Checklist template

Compactor and baler safety for retailers

A ready-to-use checklist with 120 items in 6 sections, covering Authorized operators, Guards and interlocks, Lockout, Housekeeping, Signage, Inspections. Use it as-is in InspectLoop, or adapt it to your own standards in minutes.

  • 6 Sections
  • 120 Items
  • 104 Yes / No checks
  • 6 Scored ratings
  • 134 Points

Use this template How audits work

1. Authorized operators 21 items

  1. A list of employees authorized to operate the baler is posted at the baler Yes / No 1 pt
  2. A list of employees authorized to operate the compactor is posted at the compactor Yes / No 1 pt
  3. Every authorized operator meets the minimum age required by local regulation Yes / No 1 pt
  4. Employees under the minimum age do not load, operate or unload the baler or the compactor Yes / No 1 pt
  5. Employees under the minimum age asked knew what they may and may not do at the baler and the compactor Yes / No 1 pt
  6. Each authorized operator has a signed training record on file Yes / No 1 pt
  7. Operator training included a hands-on demonstration on this store's machine Yes / No 1 pt
  8. The employee seen operating the baler during the visit is on the authorized list Yes / No 1 pt
  9. The operating key is kept by a manager or key holder Yes / No 1 pt
  10. The key is removed from the control panel when the machine is not in a cycle Yes / No 1 pt
  11. The key is signed out and back in on a log, where company policy requires it Yes / No 1 pt
  12. Only employees trained to tie off and eject make a bale Yes / No 1 pt
  13. Operators asked could describe the steps for tying off and ejecting a bale Yes / No 1 pt
  14. Operators asked knew never to reach into the chamber to clear a jam Yes / No 1 pt
  15. Operators asked could show the emergency stop Yes / No 1 pt
  16. Operators wear gloves and eye protection when tying off a bale Yes / No 1 pt
  17. Cleaning crews, vendors and contractors do not operate the machines Yes / No 1 pt
  18. Seasonal hires are told on their first day that they are not authorized to use the machines Yes / No 1 pt
  19. Authorization of employees who changed roles or left was removed from the posted list Yes / No 1 pt
  20. Authorized operators on the posted lists Number
  21. Control of who operates the machines Rating
    • Only listed, trained adults with key control 5 pts
    • Lists or key control incomplete 3 pts
    • Unauthorized or underage use observed or reported 1 pt

2. Guards and interlocks 20 items

  1. The baler loading gate or door is in place and undamaged Yes / No 1 pt
  2. The baler ram does not move down while the loading gate is open Yes / No 1 pt
  3. The baler gate interlock was tested during the visit by starting a cycle with the gate raised Yes / No 1 pt
  4. The compactor chute door or hopper gate is in place Yes / No 1 pt
  5. The compactor does not cycle while the chute door is open Yes / No 1 pt
  6. No interlock is tied back, taped, wedged or bypassed Yes / No 1 pt
  7. The emergency stop button on the baler stopped the cycle when tested Yes / No 1 pt
  8. The emergency stop button on the compactor stopped the cycle when tested Yes / No 1 pt
  9. Emergency stop buttons are red, unobstructed and within reach of the operating position Yes / No 1 pt
  10. The bale chamber door latch or turnbuckle closes fully and is not bent Yes / No 1 pt
  11. Side and rear access panels are bolted in place Yes / No 1 pt
  12. The control panel cover is closed with no exposed wiring Yes / No 1 pt
  13. The power cord or conduit to each machine is undamaged Yes / No 1 pt
  14. Hydraulic hoses and fittings show no oil leaks Yes / No 1 pt
  15. The key switch returns to "off" and the key can be removed Yes / No 1 pt
  16. The compactor hopper is high enough, or guarded, so that no one can fall or step into it Yes / No 1 pt
  17. The outdoor compactor's access door or enclosure gate is locked when unattended Yes / No 1 pt
  18. The container is latched to the compactor with both ratchet binders or hooks engaged Yes / No 1 pt
  19. The baler is anchored and does not shift during a cycle Yes / No 1 pt
  20. Condition of guards and interlocks Rating
    • All in place and tested working 5 pts
    • In place, not all tested 3 pts
    • Missing, damaged or bypassed 1 pt

3. Lockout 20 items

  1. A written lockout procedure specific to each machine is kept at the machine or in the manager's office Yes / No 1 pt
  2. The electrical disconnect for each machine is labeled with the machine's name Yes / No 1 pt
  3. The disconnect is within sight of the machine or can be locked in the off position Yes / No 1 pt
  4. Lockout locks and tags are available at the store Yes / No 1 pt
  5. Each lockout lock has a single key held by the person who applied it Yes / No 1 pt
  6. Tags carry the name of the person who applied the lock and the date Yes / No 1 pt
  7. Jams are cleared only after the machine is switched off, locked out and tagged Yes / No 1 pt
  8. Jams inside the chamber are cleared by an authorized employee or the service vendor, per company policy Yes / No 1 pt
  9. No one enters or reaches into the compactor container or charge chamber Yes / No 1 pt
  10. Employees asked could state who is allowed to apply a lock Yes / No 1 pt
  11. Employees asked knew never to remove another person's lock Yes / No 1 pt
  12. Managers asked could describe the steps to lock out the baler Yes / No 1 pt
  13. Service technicians apply their own lock before working on the machine Yes / No 1 pt
  14. The machine is tested with the start button after lockout to confirm it will not run Yes / No 1 pt
  15. A machine with a known fault is locked out and tagged "Do not operate" until repaired Yes / No 1 pt
  16. The last use of lockout is recorded with the date and the reason Yes / No 1 pt
  17. Date of the last lockout recorded Date
  18. Lockout training is on file for managers and authorized employees Yes / No 1 pt
  19. The lockout procedure was reviewed within the period required by local regulation or company policy Yes / No 1 pt
  20. Lockout readiness Rating
    • Procedure, locks and trained people all in place 5 pts
    • Locks available, procedure or training incomplete 3 pts
    • No locks or no procedure 1 pt

