5 Tips For Using Debris Chutes To Deliver Construction Waste Directly To Dumpsters
Posted on: 29 August 2016
Running a safe construction site means setting a strict protocol for handling waste and materials waiting to be used. Eliminating trip hazards and preventing falling waste can greatly reduce workplace injuries and keep your work going smoothly with fewer interruptions. Rent and use a set of debris chutes to create a direct tunnel to your dumpsters downstairs using these five tips to avoid common mistakes.
Prevent Collapses
Even the lightest debris chute can weigh hundreds or thousands of pounds when it's full of construction waste due to a blockage causing a serious back-up. Giving the chute as much support as possible prevents dangerous collapses that put your workers at risk and make a real mess of the job site. If your chute runs longer than one or two stories, make sure it's independently anchored to the building at every floor level. This ensures there's plenty of support when the weight suddenly increases due to a load of lumber or bricks. Whenever possible, mount the chute directly over the dumpster instead of at an angle so that the dumpster catches the falling debris in case of a collapse.
Plan for Installation
Don't forget to plan for the challenge of installing a large plastic chute that runs dozen of feet down the side of your structure. Short chutes can be pulled into place by hand or with simple block and tackle systems, but you'll need a more powerful winch to lift larger chutes used to cover three or more floors at a time. Asking your employees to try to install large chutes by hand could leave you paying for worker's compensation claims after a series of injuries occur.
Learn the OSHA Requirements
While debris chutes for construction sites are considered a safer alternative than throwing or carrying construction waste to a dumpster by hand, there are still specific requirements set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration regarding their use. Some of these requirements include:
- The temporary installation of sturdy guardrails at least 42 inches high around the openings for accessing debris chutes
- The establishment of a no-access zone around the dumpster to prevent falling trash from hurting anyone at the ground level
- The use of an entirely enclosed chute rather than an open one that could let debris fall.
Of course, the specific requirements depend on the size of the structure, the type of chute you're using, and the dumpster which is supposed to receive all of the falling waste. Check with a local safety manager to make sure you're not violating any rules by using debris chutes.
Balance Weight and Durability
When you're running a busy construction crew, you need to invest in accessories that last for multiple jobs to cut down on time and money spent re-supplying. However, the most durable metal debris chutes are so heavy that they're difficult to install and require an expensive secondary scaffolding system for support. Finding a balance between strength and weight usually means choosing a corrugated plastic chute. These chutes often lock together so they're easier to disassemble and pack away in smaller sections, but the corrugation adds strength to handle heavy loads. Thinner flexible plastic chutes are also available with an even lighter weight, but they're designed to be disposable and won't safely last longer than one project.
Seal the Seams
Finally, consider equipment to reinforce the seams when you're using chutes that are assembled from sections. Even the tightest locking chute sections can still benefit from clamps, adhesives, and similar accessories used to prevent an unexpected slip or crack. Weak seams let dust spread through the construction site and increase the likelihood of waste ending up blocked in the chute.
For more information, visit a site like http://www.tcmdumpsters.com.
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