND COMPACTORS

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RISK ENGINEERING

Balers and compactors can be real time savers, but workers should never be in a rush when using them because of the dangers they can pose. Compacting and baling equipment reduces large amounts of solid waste to smaller, more manageable units by means of powered rams. In general, compactors compress refuse into containers for transport. Baling equipment is designed to compress material (e.g., cardboard boxes) and produce a bale (bound or unbound) that is handled as a unit.

A wide range of hazards exist simply due to the size, configuration, and operation of compactors and balers. Some machines allow direct access to the compression chamber, while others have a hopper or chute through which material feeds into the machine. Machines may operate in a manual, semiautomatic, or automatic mode. The rams may move vertically or horizontally.

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The Hazard Workers can be crushed by the ram motion if guarding is missing or bypassed, or if lockout procedures are not followed during maintenance activities. Older compacting equipment may not have appropriate interlock guarding or may not have enough guarding to enclose the chamber or point-of-operation area completely.

Severe injury and death can also occur during service or maintenance tasks on or inside an energized or jammed machine if the machine cycles automatically or if the machine is activated by another worker who is unaware that someone is inside the chamber. Because ram motion stops during a jam, workers may not recognize that the machine remains energized and that the ram could activate unexpectedly.

Similarly, if conveyors are used to feed material into a compactor or baler, workers may mistakenly believe that shutting down the conveyor also prevents the compactor or baler from operating. In addition to the hazardous-energy potential, working inside these machines may also present confined-space hazards such as hazardous atmospheres and engulfment.

The Solution Access covers and point-of-operation guarding must be interlocked in such a manner that the compactor cannot be operated if the guard or loading door is removed or opened. Most compactors and balers today prevent workers from reaching into the point of operation by configuration, cycling controls, and interlock guarding that interrupt or reverse the ram’s motion if the compression chamber doors are opened. However, older equipment may not have these features and it would be wise to consult with the manufacturer for possible retrofits or upgrades.

Whenever unjamming, adjusting, cleaning, repairing, or performing other maintenance tasks, the machine must be isolated from all its energy sources and “locked out.” If conveyors are used, they should be interconnected so that a single, lockable device can de-energize and isolate the power to both machines.

In Simple Steps Always take the following steps to protect yourself from injury when operating or working near compacting and baling equipment:

• Never bypass or disable interlocks or control switches.

• Keep all equipment guards in place during operation. • Before attempting to clear jammed material from a compactor or baler, follow

OSHA standards on lockout / tagout procedures [29 CFR 1910.147 ]: 1. Disconnect the power from the machine. 2. Isolate the power by locking the disconnect. 3. Tag the disconnect to notify others that the power must remain off. 4. Mechanically block any ram that has the potential to move before accessing the

compacting chamber. 5. Test equipment to ensure that the machine has been de-energized before beginning work. 6. Locate all coworkers before activating power to the compactor or baler.

Balers and CompactorsRisk Management

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RISK ENGINEERINGContact Information Reporting Claims or Loss24-hour toll free number:

1.800.690.5520Email to:

riskengineering@cfins.com

RISK ENGINEERINGBalers and CompactorsRisk Management

(continued) Employers should take the following steps to reduce the risk of worker injuries and deaths:

• Establish procedures for periodic inspection and maintenance of the equipment:

1. Maintain equipment guards according to the manufacturer’s specifications. 2. Check for proper operation of all interlocks and emergency stop devices. • Train workers to recognize compactor and baler hazards. • Implement standard procedures for dealing safely with material jams. • Provide safe access to feed chutes for clearing material jams. • Comply with child labor laws that prohibit hazardous work by workers under age 18.

Always be aware that some jurisdictions have more stringent regulations. Oregon, for example, has extensive regulations for the safety of baler and compactor users who are 16 and 17 years of age.

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This material is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be a representation of coverage that may exist in any particular situation under a policy issued by one of the companies within Crum & Forster. All conditions of coverage, terms, and limitations are defined and provided for in the policy. This material was developed as a general guide to safety from sources believed to be reliable and is not intended to provide legal, technical or other professional advice. These materials are not intended to replace any training or education that users may wish or need to provide to their personnel. Crum & Forster does not endorse any of the vendors listed in this publication, nor does it endorse the information, products or services that they offer or provide. Compliance with all Federal, State or local laws and regulations remain the policyholder’s responsibility.

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