Posts Tagged ‘Conveyer Belts’
Ensure safety while using conveyer belts
Conveyer Belts are a vital component of mateial flow and handling system. Hence, it should be ensured that they do not pose a hazard to your employees. Following points could be noted in order to make any necassary improvements to safeguard you and your employees.
1. While crossing over moving conveyers, the employees should always use an elevated walkway with guardails or gates. Again, guardrails are a must when employees cross under moving conveyors in order to prevent access to moving parts that could pull hair, body parts or material into the equipment.
2. Be sure to secure conveyor rollers and wheels in position. Also to prevent the conveyer from pulling fingers into it, the transition points between conveyors should have a transition plate or guard.
3. Guards should be placed to prevent access to moving parts so workers cannot reach around, under through or over the guard. Use OSHA’s guarding scale to determine the allowable opening size of the guarding.
4. In order to prevent nip-point injuries, guard the space between the end roller and or other high tension rollers and the conveyor belt.
5. Conveyors should have electrically released brakes so that the brakes cannot be released until power is applied. Also the brakes should automatically engage if the power fails or the operating control is returned to the “stop” position.
6. All controls should be accessible, functional and properly labeled. To stop the conveyer during an emergency, the emergency stop devices must be readily accessible. Use emergency pull cords that use a safety related switch and be sure to test and inspect the pull cord systems as the manufacturer requires.
7. Periodical preventitive maintenance and regular inspections are critical for ensuring that the conveyor system functions properly and safely.
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