The Dangers of In-House Shredding

Shredding professional documents when they are no longer required is essential. However, you should never opt for in-house shredding. Why, you ask? Let’s find out in this article.

The Dangers of In-House Shredding

Shredding can be dangerous for the user if the proper care and attention are not given to it. This is because it is a mechanical process. The shredding machine has gotten the ties of many directors and business people stuck, according to urban legend. A shredder’s danger increases exponentially with its size. There are real dangers associated with industrial shredding machines if proper training procedures and measures are not followed.

The following are some dangers of in-house shredding:

1. Ashes and Flaming Torches

The amount of paper dust small shredders produce can be quite a bit. The slightest spark in a shredder could ignite a dust cloud, which could then explode violently and dangerously. Even though deflagration is relatively uncommon, the shredder is one of the most likely locations for it to occur. Using large industrial shredders on a regular basis increases this risk, and any resulting explosion could be a huge liability for any company.

2. Inhalation of Particulate Matter

In addition to explosions, the dust released by the shredding process can also cause other issues. Because of irritation and short-term health problems like eye and chest infections, workers exposed to small particles might be forced to miss time from work. Using industrial-sized shredders, especially if this is a regular job, raises the risk of an accident. Constant exposure to dust particles can have long-term effects, such as sore throats, asthma, and chronic bronchitis.

3. Heavy-Duty Buildings

When you next see an office shredder, take a closer look at how it is built. Most of the weight is concentrated at the top of the device, where the mechanical components are located. Plastic holders are commonly used for the base of these devices. It is a recipe for disaster, as the whole thing is prone to falling over at any moment. There is a higher risk of injury when using a machine of this size, especially in vulnerable areas like the feet or toes.

4. Shredders with Cross-Cutting Blades

When it comes to destroying confidential waste safely and efficiently, strip-cut shredders fall short. For a small business, this means cross-cutting shredders have taken their place. The incorrect use of cross-cutting shredders results in approximately 2000 injuries per year. Therefore, these machines are extremely dangerous.

What Can Be Done?

In-house shredding may appear to be the most convenient and cost-effective option. However, it can actually end up costing you more than money because of the many risks associated with it. Shredding companies that outsource shredding services take care of everything, from providing secure storage to regularly visiting your location to shredding your confidential materials. Another benefit is that you will never have to deal with a mechanical breakdown, as there are numerous options. Therefore, you should always opt for a professional shredding company for shredding services.