4. Housekeeping 21 items

  1. The floor around the baler is free of loose cardboard and strapping Yes / No 1 pt
  2. The floor in front of the baler and at the indoor compactor chute is dry Yes / No 1 pt
  3. A clear working area is marked on the floor in front of the baler Yes / No 1 pt
  4. Nothing is stored within the marked area in front of the baler Yes / No 1 pt
  5. Cardboard waiting to be baled is kept in a cart or bin, not piled on the floor Yes / No 1 pt
  6. Only cardboard and approved plastic film go into the baler Yes / No 1 pt
  7. No aerosol cans, batteries, propane cylinders or liquids are put into the compactor Yes / No 1 pt
  8. Hazardous waste and returned chemicals go to the designated collection point, not the compactor Yes / No 1 pt
  9. Bale wire or strapping is stored on its rack or in its box Yes / No 1 pt
  10. Cut wire ends are picked up after each bale Yes / No 1 pt
  11. Finished bales are stacked no higher than the limit set by company policy Yes / No 1 pt
  12. Bales are stored on pallets away from exits and electrical panels Yes / No 1 pt
  13. Bales are moved with a pallet jack or forklift, not by hand Yes / No 1 pt
  14. The compactor chute area inside the store is free of bags left on the floor Yes / No 1 pt
  15. The outdoor compactor pad is free of spilled trash and standing leachate Yes / No 1 pt
  16. The area between the compactor and the container shows no hydraulic oil on the ground Yes / No 1 pt
  17. The compactor area shows no sign of rodents or birds feeding Yes / No 1 pt
  18. The path to the compactor chute is clear and lit Yes / No 1 pt
  19. Snow and ice are cleared from the outdoor compactor pad and the hauler's access Yes / No 1 pt
  20. Finished bales waiting for pickup Number
  21. Housekeeping around the machines Rating
    • Clean and clear 5 pts
    • Some loose material, no hazard 3 pts
    • Blocked, slippery or contaminated 1 pt

5. Signage 18 items

  1. The manufacturer's operating instructions are posted on the baler Yes / No 1 pt
  2. The manufacturer's operating instructions are posted on the compactor Yes / No 1 pt
  3. A sign on each machine states that only authorized, trained employees may operate it Yes / No 1 pt
  4. A sign states the minimum age for loading and operating, as required by local regulation Yes / No 1 pt
  5. A "Do not enter" or "Keep hands clear" warning is posted at each loading opening Yes / No 1 pt
  6. A crush hazard warning label is legible on the baler ram area Yes / No 1 pt
  7. A warning to lock out before clearing jams or servicing is posted on each machine Yes / No 1 pt
  8. Emergency stop buttons are labeled Yes / No 1 pt
  9. Each control button is labeled with its function Yes / No 1 pt
  10. The asset or serial number needed for a service call is legible on each machine Yes / No 1 pt
  11. Warning labels are legible, not painted over or peeling Yes / No 1 pt
  12. Signs are in the languages spoken by the store team Yes / No 1 pt
  13. The service vendor's phone number is posted at each machine Yes / No 1 pt
  14. A "No flammables, aerosols or batteries" sign is posted at the compactor chute Yes / No 1 pt
  15. The pressure gauge or "full" indicator light on the compactor is labeled and working Yes / No 1 pt
  16. A sign at the outdoor compactor warns against climbing on or entering the container Yes / No 1 pt
  17. Warning labels found missing or illegible Number
  18. Signage on and around the machines Rating
    • Complete and legible 5 pts
    • Some labels worn or missing 3 pts
    • Key warnings missing 1 pt

6. Inspections 20 items

  1. A store employee inspects each machine on the schedule set by company policy, using a checklist Yes / No 1 pt
  2. Date of the last documented store inspection of the baler Date
  3. Date of the last documented store inspection of the compactor Date
  4. The store checklist includes a test of each interlock Yes / No 1 pt
  5. The store checklist includes a test of each emergency stop Yes / No 1 pt
  6. Defects found on store inspections are reported to the service vendor in writing Yes / No 1 pt
  7. A service vendor carries out preventive maintenance on the schedule in the service contract Yes / No 1 pt
  8. Date of the last preventive maintenance visit by the service vendor Date
  9. The last service report is on file at the store Yes / No 1 pt
  10. Repairs recommended in the last service report have been completed Yes / No 1 pt
  11. Hydraulic oil level is checked at the interval set by the manufacturer Yes / No 1 pt
  12. The baler's wire guides and ejector chains are checked for wear at each service Yes / No 1 pt
  13. The compactor's container hookup and binders are checked at each haul Yes / No 1 pt
  14. Inspection records are kept for the period set by company policy Yes / No 1 pt
  15. Injuries and near misses involving either machine are recorded in the store's incident log Yes / No 1 pt
  16. Injuries and near misses involving the machines in the last 12 months Number
  17. The district manager or safety department was told of any interlock failure found Yes / No 1 pt
  18. Name of the store manager Short text
  19. Overall compactor and baler safety Rating
    • Interlocks working, operators authorized, lockout ready 5 pts
    • Machines safe, gaps in records or signs 3 pts
    • Interlock failed or bypassed, or unauthorized use 1 pt
  20. Corrective actions required Comments

About this template

This checklist is part of the InspectLoop template library. Yes / No checks score 1 point when met; ratings score the points shown for each option. The overall score is the percentage of points earned, with N/A answers excluded. In InspectLoop you can add photos, assign corrective actions, require sign-off and compare results across sites.

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