When hiring a skip, safety should always be a top priority. While skips provide a practical solution for waste disposal, improper use can lead to accidents or even serious injuries. To help you make the most of your skip hire while staying safe, we’ve compiled additional common sense tips for skip safety. These are practical, straightforward, and easy to implement—ensuring your project runs smoothly without any unnecessary risks.

Choose the Right Skip for the Job

Before your skip even arrives, make sure you’ve selected the appropriate size and type for your needs. Overloading a skip or using the wrong kind of skip for specific waste (like hazardous materials) can lead to safety hazards. If you’re unsure about what size or type of skip to hire, give us a call, and we’ll be happy to guide you.

Position Your Skip Correctly

Where you place your skip plays a big role in safety. Ensure it’s on stable, level ground to prevent tipping, and position it away from doorways, gates, or pathways. Avoid placing skips in high-traffic areas unless absolutely necessary. If your skip is on a public road, don’t forget to check whether you need a permit and ensure it’s fitted with reflective markers for visibility at night.

Load Your Skip Properly

Loading a skip may seem straightforward, but improper loading can cause significant issues:

• Distribute Weight Evenly: Avoid piling waste on one side of the skip, as this can cause it to tilt or become unstable.
• Avoid Overfilling: Do not load waste above the top edge of the skip. Overfilled skips are not only dangerous but also illegal to transport. Materials sticking out could fall off and cause accidents.
• Secure Loose Items: If you’re disposing of lightweight materials like cardboard or plastic, secure them to prevent them from being blown away by the wind.

Keep Children and Pets Away

Children and pets may be curious about the skip, but they should never be allowed to play near or inside it. Sharp objects, heavy materials, and unstable surfaces can pose serious risks. Consider fencing off the area around your skip if you’re working on a long-term project to keep them safe.

Be Mindful of Hazardous Materials

Skips are great for general waste, but some items should never be disposed of in a skip. These include:

• Asbestos
• Paints and solvents
• Batteries
• Electrical items
• Fluorescent bulbs

Handling these materials incorrectly can be dangerous and often requires specialist disposal services. If in doubt, contact us for advice on how to dispose of hazardous waste safely.

Wear Proper Safety Gear

If you’re doing heavy lifting or handling sharp or bulky objects, always wear appropriate safety gear. Sturdy gloves, steel-toe boots, and protective eyewear can prevent injuries when loading your skip.

Avoid Fire Hazards

Never dispose of flammable items like gas canisters or fuels in a skip. Fires can start unexpectedly, especially if the skip is placed in direct sunlight or near a heat source. If you’re burning waste separately, keep the fire well away from the skip.

Beware of Pests

Skips can attract pests such as rodents and birds if waste is left exposed for too long. Cover your skip with a tarpaulin or a skip cover when it’s not in use to minimise this risk.

Plan for Skip Collection

When your skip is ready for collection, ensure the area around it is clear of obstructions. Avoid parking vehicles or storing equipment nearby, as this can delay collection and create potential hazards for the driver.

Use a Reputable Skip Hire Company

Finally, always hire your skip from a reputable provider. A professional skip hire company will ensure the skip is delivered and collected safely, provide the necessary permits, and offer advice on safe use. Cheap Skip Hire Prices is committed to helping our customers stay safe and compliant with all regulations.

Need a Skip? Contact Us Today!

Whether you’re tackling a home renovation or a garden clearance, safety should never be an afterthought. For reliable skip hire and expert advice, get in touch with us today at 01442 229 029, or Book Online. Let us help you make your project hassle-free and safe!