Keep Personnel Working Around Conveyor Belts Safe
Operating and maintaining conveyor belts reveals their complexity, often underestimated at first glance. However, effective operation hinges on basic safety practices that are regrettably overlooked.
Personnel working near a moving belt can create the opportunity for an inadvertent contact to turn into a serious injury or death.
A fundamental rule dictates that personnel must never commence work on a conveyor belt until it has come to a complete stop, including any attempts to cross over or step onto the belt. Mere cessation of movement is insufficient; workers must ensure the system is securely locked, confirmed by thorough testing to prevent any residual motion.
Furthermore, integrated safety features such as containment walls, like the belt skirting seal, contribute significantly to shielding workers from the internal mechanisms of the machine. Nevertheless, technicians and other staff must exercise caution regarding their attire and equipment when working near the belt.
It is imperative to avoid loose clothing, jewelry, and certain tools that can pose safety risks, especially when left unattended. Although skirting and transfer points are designed to prevent tools from falling off the belt, loose tools can still jeopardize equipment. Therefore, personnel should conduct a thorough inspection before starting operations.