Safety First: Best Practices for Operating Tipping Skips

When operating tipping skips with a forklift, prioritising safety isn’t just about best practice - it’s essential. Each year, improper use of material handling equipment leads to workplace accidents, some of which are fatal. However, with knowledge and precautions you can prevent these accidents from occuring. 

Here we plan to guide you through the best practices for operating tipping skips with safety tips and procedures to follow. 

No matter what industry you’re in, understanding how to safely and efficiently tip skips can transform a hazardous task into a routine, safe, and efficient process. 

What are tipping skips? 

Tipping skips are specialised containers designed for attachment to forklifts, allowing for the efficient transport and disposal of materials. These skips are uniquely engineered to be filled, moved, and then tipped to unload their contents safely and quickly, making them invaluable tools in various operational contexts.

There are several types of tipping skips, each suited to different needs and environments:

• Standard Tipping Skips: These are the most common type and are ideal for general waste and materials. They usually feature a simple mechanism that allows the skip to tip forward and empty its load.
• Auto-Release Tipping Skips: Equipped with an automatic tipping mechanism, these skips allow the operator to empty the skip without leaving the driver’s seat, enhancing safety and efficiency.
• Heavy-Duty Tipping Skips: Designed for more rigorous use, such as in construction or heavy industrial settings, these skips are built with stronger materials to handle tougher loads.
• Recycling Skips: These are often color-coded or labelled to facilitate effective waste segregation and are used in industries focused on environmental management.

Common uses of tipping tips

Tipping skips are most commonly found in settings where managing waste and transporting materials are frequent tasks. The flexibility and utility of tipping skips make them essential in a variety of industries:

• Construction: On construction sites, tipping skips are used to manage and dispose of building waste materials such as rubble, sand, and other debris efficiently. Their robust design allows them to handle the rough and varied nature of construction waste.
• Manufacturing: In manufacturing facilities, these skips are crucial for handling scrap materials and waste products produced during the manufacturing process. They help keep production areas clear and safe.
• Warehousing and Logistics: Tipping skips facilitate the handling of bulk materials that need to be moved around large warehouses or distribution centres, including waste generated from packaging materials.
• Agriculture: Used for handling organic materials such as feed or manure, tipping skips in agricultural settings help streamline daily tasks and maintain hygiene in farm operations.

Pre-operation Safety Checks

Before operating a tipping skip, it's crucial to perform several safety checks:

1. Inspect the Tipping Skip for Damage or Wear: Regular visual inspections should be conducted to ensure there is no damage or excessive wear, particularly on the locking device that secures the skip to the forklift and on the guide profiles that facilitate its tipping. Any damage could compromise the skip's stability and safety.
2. Check the Load Capacity: Overloading the tipping skip is a common mistake. To prevent overloading, always adhere to the Safe Working Load (SWL) clearly marked on the skip.
3. Verify Forklift Capacity: Ensure that the forklift has adequate capacity to handle both the weight of the skip and its contents. Overloading the forklift can affect its stability and operational safety.
4. Assess Suitability for the Working Environment: The specific environment where the tipping skip is used may require certain types of skips, such as those made of stainless steel with ATEX certification for explosive environments or heavier-duty skips for construction sites to withstand rougher handling.
5. Legal Compliance: Forklift attachments, including tipping skips, must undergo an annual Thorough Examination to ensure they meet safety standards. Failure to perform this inspection can lead to prosecution, invalidate insurance, or worse, result in accidents due to faulty equipment.

Safe Operating Procedures 

Loading the skip 

When loading a tipping skip, safety and efficiency are paramount. Here are some guidelines to ensure proper loading: 

Even weight distribution - Always distribute the weight evenly across the base of the skip. If the weight is uneven it can result in skip tipping unexpectedly or stop you from dumping the contents safely. 

Do not overload - Adhere to the skip’s weight limit; you’ll usually find this on the skip. Overloading can compromise the stability of both the forklift and the skip. 

Secure the load - If the materials are prone to shifting, use straps or covers to secure them. This will help prevent spillage during transport and make dumping safer and more controlled.

Transporting the load 

Transporting a loaded tipping skip requires careful handling to maintain safety and balance:

Adhere to Speed Limits - Always move at a safe speed that allows you to react quickly if the load shifts. High speeds increase the risk of tipping.

Plan Your Path - Before moving the skip, plan your route. Avoid areas with uneven ground, obstacles, or steep inclines. Clear the path of any debris or obstructions that could impede safe transport.

Avoid Sudden Movements - Make smooth, gradual movements with the forklift. Sudden stops, starts, or turns can destabilise the load, increasing the risk of accidents.

Dumping procedures

Properly dumping the contents of a tipping skip is crucial for safety:

Position the Skip Correctly - Before attempting to dump the skip, ensure it is on stable, even ground. The area should be clear of personnel and obstacles.

Check the Area -  Ensure that the area into which the contents will be dumped is secure. This includes checking for overhangs, utility lines, or other hazards.

Use the Correct Method to Release -  Engage the tipping mechanism according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For manual release skips, ensure you are at a safe distance when activating the release mechanism.

Control the Dumping Speed - Allow the contents to dump slowly to prevent the skip from bouncing or moving unexpectedly. If the skip has a hydraulic mechanism, control the descent to maintain stability.

Ensure Complete Emptying - Once the contents have been dumped, visually inspect the skip to ensure it is completely empty before lowering it back to a stable position.

Maintenance Tips

Regular Maintenance Schedule

Maintaining a regular maintenance schedule for tipping skips is essential for ensuring safety, efficiency, and long-term functionality. Regular checks can prevent major issues, ensure compliance with safety standards, and keep the equipment reliable and efficient. Suggested routines might include daily inspections, weekly tests, and detailed monthly and annual reviews by certified professionals.

Specific Maintenance Practices

To keep tipping skips in optimal condition, focus on these key maintenance tasks:

• Lubricate Moving Parts: Regularly apply appropriate grease or oil to reduce wear and ensure smooth operation.
• Check for Hydraulic Leaks: Routinely inspect hydraulic systems for leaks, which can impact performance and safety.
• Replace Worn Components: Regularly check and replace parts like safety latches, cables, and springs that show signs of wear.
• Inspect Load Bearing Structures: Examine the skip’s body and fork pockets for structural damage or weakness.
• Prevent Rust and Corrosion: Address any rust spots immediately and apply protective coatings as needed to combat corrosion.

Training and Compliance 

Operator Training

Effective operator training is crucial for the safe and efficient use of tipping skips. Training should cover loading, unloading, maintenance, and emergency procedures to minimise errors and accidents. Depending on industry or regional requirements, operators may also need certifications. Continuous refresher courses are recommended to keep skills up-to-date and adapt to new equipment or regulations.

Legal Compliance

Compliance with legal standards is essential when using tipping skips professionally. This includes annual inspections, similar to vehicle MOTs, to ensure safety compliance. Operators must be aware of industry-specific safety regulations and maintain thorough records of maintenance, inspections, and training. Proper documentation supports compliance during audits and after incidents, helping avoid legal issues and ensuring workplace safety.

The safe and effective operation of tipping skips is not just about adhering to guidelines; it's about ensuring the safety and responsibility of employees. By putting time and money into training and maintenance you can enhance operational efficiency and safeguard your workforce. The practices outlined here serve as a blueprint for not only minimising risk but also optimising performance. Let’s make safety a priority, not just in policy but in practice.