How To Keep Employees Safe – Baling Presses In Recycling Applications Pt. 2

As discussed in the part 1, EN 16252 – Machines for compacting waste materials or recyclable fractions – Horizontal baling presses – Safety requirements & EN 16500 – Machines for compacting waste materials or recyclable fractions – Vertical baling presses – Safety requirements are relevant standards for any manufacturers or owners of recycling equipment. This document aims to highlight the safeguarding sections that offer practical advice to any engineer designing or commissioning equipment.

The main risks to employee safety revolve around reaching into and accessing the baling or compacting chamber to clear out material or blockages. With the applications of vertical baling equipment being focused around smaller scale applications, the experience and training level of operators tends to be more varied. This would appear to have been in the conscious of the safety experts contributing to the standard during the development process as focus on certain safeguards appear. When operating the baling press, sensitive protective equipment or two hand control devices are listed as safeguarding methods.