Top Safety Tips When Hiring a Skip


Whether you’re renovating, recycling, or decluttering, you can’t beat a skip bin. However, like anything, there are safety hazards that a few simple tips will help you avoid.

Stack Your Skip Bin Sensibly
Instead of piling everything on top of everything else, give some consideration for what’s at the bottom of your skip bin. The best approach is to treat your skip bin like a shopping bag. Place the heaviest debris at the bottom, spread it as evenly as possible, and then place other items on top. This will stop debris suddenly moving and will also mean you can fit more in it.

Don’t Overfill

One of the most common hazards with skip bins comes from overfilling. As much as you may think more is more, the fill line is marked on the bin for good reason. Problems occur when the bin is moved and precariously stacked items slide off the top of the bin, causing injury. Stick to the fill line and everything will go much smoother.

Avoid Hazardous Waste
If you’re disposing of hazardous chemicals or looking at removing an asbestos roof, it may be best to call the professionals. Even common items such as car batteries, aerosols, and fluids from vehicles can be extremely dangerous in a skip, especially if they ignite. Dispose of these items in the proper manner and leave your skip for ordinary debris.

Don’t Sort Through the Skip
Sorting through your skip bin is a job best left to the company you hired it from. If you are halfway through filling the skip, and you decide you could create some more room, banish the thought and work with what you have. Chances are there will be rusty nails, shards of glass, and all manner of debris that could injure you. Stacking correctly from the outset will help eliminate this problem.

Keep the Kids at Bay
To children a skip bin may look like Aladdin’s cave. To pets it may look like an exciting place to forage. Keep your pets away from your skip, and ensure children stay at a safe distance.

Never Climb in Your Skip Bin
There are times when it may be necessary to climb in the bin but try and minimise these. Debris can subside suddenly and the last thing you want is to be buried underneath it. Similarly, never use your body weight to flatten items.

Pick Your Plot
Decide in advance where your skip bin will be placed. Level ground is a must, as this will stop items from sliding out. It will also allow you to completely fill your bin.

Choose the Right Sized Skip for Your Needs
If you’re doing a big job, don’t pinch the pennies. From small domestic skips to large commercial builder’s skips, you’ll find the right one for you. Be honest about the work you’re undertaking and find a skip to match. This will help you resist the temptation to overfill.

Thanks to Proskips, skip hire experts in Fulham for this article.


4 responses to “Top Safety Tips When Hiring a Skip”

  1. I like how you suggested putting the heavier stuff at the bottom of your skip bin. My husband and I are going to be doing some major renovations in our house, and a skip bin would be a convenient way to dispose of all the debris in one place. I imagine that putting heavier stuff on top could lead to problems, so we’ll make sure to try and keep that towards the bottom instead.

  2. Thanks for pointing out the safety hazard concerns of overfilling a skip bin. I can see how doing this could lead to injury or accident. Most skip bins probably have regulations provided when you hire them, so following those would be your best bet.

  3. I agree, it is best to leave sorting through the skip to the company that you rented the bin from. After all, they probably have an elaborate set up for how they want things sorted once they get the waste back to their facility. It will ultimately save you time and energy to just throw the stuff out and let them pick it up.

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