Tag: Preventing Dumpster Fires

What to Know About Dumpster and Trash Fires

What to Know About Dumpster and Trash Fires
What to Know About Dumpster and Trash Fires

According to the National Fire Protection Association, dumpsters and trash rooms are among the primary sites of reported fires. Use these tips for preventing dumpster fires to reduce risk of loss and injury in your workplace.

Keep Hazardous Waste out of Dumpsters

Dumpsters are not a catch-all for any type of waste. Gasoline, oil and other flammable liquids don’t belong in the trash room. This rule also applies to sealed or empty containers and items such as rags that are saturated in chemicals.

Not all hazardous waste is liquid. The Environmental Protection Agency cites ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity and toxicity as the primary characteristics that define hazardous waste. Their website includes detailed information regarding identification and disposal.

Watch for Signs of Spontaneous Combustion

Fires don’t always require an accelerant. Organic waste generates heat as it decomposes, which can result in temperatures sufficient to cause combustion.

Many locales have regulations governing disposal of grass clippings, compost and other dead plant matter. Check with your local community to make sure you’re in compliance.

Always Secure Dumpsters

Unfortunately, dumpsters often attract vandals who cause destruction simply for its own sake. If it’s not possible to store the dumpster in a fenced, locked area, be sure to lock down the dumpster lid.

WasteCaddy: “Like Having Another Employee on Staff”

Fires are only one of the reasons why trash rooms are the most dangerous spot in a workplace. Our popular WasteCaddy reduces injury risk factors such as pushing heavy dumpsters or pinching fingers in the lid.

Visit our website to learn more about the WasteCaddy and other battery-powered tugs, pushers and movers from DJ Products.

How to Prevent Trash Fires in Your Warehouse Dumpster

Prevent Dumpster Fires
Prevent Dumpster Fires

Although not common, trash fires in your warehouse dumpster should always be a concern. Greasy oily rags under the right conditions, can spontaneously combust. A cigarette or cigar butt thrown in, can light paper trash or cardboard refuse on fire. Even such things as a spark from welding or grinding, whether it comes from building or routine maintenance, has the potential to start a fire in your warehouse dumpster.

Of course, prevention is the best way to limit fires in any dumpster. Signs can be posted to make employees aware of only putting non-flammables inside. A sturdy metal cover will not allow random sparks to get in, and if it is tight enough, it may even inhibit spontaneous combustion. To that end, oily rags should have their own container, and receptacles for smokers should be well marked and available.

Safety First

Another safety consideration is the use of dumpster tows. If there is a fire, a dumpster tow can be quickly hooked onto the dumpster, and it can then be moved quickly outside, and out of harms, way by only one person instead of the three or four that are normally required.

In every case, dumpster fire prevention should always be a priority. But if there ever is a dumpster fire, a dumpster tow will get that dumpster out and away from the warehouse, minimizing both damage to the property and  safety concerns for your employees. Safety should always come first.

For more information about dumpster tows and how they may work for you, please contact DJ Products. We have the easiest and safest moving solutions, for any industrial need.