Safety Practices of Using Conveyors Part 1

CONVEYOR SAFETYConveyors are an efficient method of transportation. However, they can also be one of the most dangerous items of plant in a workplace if safe operating and maintenance practices are not maintained.

1. CONVEYOR GUARDING:
   
   In general, conveyor guards must be designed, constructed and used that they will:

• Provide positive protection preventing access to all dangerous areas during operation.
  
• Guards shall be permanently fixed or


• a physical barrier securely fixed in position by means of fasteners or other suitable
  devices, and which ensures that the guard cannot be altered or detached without the aid of
  a tool or key, or


• If a fixed barrier is not reasonably practicable, and access to dangerous areas is required
  during operation, an interlocked physical barrer may be used.

If access to parts protected by guards is required for maintenance or other reasons, the guards or parts of them may be hinged or otherwise moveable, and wherever practicable they must be interlocked with the machinery.

1. ESSENTIAL CONVEYOR SAFETY TRAINING:
   
   It is important to remember that the Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Act requires an employer to provide a safe system of work and such information, instruction, training and supervision as are reasonably necessary to ensure employees are safe from injury. During the training of conveyor operators, care should be taken to ensure that each operator understands the safe operation of the conveyor and the following safety precautions:
   
   􀂾 The method of stopping and starting the conveyor.
   􀂾 The hazards in the course of normal working of the conveyor.
   􀂾 The hazards from bad practices, inattention, and misuse.
   􀂾 The purpose of the guard or safety device, and how the guard or device may fail.
   􀂾 Informing the person in charge if any faults or defects arise, and the danger to the
   operator in attempting to correct any faults. A conveyor operator should be closely
   supervised by a person with a thorough knowledge of conveyors during the training
   period.
   
   

• SAFETY OPERATING PROCEDURES:
  
  The following operating procedures apply to all conveyor installations:
  
  􀂾 DO ensure all START/STOP and emergency controls are clearly marked.
  􀂾 DO keep the area clean and tidy. Good housekeeping eliminates hazards,
  (ie. tripping, slipping and falling.)
  􀂾 DO isolate and danger tag the power source before working on a bogged or overloaded
  conveyor.
  􀂾 DO ensure persons working near a conveyor are aware of the location of STOP/START
  and emergency controls.
  􀂾 DO wear appropriate clothing-avoid loose clothing near moving conveyors.
  􀂾 DON'T walk under a moving conveyor unless the access is guarded against spillage.
  􀂾 DON'T clean belts, pulleys, drum, trough or return idlers while a conveyor is moving.
  􀂾 DON'T ride on a moving conveyor.
  􀂾 DON'T repair or maintain a conveyor while in motion (see *Special Note).

DANGER-NIP POINTS:

The most important danger points on belt conveyors are the nip points marked with arrows (see diagram below). Any nip point that is within 2.5 metres of any walkway or access way (ie. within reach) must be guarded to prevent accidental contact with nip points.

STARTING THE CONVEYOR:

Before you start a conveyor, check:

􀂾 Are you sure that nobody is working on the conveyor, and that access platforms are clear? Inspect area to make sure!
􀂾 Are all the guards fitted? Are the emergency stop switches working and clearly marked?
􀂾 If lanyards are fitted are they working correctly?
􀂾 Is the warning siren working?
􀂾 Are fire fighting devices in place ready for use?
􀂾 Are all the lights working and clean?