Industrial shredders cut cardboard, plastic, metal, and thick stacks of paper. These machines improve data security and waste management and are straightforward to operate.
However, since industrial shredders have powerful blades, improper use can create a safety risk. Use these crucial safety tips for working with an industrial shredder.
Familiarize Yourself With the Machine
Read the manufacturer’s information to understand your device’s capacity. This will also allow you to learn how to use your equipment efficiently. For example, if your shredder has automatic and manual feed options, know how and when to engage each setting.
The more you understand your shredder, the less likely you’ll experience jams. A heavy-duty shredder may have jam-prevention technology or a reversible motor that safely ejects lodged material.
The user manual will also explain different safety hazards. For example, you must keep hands, clothing, and other loose items, such as jewelry, away from the shredder’s feed opening. The powerful blades can pull in these things and shred them, harming the person or damaging the material or the machine.
Prep the Material for Shredding
Another crucial safety tip for working with an industrial shredder is to prep the material. Hard objects can damage the blades or create blockages. While you need to remove enclosing binders, your industrial paper shredder machine can easily handle paper clips and staples.
Putting too much paper or other materials into the shredder at one time can create jams. Feed material at the right volume and rate for your equipment.
Maintain and Clean the Shredder
Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for things like cleaning, sharpening, and component replacements. Lubricate the blades to avoid overheating. One way to do this is to drizzle oil on a sheet of paper in a zigzag pattern, then put the sheet in the shredder.
To clean the shredder, you must first turn it off and unplug the power. Then, follow the user manual’s instructions to open the machine case and expose the blades. Brush carefully over the cutters and use tweezers to remove stuck material.
Learn your machine’s processing capacity and features to operate it safely. Always prepare the material before shredding to prevent jams and damage. Finally, keep the shredder clean for the best performance and to maximize its service life.