There are many reasons for collecting scrap metal
It’s a good way to earn extra money, not to mention that recycling metals is very beneficial for the environment.
But as scrap metals come in all shapes and sizes, it’s important to know how to handle them properly to avoid costly mistakes and painful injuries.
SAFETY FIRST: ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE GEAR WHEN COLLECTING AND HANDLING SCRAP METAL
As a beginner scrapper, it’s important to keep in mind that collecting scrap metal is risky if you don’t take the necessary precautions. The easiest step you can take to avoid dangerous accidents is to wear safety gear whenever you’re collecting, loading, cutting or handling scrap in any other way. Your safety gear should include eye protection and work gloves. When collecting scrap in locations, where there’s a risk of debris falling from above, e.g., construction sites, you will need suitable headgear, such as a safety helmet to protect your head. Apart from equipping yourself with these, you should also have sturdy work shoes and appropriate clothing.
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL HAZARDS WHEN WORKING WITH SCRAP METALS?
The key to handling scrap metal safely is knowing the risks involved. This way, you can avoid them or implement protective measures to ensure your safety. So let’s take a closer look at things you should watch out for. When collecting scrap metals, it’s important to examine the items you want to pick up first. There are two reasons for this:
- Metal items often have sharp edges that can lead to painful cuts and scratches (and can be quite dangerous, especially in case of infections).
- Without accurately assessing the weight of the object you want to lift, you risk back injuries, sprains or even broken bones and bruises caused by falls and accidents due to improper lifting techniques.
Breaking apart your collected metal objects is not without its own hazards as well. Old machinery, for example, but also cans and other containers, may contain chemicals. You have no way of knowing whether such substances are safe to handle if you don’t know what they are, so it’s important to always wear gloves to keep your skin protected. And if you’re cutting your scrap with a hot torch, always choose safety eyewear suitable for the task – in this case, dark goggles that will protect your eyes from flying sparks, but also from ultraviolet and infrared radiation.
WHAT ARE THE LAWS SURROUNDING SCRAP METAL?
If you want to use scrap metal recycling as a source of additional income, you need to know the laws that regulate the metal recycling industry. According to the legislation, only licensed dealers can legally buy scrap metal in England and Wales. They are also required to verify the name and address of every seller, so you will be asked to provide identification, e.g., a driving licence or passport and a utility bill. Another thing worth knowing is that it’s illegal to pay for scrap with cash. Dealers should offer different payment methods instead, such as a bank or electronic transfer.
SO IS COLLECTING SCRAP METAL WORTH IT?
Given all of the above, you may be asking yourself: is it worth collecting scrap metal? Well, the beginnings are always difficult, but once you learn how to recognise and handle different metals, collecting and selling scrap can be very beneficial.
And if you’re interested in arranging a scrap metal pickup from your address, you can count on our professional and fast services. At Metal Scral Ltd, we collect scrap from private properties and construction sites all around London – call us and let us know what we can do for you!
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