Caring for an office paper shredder
The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI Act or POPIA) in South Africa has established guidelines for responsible parties who must lawfully process the personal information of specific individuals.
Companies are still permitted to process data and are not required to obtain individuals’ consent before doing so, but POPI tries to safeguard people from harm, such as identity theft and discrimination.
The introduction of this Act required a lot of businesses in South Africa to make preparations, including reviewing and altering how they handle and dispose of various documents that contain sensitive information.
Paper shredders have long been recognised for their capacity to shred documents, preserving confidential data in the process. With the implementation of POPI, their reputation has grown.
Paper shredders are increasingly being used by businesses to securely destroy hard copies of papers, therefore it’s important to maintain and clean shredders to extend their lifespan and prevent unneeded damage.
We have a wide range of paper shredders for sale.
How to care for and clean a paper shredder:
Maintain it by regularly using it
Regular use is one of the greatest ways to guarantee that the paper shredder stays in good operating order. Paper shredders might lose their effectiveness if they are left standing because the lubricant on the metal blades can dry out and become dull.
To keep the blades from getting clogged with paper, it’s also crucial to frequently run the shredder in reverse.
Emptying it
After using their paper shredder for a while, several businesses notice problems. The blades slow down because there isn’t enough room in the garbage disposal, which could harm the gear and motor.
Even if the trash can isn’t yet full, it should nevertheless be regularly emptied.
Cleaning it
Before cleaning the shredder, unplug it from the power source and then turn it off before removing the main container’s lid. In most situations, you may simply lift the lid and remove the paper from the blades and dust it off. If you are unclear about the procedure, see the instruction or manufacturer’s handbook.
If there are any ink smudges, clean the blades with a damp (but not wet) cloth, being careful not to get any liquid inside the shredder itself. The ink and any leftovers can then be removed with a paper towel, and the shredder can be allowed to air dry.
Oil it
Many people might not be aware, but it’s important to regularly lubricate paper shredders using shredder oil to keep the blades functioning as efficiently as possible.
Regular lubrication can prolong the paper shredder’s useful life and guard against the engine overheating or burning out. Sediments that have built up in the blades can be loosened and moved out of the way when the machine is lubricated.
If they are used more regularly, paper shredders need to be lubricated daily or at least once a week. The equipment needs to be oiled more frequently if the company utilises a cross-cut shredder because it tends to produce finer dust particles.
By holding the lubricant over the blades and gently pressing it through the length of the hole, oiling should only be done while the shredder is not in use. The paper shredder must then be run in reverse for 15 seconds once this brief process is finished in order to disperse the oil evenly.
Once the oiling is finished, shred a couple of pieces of paper to eliminate any extra oil.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Many manufacturers provide detailed instructions on how to use a particular paper shredder correctly. This is crucial when it comes to continuous run and cooldown times.
To prevent the cutting blades from jamming when shredding thick sheets or card stocks, the sheets must be adjusted correctly. The paper can be backed through the shredder if it jams at any point. If the paper gets stuck, do not manually remove it.
The box, pamphlet/booklet, product pages, manuals, and official website of the maker will all include the machine’s specifications. Additionally, manufacturers will include comprehensive instructions on appropriate upkeep and cleaning.
Understand the machine’s capacity and make sure it is adhered to
Before operating a paper shredder, all users must be aware of the recommended capacity for that particular model. The capacity should never be exceeded, and consideration must be given to the paper ratings depending on the paper’s weight.
Never operate the shredder without letting it rest.
Paper shredders are not intended to be used continuously without a break. Consistent use will diminish the machine’s service life and may have a negative impact on how it operates.
Make sure there is a cooldown interval in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, especially if it is a heavy-duty shredder with a continuously rated engine. This will stop the parts from wearing out.
If repairs are required during the warranty term, it is important to follow the instructions and keep the purchased ticket as warranties on high-quality paper shredders might vary from one manufacturer to the next.
Guidelines for Using Paper Shredders
- Verify that the bin is inserted correctly if the paper shredder does not operate after being connected in and switched on.
- Avoid folding papers before putting them in the shredder.
- CDs and credit cards must be fed through the paper shredder individually using the corresponding slots on the machine.
- Do not place adhesives or papers with glue residue in the paper shredder as they might cause paper jams. Try not to force anything through the blades of a paper shredder if it is not made to disintegrate that kind of material.
- To prevent the motor from overheating or burning out, strictly adhere to the cooldown times specified for the type of shredder.
- Overfeeding or quickly feeding papers through the shredder can cause it to slow down or generate a whirring sound without moving.
