subject: Safety Guidelines For Conveyor Operations [print this page] You can never be too careful in the workplace.In any factory setting or location where heavy machinery operates there is the very real risk of injury and malfunction.Managed by humans, sometimes mistakes can be made and oversights will happen.Regardless if it is by accident or careless actions, the consequences for not paying attention while on the job can be deadly.One of the most dangerous occupations of the work place is employee conveyor engagement.The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics has noted that well over fifty deaths take place a year as a result of conveyor negligence or mishap.
Conveyors are great for productivity and are cost effective pieces machinert.If these marvels are incorrectly set up, however, they can have serious detrimental effects.Workers compensation claims are more complicated and more of a burden every day and insurance costs are almost prohibitive, so now more than ever, safety in the workplace must be a top priority of any business.If we look at some of the most common safety rules and review the most hazardous parts of a conveyor, it will be easier to put forth a basic concept of how workplace accidents can be avoided.
In light of conveyor safety rules, the old adage, rules are made to be broken, doesn't apply.First rule is to never perform routine maintenance tasks or repairs while the machinery is plugged in.And when you do service and repair your machinery, hire experts in the field, this is not the place for trainees.Another hard and fast rule is to place all objects out of range of any moving parts.Such things as hair, baggy clothing and jewelry must be kept away from machinery to avoid anyone getting tangled up in the works.
A conveyor is no plaything and using it as such by riding, sitting or leaning up against a production conveyor is never a good idea.Any unintended use of the conveyor or overloading it is always prohibited.The only people who should be allowed to operate the system must be authorized employees.Safety guards and protectors must be in place and not tampered withand all obstructions removed from them before the system is turned on.Conveyors are intricate working machineries and very powerful.This power must never be taken for granted or underestimated.Now let's review the really dangerous and powerful aspects of this marvel of efficiency.
Conveyors are exposed pieces of machinery that have a lot of points of concern.Some of the most hazardous sections include the power transmission, the guard joints and transfer mechanisms.Other dangerous portions are called "squeeze" or "nip" points.These refer to any junction where moving parts meet, causing breaks or changes in the system while setting up opportunities for things to get caught or stuck.Some of the more troublesome areas are anywhere things can spill, jam, pinch or shear.Dead spaces, as well as blind spots, can also be cause for concern.
Common sense with awareness and caution remain the foundation of any good safety policy when working around open machinery of any type.Any part of the conveyor system that poses a potential risk should be marked with signage and clearly blocked off.No matter how your system is utilized, it is critical to take all measures you can to protect your employees who come in direct contact with the belts, drives and processes.
Any misconduct at the workplace should be reported at once to the supervisor of the area.You must encourage and insist that your employees do what they are always reluctant to do and that is tattle on their peers.Instill in them the importance of avoiding an accident even though it may mean straining a friendship or causing some hostility.It simply isn't worth the risk of one of their fellows losing a life or a limb.Anyone who is responsible for operating or using the conveyor should read all the safety manuals pertaining to their particular equipment.
