What is EN840 ?How to comply and the serious risks of non-compliance.

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Following recent statements from the HSE criticising the high rate of injury and fatalities in the waste and recycling industry - it is likely that companies that fail to practice the recommended levels of health and safety will be heavily penalised in the event of an accident.

This guide outlines the EN840 standard and WISH guidelines; the safety standards for 4 wheeled waste and recycling containers that need to be followed to avoid liability and prosecution, in an industry that has nine times more fatal accidents than the national average

Introduction to EN840?While the accident rate in the waste and recycling industry is declining, the number of law suits based on H&S claims that result in large payouts is increasing. In a health and safety aware society the law frowns on companies that cannot prove they are committed to safety.

In the event of a serious injury or fatality caused by a mobile waste container it is imperative that the company responsible is able to show that it has complied with the relevant European Standard, EN840 and the recommendations set out in the Waste Industry Health and Safety (WISH) forum guidelines which set out good practice.

EN840 is the European standard setting out the basic standard for 2 and 4 wheeled waste containers. In this document we will be focusing on the requirements for 4-wheeled bins.

Many waste containers in the UK fail to meet with EN840’s strict standards and in the event of an accident leave the management company unable to demonstrate compliance to best practice and invariably liable for damages.

This guide is intended to help ensure your fleet is recognised as EN840 compliant, to improve safety for workers and the public and in turn, minimise the risk of injury, lost time, court appearances and fines.

RequirementsRequirements for EN840 in relation to 4-wheel bins include but are not limited to:

1. The container shall be constructed so that it fits on an approved, compatible lifting device; it must automatically locate and lock safely into the lifting device during the lifting operation.

2. The container shall have four swivel casters; each castor must be capable of withstanding 1/3 of the total permissible mass.

3. The container shall fulfil all the performance requirements and tests of EN840 for its designated category.

4. Lifting handles must be strong enough to avoid damage caused by collisions or from disconnecting when used to lift the container up the kerb.

“Waste and Recycling is one of the most dangerous industries in which to work, this can’t continue” – HSE, November 2010

1. Bins must be compatible with lifting devicesAll Taylor bins are designed to be compatible with EN1501-5 compliant lifting devices. Bins are lifted with their maximum load 100 times and tested for signs of deformation.

3. Containers must pass the 10 physical tests specified within EN840Taylor operates the UK’s only fully certified R&D facility, its test centre is used for EN840 accreditation purposes.

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See a video of the demanding real- world tests each bin is put through at

www.taylorbins.co.uk/EN840

2. Castors must withstand 1/3 of maximum weightTaylor has developed its own specification for castors which exceeds the requirements of EN840; using high quality materials and construction technique, they are some of the strongest castors available.

4. Lifting handles must be tough enough to withstand hard useThe Taylor test facility subjects bin handles to an impact test with the containers loaded to their safe working load. Lifting endurance is tested with at least 1000 lifts.

EN840 testing and key requirementsEN840 sets a wide range of real life tests and other basic standard requirements to ensure the container is safe and fit for purpose.

How do I comply?Always procure EN840 compliant containers supported by a genuine certificate (and test report on request) issued within 6 months of purchase by a known and approved testing facility and follow the recommendations set out in the WISH guidelines.

EN840 & WISH GuidelinesWorking together to improve safetyThe Waste Industry Safety and Health Forum (WISH) guidelines have been created with the HSE to act as ‘good practice’ guidance for the safe operation and management of refuse collection vehicle hoists and bins. It is recommended that these are followed in partnership with EN840 standards and would provide evidence of a commitment to the safety of workers and public in the case of an inquiry.

The document contains examples of risks to workers and the public and indicates protective measures and safe operating procedures that should be used to minimise them.

ConsequencesThe waste and recycling industry has nine times more fatal accidents than the national average and four times as many workers suffer injuries. The HSE has made it clear that it will not tolerate complacency towards safety standards within the industry and will pursue legal action against those deemed responsible.

WISH Guidelines - Waste collector killed by bin falling from hoistA waste bin killed a refuse collector when it fell from the hoist. The investigation revealed that containers may exceed their safe working load (SWL). It was concluded that bins need to give workers clear indication of safety requirements. In addition to significant managerial time and money, the company was fined £130,000 plus a further £220,000 in costs.

HSE Release - Local authorities warned of cutting costsThe HSE has warned of targeted inspections of local authority waste services departments. Inspectors will be looking closely at the working relationships Local Authorities have with contractors and their commitments to Health and Safety. Fines for cost cuttings that prove dangerous could exceed any potential savings.

Helen Wardman – Category Manager for Waste and Commercial - YPOThe waste and recycling industry is inherently dangerous, it’s crucial for all those involved to be fully aware of the dangers and the best ways to combat them. Ensuring that your bin fleet is EN840 compliant is one of the key strategies to running an effective Health and Safety campaign.

As one of our recommended suppliers, Taylor is always available to offer advice and guidance on HSE regulations within its industry. We know that all Taylor products comply with the necessary standards and trust them to maintain and repair fleets in line with requirements.

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WISH Guidelines include:• During the design, specification and manufacturing stages, bins should conform to the

requirements of EN840 standards.

• When specifying a bin that conforms to EN840 standards a certificate of conformity should have been issued for that model within six months to the purchaser by a known and approved test facility (WISH Part 37).

• Regular inspections should take place using manufacturers/suppliers instructions to identify bins which may fail and arrangements made to replace or repair them (Parts 51-52).

• Repairs and maintenance to bins should use parts and materials specified in the manufacturer’s instructions, or exhibit equivalent or superior performance standards, and be in accordance with the original BS EN 840 Parts 1-6 specification (Part 53).

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