Dumpster Safety Guide In The Midwest

Disposing of construction materials can cause potential dangers and safe disposal is crucial. If you’re planning to rent a dumpster, it’s important that your entire crew observe some basic dumpster safety guidelines to avoid accidents.

Ensure safe disposal of construction materials in the Midwest.

Safe Loading Practices

It’s important to observe dumpster safety guidelines. Some of these items may seem like common sense, but skipping any of these steps could be disastrous:

• Inspect the dumpster before loading to ensure
• Always know and follow the weight limits of your dumpster.
• Load the dumpster on even ground whenever possible to avoid tipping
• Evenly distribute materials in dumpster
• Maintain a safe distance when the dumpster is being loaded and unloaded.

Safe Disposal Procedures When Using Dumpsters

You should always be aware of any potential dangers, challenges and obstacles when using a dumpster. Follow all recommended guidelines from your dumpster rental company in the Midwest and remember these dumpster safety practices:

• Be aware of any obstacles like power lines, slopes, trees, or other workers when loading and unloading dumpster
• Always wear gloves and protective eyewear when placing waste into dumpsters. You never know what you may come in contact with.
• Ask for help lifting heavy objects.
• Be aware of where your hands are placed when opening and closing a dumpster.
• Don’t smoke around dumpsters.
• Make sure the area around the dumpster is free of waste and debris.

Handling Hazardous Materials

Many items that are dumped during construction or renovation projects contain hazardous materials. Asbestos, lead–based paints, computers, televisions, batteries, household cleaners, and pesticides are all considered hazardous. If you are dumping any of these or similar items, it’s important to use proper handling practices:

• Know the local laws about dumping hazardous materials and make sure to follow them.
• Always pay attention to warning signs and labels on any and all materials being placed in your dumpster rental.
• Use a dumpster that is specifically designed for hazardous waste so there is no dangerous leakage.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, masks, and glasses when handling hazardous materials
• Secure all known hazardous items by labeling and sealing them properly.
• Be extra cautious not to overfill the dumpster

Preventing And Addressing Emergencies

Preventing dumpster fires should be a high priority on your dump truck safety checklist. Dumpster fires are almost always preventable and can be caused by several factors including chemical reactions, electrical fires, smoking materials, and vandalism. These best practices will prevent dumpster fires from occurring:

• Keep dumpsters in secured areas, inaccessible to vandals and to secondary materials that could cause a bigger fire. Be sure to put a lid on your dumpster and lock it if at all possible.
• Line dumpster with fire resistant materials
• Avoid dumping fuel or other flammable chemicals, including items that have come into contact with those hazardous substances
• Do not smoke or use open flames near a dumpster, even if you don’t believe that there are hazardous materials inside.
• Educate yourself and your workers about the possibility of spontaneous combustion of vegetation and be very cautious when dumping compost or landscaping materials
• Discard dumpster contents regularly
• Always have fire extinguishers on site and make sure all workers know the location and operation procedures for those fire extinguishers
• Have a clear emergency plan in place in case anything happens..
• Keep a fire extinguisher near the dumpsite
• Call the fire department immediately if a fire breaks out. Do not try to fight the fire without professional assistance.

Get A Dumpster Quote Today

Dumpsters are an effective way to get rid of unwanted debris safely and efficiently as long as all workers are family with safe waste disposal guidelines. Contact Koskovich And Murphy today to get a free quote for dumpster rental in the Midwest.