Top 10 Safety Tips for Balers
OSHA requires “Employers provide a workplace free from serious recognized hazards and comply with standards…”. The standards generally applying to Balers within the US are those written by ANSI. Some of the most common issue our service department finds with balers are:

1. Machine Guarding - OSHA states that “Employers and workers should make sure that the rotating parts and points of operation of machines are properly guarded prior to using them.”  Common Baler Guard corrections needed:
  - Vertical Balers - ANSI Standard -must have working gates that are manually closed (no self lowering). Doors need to have side mount, slow-release mechanisms in good repair.
  - Horizontal balers - Must have guards over top of ram, rear or side access blocked, and moving points around tier components must be guarded. Access doors must be bolted shut or have access interlocks. Hand Feed chutes must be high enough that operators cannot reach shear knives at full arm length.

2. Electrical  -Ensure all electrical panels have Warning Labels, are clear of product, dirt, dust, and debris. Panels must be properly secured shut. Any damaged conduit or wiring must be repaired. Machines must have nearby working disconnects per electrical code with provisions for standard Lock Out/Tag Out equipment.

3. Hydraulics  -Most balers operate under very high hydraulic pressure. Check all hoses for signs of mechanical wear, cracking or bubbling, or weeping through crimps or braiding. These could be signs of future failure. Any damaged lines should be replaced. Ensure all other leaks are repaired.  Many leaks can be fixed with simple O-ring replacements. Check Fluid levels. Clean up any spilled oil.

4. Structural  -Balers operate in tough environments. Steel does fatigue and fail under repeated load & unload stresses. Look carefully for signs of cracks in frames, welds, and particularly cylinder mounts. Many severe structural failures will show indications of stress, cracks, or breaks long before catastrophic failure and they rip apart. Make sure all frame bolts are tight.  Age, improper loading, pressure settings, lack of maintenance, worn liners, or dull shear blades can all contribute to early failure.

5. Training  -OSHA requires Operators be trained on all machines by qualified personnel. Balers are no exception. Documented training is recommended. Always read operators manuals and have them accessible to operators before putting any machine into service.

6. Lock Out Tag Out  -With operator training, make sure all operators are trained, understand, and can use your Lock Out and Tag Out (LOTO) procedures specifically for that machine. Maintenance personnel must also be familiar with these. Documented training is recommended. ***All machines must be LOTO while being repaired or when any defect is found and must be repaired by qualified technicians*** Many severe injuries can been prevented with proper LOTO procedures.

7. Young Operators  -OSHA prohibits operators of baler or compactors who are under 18 years old.

8. Warnings  -Make sure all required warning labels are in place and in good condition. Many older machines, those purchased “used”, or machines that have been re-painted will not have any. Mandatory labels include warnings of pinch points, underage operators, high voltage, automatic operation, etc. Use the manufacturer’s Owners Manual to help identify the location of these warning labels and maximum operating loads.

9. Bale Removal and Storage  -Bales are large and heavy. Operators need to be trained on equipment used in handling and storing bales. Check your warehouse and ensure bales are safely stacked. General rule: height should not exceed 3 times base dimension, although poor bale quality may make all bale stacking unsafe.

10. Please Be Safe  -Walk around the machine and look for safety issues on and around machine including potential fire hazards. Oily dust can be very flamable. If it looks unsafe, it probably is. It is far easier and cheaper to correct issues before someone gets hurt. It is possible the method of machine use, not the machine itself, may need to be corrected. Many older balers were not manufactured to today’s standards, and many of these manufactures are no longer around. There is no “Grandfather Clause” for safety. Machine guarding must be maintained, and it is the responsibility of the owner or operator.

For more detailed information, or an independent evaluation, contact the service department at Recycling Equipment Corporation at 267-218-7200. You may also use the REC online form. or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  to have your baling/compacting equipment regularly inspected for potential failure to reduce workers’ exposure to operational hazards.

For more specifc reuirement information contact:
OSHA site at https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/recycling/recycling_cardboard_baling.html
ANSI site of http://webstore.ansi.org/RecordDetail.aspx?sku=ANSI+Z245.5-2013