Summary:
Conveyor belt safety: the eight do's and don'ts of operating automated conveyor systems
Dos and don'ts of operating automated conveyor system
Stay safe and keep product flowing
Across all industries, conveyors are a crucial piece of material handling equipment. The conveyor system, as its name suggests, is outfitted with conveyor belts that serve as a conveying medium. These strong belts can transport various goods over great distances and at various speeds. They can be applied both ascending and descending. Conveyors play a crucial role, hence it is crucial that they function as planned. This is due to the fact that even a tiny error can have catastrophic effects on a production run.
More than 50 work-related deaths, injuries and accidents are caused by automated conveyor system. Accounting for nearly 25 percent of the workers’ compensation claims. You need to pay careful attention to the safety standards practice of industry.
To ensure a safe workplace, various conveyor safety precautions must be followed. Conveyor belt safety is very important.This article offers practical, time-tested advice for handling conveyors.
No matter what type of conveyor is used (belt, gravity, power roller, etc.), there are guidelines to adhere to that will help reduce accidents resulting from these automated conveyor systems. If conveyors are built, run, and maintained with security in mind, they offer an effective, dependable, and safe way of conveyance for whatever you’re working with at your company.
Do you want to find out what they are? Please read this entire post.The conveyor belt safety must be the top priority.
Dos and don’ts of operating automated conveyor system
Keep clothing, body parts, and hair away from the conveyor
This is among the most frequently occurring conveyor-related injuries, and the effects could be catastrophic. Personnel who are trained should be careful not to touch conveyors. Visitors to your facility should be instructed regarding the security of the conveyor and checked for loose clothing or hair with long lengths that could get caught close to any conveyor line. Do not wear jewelry, watches, or rings.
Ensure all personnel are clear of equipment before starting
Conveyor standards stipulate that conveyors should be fitted with an alert signal that must be sounding before the start-up. However, the company shouldn’t be left in the dark; proper training must be provided on the warning horn’s purpose and what can happen to injuries when it is not used.
Do not climb, step on, sit or stand the conveyor at any time
It may seem common sense, but many people do it, and it could cause serious injuries. It’s essential that employees never climb or stand, sit in the way, walk, ride or even be near or touch the line of the conveyor. Many people use conveyors simply because they look fun, and it’s also because it’s not to be as risky as it could be. You’ve seen it in action films. However, conveyors were not designed to be used by people. Pinch points are a possibility that could catch clothes or people and result in serious injuries. The capacity of conveyors is not designed to handle the human weight. There are a variety of ways the automated conveyor systems could cause harm to any person who is sitting on them. Besides the safety issue, the conveyors may cause belts to stop tracking or even damage the entire system.
DON’T remove or alter conveyor guards or safety divides
Guards are removed by employees of the plant or service contractors who are performing maintenance and expose gears, machinery chains, machinery, and other moving parts that could be hazardous if not secured. To protect workers, ensure workers’ safety, secure conveyors while in use, and operate machines only after all are covered, and guards have been replaced.
Do not modify or misuse conveyor controls
Conveyor controls should not be altered by unqualified employees. Ensure you monitor your controls to ensure no employee has abused, altered, or removed the controls. Sometimes, employees create modifications that serve certain areas or functions; however, they could create an unsafe working area. Ensure they know the conveyor control system is generally part of a more extensive system and that the management must approve any modifications.
Make sure you know the location and function of stop/start controls
It’s imperative that those who work in a conveyor zone know the function and location control for stop/start emergency stops and starts. Employers must educate workers on the controls, their location, where they are, when they can be used and how to use them. Additionally, the controls must be identified to prevent confusion and to allow workers to make quick choices about when to use the controls.
DON’T perform service on an automated conveyor system until motor disconnect is locked out:
Don’t perform any maintenance until air, electrical, or hydroelectric power sources have been shut off. Lockout/Tagout systems could hinder equipment from powering up when repairs or maintenance are being carried out.
Allow only authorized personnel to operate/maintain material handling equipment
Only those employees who have been properly trained to operate and conduct maintenance on conveyors are allowed to perform the task. This is to ensure safety for the technician and optimal performance of the conveyor.
Stay safe and keep product flowing
Since all types of conveyors contain various moving parts and components, everyone who works close to, on, or in the vicinity of them must know the safety of conveyors and know why each of these guidelines is essential. A focus on safety could be the difference between workplace accidents and a productive and efficient work environment.
CONCLUSION
If strictly adhered to, each of the best practices mentioned above will assist in preventing any conveyor belt-related safety issues at your company. But it’s also crucial that the staff members using and around conveyor systems are always aware of any potential risks. To keep your crew and facility safe, it’s essential to maintain constant awareness, receive the right training, and install well-designed conveyor system which includes safety elements into the design itself.