Skip Bin Hire Safety: Tips on How to Avoid Skip Bin Fires

Posted on

Waste management can be a stressful task, especially if you generate a lot of waste. Whether you are undertaking a renovation or construction project, moving, or cleaning up your home or business, skip bin hire can be an efficient, cost-effective, and stress-free way to deal with waste. Proper handling of skip bins during the hire period is essential for your safety. One of the biggest hazards associated with skip bins is the occurrence of skip fires. Skip fires are a nuisance and can lead to the destruction of property. Here is a guideline on some precautionary measures that you can take to prevent their occurrence.

Never start a skip fire

Burning waste inside metal skip bins can be tempting for most people. Since skip hire services charge users based on the amount of waste generated, you might be tempted to burn waste so as to increase the amount that you can fit in one bin and reduce costs. While this may seem like a cost-saving idea, it has the following effects.

  • If your skip bin is placed near a tarmac road or driveway, the heat can melt the material on the surface and end up costing you for repairs.
  • Skip fires can destroy the interior of the skip bin, and since it is rented, you will be forced to pay for the damages or purchase a new one.
  • Some materials release toxic carbon monoxide gases when burnt, and this is harmful to the environment.
  • Hiring a skip bin in the ideal size depending on the amount of waste generated can ensure that you don't incur more for waste that doesn't fit in your bin.

Don't dispose of flammable materials

Highly flammable materials should not be disposed of in skip bins, as this increases the chances of a fire. Such materials include aerosols, canisters, gas cylinders, and containers with a flammable liquid such as paint tins and car batteries. Also, avoid disposing of lit cigarettes in bins, as they can ignite dry materials and start a fire.

Choose an ideal bin location

If you place your skip bin along the road in your home or business, it is impossible to control the type of waste that passersby throw into it. Also, some can accidentally or intentionally start a fire by throwing in ignited materials. To avoid such circumstances, always place the bin within your property or premises where strangers cannot access them. This not only prevents occurrences of fire, but it can also save you from having your bin filled by waste disposed of by strangers.

You can avoid the likelihood of skip fires by ensuring that the bin is collected when full. In the event of a skip fire, use a fire extinguisher to put it out. Don't try to move the skip bin as it can topple over and spread the fire to your property.


Share