Dumpster Safety

Whether you’re using a dumpster for residential or commercial use, there may be all kinds of waste discarded inside. Materials including scrap metals, plastic, wood, yard waste, appliances, and many others may be found in the depths of a dumpster. Without following a few simple safety procedures, you may be exposing yourself to electrical, chemical or other hazards. We’ve laid out some standards to ensure your safety while using a dumpster.

Safety Basics:

• Don’t over-fill waste containers. Only fill to the top.
• Never dump chemicals, hazardous materials, or biomedical waste in dumpsters.
• Don’t smoke around dumpsters. There may be flammable or hazardous materials inside that you cannot see.
• Keep a fire extinguisher near the dumpster. If a fire starts, do not try to fight it yourself. Call the fire department immediately.
• Keep the area around dumpster clear of any additional waste, snow, or ice to prevent falling
• Notify your supervisor if you see signs of animals in a dumpster.
• Load the dumpster evenly. Distribute waste in the front and back to ensure safety when the dumpster is picked up and transported.

Protect yourself:

• Always wear gloves and protective eyewear when placing waste into dumpsters. You never know what you may come in contact with.
• If objects are heavy, ask for assistance.
• Avoid lifting waste overhead, and throwing trash as this can cause shoulder injury. Instead, open the dumpster door on the side or use a platform.
• Use two hands when flipping open dumpster lids. Be careful of pinch points and where you place your hands.
• Never stand on top of, or jump into a dumpster. It is also not recommended to ever stick your hand/arm into a dumpster to grab anything.
• Stay clear of dumpsters that are being lifted and emptied.

Contact Daniel J. Clifford & Son Dumpster Service

Clifford Containers is dedicated to providing you with quality container rentals and pickup services. Safety is a top priority for us and we hope you found these tips helpful. To learn more please contact us by filling out our contact form or by giving us a call at 800-440-4500.