Safety First

Safety measures to follow are:

  • use cones and amber flashing marker lights around the skip when it's dark and/ or hard to see because of fog, mist and other conditions
  • fix reflective markers on both ends of the skip
  • avoid placing the skip on the pavement, manhole covers, drains, grates or other utility access points

Make sure:

  • the contents don’t stick out from the sides of the skip: this is dangerous for road users and pedestrians
  • the skip isn’t over-filled and its contents are stable, covered with netting or dampened to stop the waste materials from inside blowing out
  • the skip doesn't contain materials likely to pose a risk of fire, explosion and won't release toxic fumes or present a health or environmental hazard

Enclosed skips

Consider hiring an enclosed skip. Enclosed skips are lockable to prevent unauthorised access. They are also the safest type of skip as they stop contents from falling out or overhanging, and stop dust from flying up when items are put into the skip.

Make sure you have any necessary planning permission and you’re following building regulations for your project. For more information visit the planning permission and building regulations section.

Illegal dumping of household waste – known as "fly-tipping"  (link this to section on fly tipping) - is surprisingly common. In 2004, there were 500,000 reported cases of it. Fortunately for householders, the law at that time only punished the person or company doing the fly-tipping – the householder was not held responsible for what happened to their rubbish after it left their door.
Safety Measures When Using Skip Hire Companies

If you plan to hire a skip hire company, you need to think about certain aspects of the service.  There are many different skip rental companies and they charge differently for their services.  It’s sometimes a hard job to find a company that you can depend upon for safe, quality services.  But it’s also up to you when it comes to the safety part.  Here are some safety measures you need to consider when you are using skip hire companies.

Do Not Place in a Skip:

There are several items you should not put in a skip.  Not only is it bad for the environment, some can be illegal as well.  Here is only a partial listing:

  1. Refrigerators
  2. Freezers
  3. Asbestos
  4. Tires
  5. Medical Waste
  6. Televisions
  7. Light bulbs and Fluorescent Tubes
  8. Oil, Paint, or Solvents
  9. Batteries
  10. Gas Bottles

Most of these should only require common sense to know these items have no place in a skip.  If you do need to rid yourself of these items, call the skip hire company.  Most will be able to offer suggestions as to who can help you safely remove those types of items or materials.

Using a Skip Safely

There are several things you can do to make sure your skip is safe to pedestrians, vehicles, and to your own property.  Many times, people will get into trouble simply by not using common sense when it comes to the placement of their skip or what they put in it.  Here are some great safety measures to employ with your skip.

  1. Don’t put your skip over any utility access, such as a manhole cover.
  2. Place reflective material, such as reflective tape, on both ends of it.  If it is still hard to see, put flashing lights or cones around it, especially if it is foggy or dark.
  3. Make sure all the stuff inside of your skip stays there.  You cannot allow things to stick out of the skip, or it could be hazardous to pedestrians, vehicles, and drivers.
  4. It’s illegal for you to overfill your skip.  Make sure you don’t pack it full or stack items around it.
  5. Keep your skip on pavement.  Also, don’t put the skip where it might block the view of your neighbor’s driveway from oncoming traffic.

Beware of Unregistered Companies

When you choose a skip hire company, make sure they are registered as Environment Agency approved.  There are many such companies throughout the U.K.  You also may want to consider getting quotes from three companies.  The prices can vary greatly, but you will also be able to get a feel for the company, as well.

The above tips should help you use and place your skip safely.  These tips will also help you choose a company that you can depend upon for quality service.  There are several laws that govern skips and skip hire companies.  Make sure you are aware of these regulations before you proceed any further.