Engineering Controls Keep Workers Out Of Harm's Way
Conveyor belts must be designed with personnel safety in mind, particularly around potential pinch points such as rotating equipment like head pulleys and equipment with sudden movements like gravity take-ups. This is achieved by incorporating equipment guards that create a physical barrier between operators and machines.
These guards are typically made of metal mesh or screens, allowing personnel to observe the equipment without risking injury from moving parts.
Effective guarding depends on the size of its openings relative to the distance from the hazard it is guarding against.
They often cover the entire length of the conveyor belt where accessible to personnel, such as along walkways. Different industries and regions have their own standards and regulatory requirements for these safety measures, which should be thoroughly considered during conveyor system design.
Guards should require tools to allow for their removal.
It's essential to ensure that service access is provided to all equipment while designing these guards. They should be designed carefully to not interfere with regular maintenance activities, yet require special tools for removal to prevent unauthorized access by employees attempting maintenance.
Following service procedures, it's crucial to return guards to their proper position before restarting the conveyor to maintain safety standards.