Posted By Adrian Clifton Hello all. I am looking for a bit of help and advice with regard to injuries to operatives who are being struck by wheelie bins. The problem is that the bins are coming loose from the lifting mechanism during the emptying process. I am considering the physical condition of the bins, the weight, equipment failure, operative failure and environmental factors. Has anyone else had this problem? Is there something else I shoud be considering? I would welcome your views and comments. Thanks in anticipation. Adrian.

Posted By Renny Thomson Adrian, we've had problems in the past with this. You've identified the main factors already. Bin loads shouldn't be a problem if the lifting equipment is set up correctly as they will not lift if overload. Wear can occur to the lifting combs and clamps, springs on the clamps weaken and bins wear. It is worth investigating the incidents to identify if it is a particular make of bin lift that causes most problems. It may be worth checking what training the people that maintain the vehicles have received. The bin lift manufactureres/suppliers are usually willing to provide training to the maintenance teams on how to look after the kit. Operatives must stand to the side of the loading arms so that if the bin is ejected, it is less likely to hit them (and instead hit any car behind the RCV). When the bin lift is set to automatic cycle it is very tempting for them to stand immediately behind the lifting mechanism, directly in the firing line. However, the underlying problem is the bins being ejected from the lifting mechanism and this is where you should concentrate your efforts.

Posted By Ron Hunter Don't forget the human factors too. Many RCV squads are still on incentive schemes. Rushing to get the job done can lead to inattention and cutting corners. Most of our recent accidents have been down to these factors as opposed to any mechanical failures.

Posted By Frank Hallett Hi Adrian You mention that you're including consideration of the bins themselves. We all "know" that they're fairly robust, but they do degrade and revisiting the need for all operatives to undertake refresher [reminder/continuation] traing on assessing the condition of the bin would be a fundamental aspect of addresseing the problem. For instance, in a local [to me] LA area, a bin was alleged to have fallen from the hooks during lifting and a huge amount of effort was put into examining the lorry and associated equipment - it was only much later that the bin involved was retrieved [yes - it was still allowed in use!] and relevant damage to the handle/lifting point was identified. This now raises interesting questions about the various duties and liabilities that arise from thie collection of waste in the standard issue bin. The householder asserts that the bin was not damaged prior to the waste collection and as it was in the public area it can't be their problem even if it was damaged; the waste operatives quite naturally aver that the damage must have been present but was outside their training to recognise or that it occurred as the result of the bin being ejected by the lifting mechanism!! This looks set to run & run and the outcomes will probably have little real relationship to the original problem. I'm sure that any responses will be read with interest. Frank Hallett

Posted By Adrian Clifton Many thanks to all who have responded. I appreciate all of your views and comments. I will probably end up going out with the collectors to see how they operate and see the problems they face. Adrian

Posted By Rob Yuill With age, "Plastic" containers can suffer stress fractures around the comb, this is usually seen at the corners and can result in further damage. The practice of shaking containers to remove the last drop of waste does impose additional strain on the comb and should be avoided. Some lifters are more container friendly than others. Points to look for include the speed of the lift, method of clamping to the comb and accuracy of manufacture. In addition, poor / lack of maintenance can exacabate any of the above issues. In particular the lid opening mechanism (for roll-top containers), if incorectly adjusted or damaged can and will cause a bin to become unstable and likely to be ejected. Plastic containers (SULO) used to be cleared for a maximum gross weight of 450 kg, and the lifts were easily capable of lifting such a weight, although this raised manual handling concerns IF they can be moved! Not all containers are born the same, although they should be compatable with common lifters some may be more compatable than others! See if failure patterns point to one particular type. The container lifts should be subject to thorough examination under LOLER, it may be worthwhile to check such records to see if any pattern of faults come to light. From the ACOP 29 LOLER also applies to a range of other lifting equipment which present risks which are similar to those associated with the 'traditional' equipment listed above. Some non-exhaustive examples of the types of equipment and operations that will now be covered include: (g) a refuse vehicle loading arm used for tipping; It may be worthwhile to consult with some crews for their opinion, and to observe (from a distance) the actual work practices of the crew - pick the ones that are always back in the yard first! and the best of luck