Health and safety

Proper health and safety measures are critical in material recovery, processing, and recycling to protect workers and maintain efficiency.

Hazards and Risks

Material Recycling

• Material spillage (overheating) – Can cause burns or fires.
• Limb loss – From unhooked or heavy moulds.
• Burns – From hot metal parts.
• Repetitive strain injury – From machine operation.
• Hearing/eye damage – From machinery noise and flying particles.

Safety Protocols

• All personnel and visitors in the MRF must wear shoes (as many in island communities walk barefoot).
• Non-extruding personnel are not allowed in the processing facility during extrusion hours.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Material Recycling

• Gloves
• Overalls
• Safety glasses
• Safety boots
• Noise-cancelling headphones
• Fume masks (FPP3)

Training Requirements

All personnel must receive training in:

• Machinery handling
• Basic fire safety
• First aid
• General health and safety

Housekeeping Schedule

Quarterly to Annual Tasks

Material Recovery & Processing: 

• Replace worn-out machinery blades.
• Paint machines to prevent rust.
• Change gear oil and worn-out parts.

Material Recycling: 

• Clean washing filters and deep-clean the site.
• Paint machines to prevent rust.
• Change gear oil and worn-out parts.

Following these safety and maintenance guidelines helps prevent accidents, improve efficiency, and extend the life of equipment.

Additional safety measures

Strict standard procedures are followed to maintain health and safety across all operations. Key areas of focus include:

• Personal protective equipment (PPE): All workers must wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves, masks, and protective clothing.
• Training: Regular health and safety training ensures workers understand how to handle materials and machinery safely, reducing risks.
• Housekeeping: Keeping work areas clean and organised helps prevent accidents and improves efficiency.
• Shared responsibility: Health and safety is everyone’s responsibility. All workers must follow procedures, look out for hazards, and report concerns.
• Reporting near misses: Honest communication about near misses helps prevent future accidents by identifying risks before they lead to injuries.
• Keeping records: A log of near misses and accidents should be maintained, including details of what actions were taken to prevent recurrence.
• Fire equipment inventory checks: Regularly inspecting fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment to ensure they are in working order.
• Random fire drills and alarm training: Conducting unannounced fire drills to test evacuation procedures, monitor response times, and improve emergency preparedness.
• Water treatment: Ensuring safe and clean water supply for staff use, reducing health risks.
• Signage: Placing clear safety signs around the site and near machinery to warn of hazards and guide safe behaviour.