06 Jun Trash Chutes

Trash Chutes

Trash chutes provide an efficient way to remove debris from elevated work areas while helping maintain good housekeeping on construction, remodeling, and roofing projects. However, improperly constructed, guarded, or used chutes can expose workers to falling objects, falls, fires, and other serious hazards.

Guide for Discussion

Chute Construction and Installation

• When materials are dropped more than 20 feet to a point outside the exterior walls of a building, an enclosed chute must be used.
• Chutes must be substantially constructed and capable of withstanding the impact of the materials and debris placed into them.
• Chutes must be enclosed except for openings necessary to place materials into the chute.
• Chute sections and connections must be properly secured and inspected for damage or deterioration.
• Never use makeshift materials that cannot safely withstand the anticipated loads and impacts.

Chute Openings and Fall Protection

Openings used to deposit debris into a chute can create serious fall hazards.

• Guard chute openings with appropriate guardrail systems when required.
• Chute openings must not expose workers to falling material from above.
• Provide a substantial gate or equivalent protection at chute openings and keep it closed when the opening is not being used.
• Where employees are exposed to fall hazards, provide required guardrails, personal fall arrest systems, or other approved fall protection.
• Never remove or bypass guards simply to make disposal easier.

When wheelbarrows or other mechanical equipment are used to dump debris into a chute, provide a substantial bumper or stop at the opening to prevent equipment from entering or falling through the opening.

Protect Workers Below

• Establish and maintain a controlled area around the chute discharge.
• Keep employees and unauthorized personnel away from areas where falling debris could strike them.
• Never permit debris to discharge into an unguarded pedestrian or work area.
• Use suitable containers, dumpsters, trucks, or other means to safely collect discharged material.
• Barricade or otherwise protect the discharge area as necessary.
• Do not allow workers to stand directly beneath a chute while material is being discharged.

Safe Disposal Practices

• Never allow debris to accumulate until it blocks the chute or overflows the receiving container.
• Do not force oversized materials into a chute.
• Do not dispose of materials that could become lodged or damage the chute.
• Keep the area around chute openings and discharge points free of loose debris and trip hazards.
• Remove accumulated debris frequently enough to maintain safe conditions.

Fire Prevention

Trash and construction debris can create a significant combustible load.

• Keep appropriate fire-extinguishing equipment readily accessible near debris collection areas.
• Never place gasoline, solvents, oils, flammable liquids, or materials contaminated with flammable liquids into a trash chute.
• Keep ignition sources away from chute discharge and debris accumulation areas.
• Follow project procedures for separating and disposing of combustible and hazardous materials.

Inspection

Inspect trash chutes regularly and after any event that could affect their integrity.

Check for:

• Loose or damaged sections.
• Defective supports or connections.
• Damaged gates or doors.
• Missing or inadequate guardrails.
• Obstructions inside the chute.
• Excessive debris accumulation.
• Unsafe conditions around the discharge area.

Correct hazardous conditions before continuing to use the chute.

Remember

Trash chutes can significantly improve housekeeping and reduce manual handling of debris, but they can create additional hazards when improperly constructed or used. Keep chutes secure, guard all openings, control the discharge area, prevent debris accumulation, and never dispose of flammable or hazardous materials through a chute.