Safety should always be a top priority when working in a warehouse or any other industrial setting. In these environments, there are large vehicles in use, heavy items, and potentially dangerous machinery. Even a momentary lapse in judgment or concentration can have very serious consequences. With that said, using a baler can make life significantly easier when bundling loose materials, but there are potential risks at play here if you or your employees are not careful. Use these baling machine safety tips to keep your staff informed.
Proper Working Order
This is critical. Everything about the baler needs to be working properly if it is to be used safely. If any parts of the machine are not working correctly, those issues need to be addressed right away before the machine is put back in action. Trying to work around malfunctioning parts can lead to a dangerous situation.
Comprehensive Training
Everyone who is going to use the baler should be fully trained on the right way to use this piece of equipment. For those who have used a baler for many years, it might seem like an easy enough job that doesn’t require much training. However, that’s not the case for someone who is just getting started. Sending a new employee out to use the baler without training is just asking for trouble.
Ongoing Maintenance
In addition to making sure everything is working properly each day, it’s also important to keep up with the suggested preventative maintenance for your machine. This is not only a good safety step, but it should also help you get a great return on the investment you have made in the baler.
Be Smart with Jams
Anyone who has used a baler knows that it’s possible for the machine to jam from time to time. Those jams will have to be addressed, of course, but that doesn’t mean you should toss safety out the window. In the event of a jam, the operator of your baler should be trained to power it down and take the key out of the ignition to prevent other users from mistakenly starting it up again. In addition, newer balers made within the past 5-10 years are often equipped with jam sensors that will shut down the baler to help with safety and prevent further damage. Without any power running to the machine, you won’t have to worry about it springing back to life at the wrong time.
Appropriate Safety Equipment
Out of all of the baling machine safety tips, this last one applies to any kind of physical labor. When working with a baler, it’s important to wear all of the right safety equipment to keep yourself safe. Fortunately, the same gear that is going to help you avoid injury when using a baler is going to be functional for many other tasks. Work gloves and eye protection are a great place to start. In addition, wearing a hard hat is smart, as is wearing a quality pair of steel-toed boots or shoes.
Shop Vulcan Wire Today!
At Vulcan Wire, we are proud to offer a selection of quality products to make your baling work as quick as easy as possible. Whether you need baling wire, baling tools, or anything else related to this type of work, we are here to serve you. Shop now!
