When it comes to waste management, commercial companies handle it on a daily basis. They have the experience and systems in place to manage waste effectively. However, for domestic customers, dealing with waste management may only happen once or twice in their lives. This can lead to confusion and uncertainty when hiring a skip. To help you navigate this process safely and efficiently, we’ve compiled some common sense skip hire safety tips that everyone should bear in mind.
Choosing the Right Location for Your Skip
Before your skip is delivered, one of the first things to consider is where it will be located. The placement of your skip is crucial for both safety and convenience.
Flat and Stable Surface
Ensure that the skip is placed on a flat and stable surface. This not only makes it easier to load rubbish into the skip but also ensures that it can be collected without issues later on. Uneven ground can lead to accidents or damage during loading or collection.
Free of Obstructions
The area around the skip should be free from obstructions such as trees, fences, or parked vehicles. A clear space allows you to load items more easily and reduces the risk of accidents during the loading process.
Public Safety Considerations
If you plan to place your skip on a public road, there are additional considerations you must keep in mind.
Notify Your Skip Hire Company
It’s essential to inform your skip hire company if your skip will be located on a public road. In many cases, they may need to send safety equipment such as cones or barriers and arrange for a permit from local authorities. This ensures that both pedestrians and motorists are safe while you’re using the skip.
Delivery Day – Communicating with Your Driver
On the day of delivery, clear communication with your driver is key.
Designate an Exact Spot
When your driver arrives, clearly indicate where you would like the skip placed. Make sure that this area is unobstructed by people, pets, or children. A safe environment during delivery helps prevent accidents and ensures that everything goes smoothly.
Loading Your Skip Responsibly
Once your skip is delivered, it’s time to start loading it up! Here are some tips for doing so safely:
Load Heavier Items First
When filling up your skip, try to load bigger and heavier items first before placing lighter items on top. This method not only maximises space but also helps maintain stability within the skip.
Efficient Use of Space
Materials like soil can naturally fill in gaps between larger items; therefore, it’s often best to load soil towards the end of your loading process. By doing this efficiently, you’ll make better use of available space while ensuring that everything fits securely within the confines of the skip.
Avoiding Overfilling Your Skip
One common mistake many people make when hiring a skip is overfilling it.
The Dangers of Overfilling
Overfilling a skip can be dangerous—not only does it create hazards during transport but it’s also against legal regulations for waste disposal companies. The contents should never exceed the top edges of the sides of the skip; otherwise, we cannot legally move it due to safety concerns.
When in Doubt – Order a Bigger Skip
If you’re unsure whether you’ll have enough space in one skip for all your rubbish, it’s better to err on the side of caution by ordering a larger size from the outset. Alternatively, if you’ve filled one up but still have more waste left over, consider having that first one collected before starting fresh with another.
Handling Hazardous Waste Properly
Another critical aspect of responsible waste disposal involves understanding what constitutes hazardous waste—and how not to dispose of it improperly!
Know What Hazardous Waste Is
Hazardous materials include substances like asbestos which require specialist handling due their potential health risks; other items such as batteries or fridges must also be taken directly to recycling centres rather than being thrown into skips indiscriminately.
Follow Guidelines
Always follow local guidelines regarding hazardous waste disposal—this ensures not just compliance with laws but also protects both yourself and others from potential harm associated with improper disposal practices!
While commercial companies manage waste daily with expertise honed over years in business, domestic customers often find themselves navigating this unfamiliar territory just once or twice throughout their lives. By following these common sense skip hire safety tips—ranging from selecting an appropriate location for delivery through responsible loading practices—you can ensure that your experience goes smoothly while prioritising safety at every step along way! Whether you’re decluttering after years’ worth accumulation or tackling renovations around home—remember: being informed makes all difference when managing waste responsibly!
Martlands Skip Hire
To order your skip, just call the friendly Martlands Skip Hire office for a quote that is tailored to your needs. We’ll be pleased to help!
Burscough Skip Hire 01704 779345
Southport Skip Hire 01704 779345
Parbold Skip Hire 01942 417456
Bamber Bridge Skip Hire 01772 364 399
Chorley Skip Hire 01257 752399
Leyland Skip Hire 01772 364399
