SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT
KEEPING CONTAINERS AND THE COMMUNITY SAFE
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mma Elston MBE, co-founder of the UK’s leading container repair and refurbishment company, UK Container Maintenance, discusses the importance of keeping containers safe, not just for the waste industry but also for communities. Located up and down the country in secure or open locations, containers come in all shapes and sizes, and are filled with an array of household and commercial waste. Health and safety precautions are set in place to ensure no harm comes to anyone or anything should they be using them, however, a report last year referenced that a high number of rough sleepers are regularly found inside containers as they take shelter from the weather or for safety, however, as we have heard this can lead to fatal consequences should an operator fail to check the contents.
When new, or refurbished, containers are required in the public sector, it is important that they are fit for purpose and incorporate the following safety precautions so that they don’t cause any damage or injury. Container lids which don’t require domestic access need to have secure locks in place to tackle this nationwide issue. A popular option is the ‘new forest lock’ which uses a padlock to prevent unauthorised entry. New forest locks are cost effective and straightforward to fit, and by using these it also means operators will have to get out of the vehicle to take off the lock and visually check that there is no one inside the container.
Used with a combination padlock, new forest locks mean there are no fiddly keys required. They are also compatible with any container manufacturer and a wide variety of lids, there is no need for adjustment shims or plates and for extra security, a double version new forest lock can also be used. One particular design we favour at
UKCM is Press2Lock, the easy-to-operate lock aids drivers and waste vehicle operators and it is certainly an innovative addition to the lock market. It has been cleverly created not to lock unintentionally when the lid shuts by mistake, reducing the risk of people or animals getting trapped and prevents the cross contamination of recyclables. Press2Lock also incorporates an instruction plate that glows in the dark to help users at night. There is a vast array of locks on the market and it can be confusing to know which to choose, I personally feel that gravity locks should be avoided as these can be quite easily prised open and if someone was to climb in, it can slam shut and lock the person in. Another worthwhile consideration for lids is a ‘Lid in Lid’ option, which is ideal for ensuring large items are not being incorrectly disposed of due to the small aperture of the second lid - this is very suitable for areas where it common for rough sleepers to take shelter. Containers should also be secure when put in place in public areas, many manufacturers fit locks as standard in a bid to keep them located in the designated place. Foot operated locks are a great, cost-effective way to prevent containers
24 PSS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015
being moved unnecessarily. Easy to install and operated by foot, the locks allow operatives to simply manoeuvre the unit to the waste vehicle, speeding up the disposal process. Central locking castors are also ideal as a diamond key is needed to release the brakes therefore it can only be handled by the person responsible for the discarding of the rubbish. There is also the option to install locking posts and brackets to the rear of containers, as well as locking frames which can be used to completely secure the container but this can be quite costly and delay the collection processes. By keeping containers in place, it ensures that they’re less likely to be stolen or relocated elsewhere which can not only be expensive for authorities to replace but also estates can suffer from the lack of disposal facilities and refuse can quickly build up.
I believe it is important to work closely
with HSE WISH (Waste Industry Safety Health) guidelines to address issues and safe practice regarding matters such as operation and maintenance. I feel it’s necessary to reiterate the importance of locked containers when not in use and that signage relating to the safety risks are clearly visible for both staff and the public on the bins and in the immediate area.
Just because your waste containers are often stored in backstreets and yards for most of the week, doesn’t mean that they are not accessible to anyone.
There have been many scare-stories over the years, and sadly a number of accidents, involving containers left unlocked or damaged. Regardless of the fact that children should not be playing near bins, companies are often powerless to prevent this when bins are stored outside the business. Therefore proper maintenance of your containers is essential to ensure both the public’s safety and that you are not liable.
For more information on UK Container Maintenance, visit:
www.ukcontainers.co.uk
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