--- title: What To Observe & Note During Conveyor Inspections description: 'Walking the Belt' involves routine conveyor inspections, adjustments, and documentation of issues. The belt inspector ensures operational safety by promptly addressing hazards and following a comprehensive checklist. --- [Skip to content](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/belt-conveyor-maintenance-inspection#main-content) ![Martin Engineering Signature Logo](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MartinEng_Sig_2c_RGB.png?height=40&name=MartinEng_Sig_2c_RGB.png) - Topics Show submenu for Topics - [Belt Conveyor System Basics](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/basics-of-belt-conveyor-systems) - [Mistracking](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/conveyor-belt-mistracking) - [Conveyor and Component Damage](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/belt-conveyor-and-component-damage) - [Carryback and Belt Cleaning](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/material-carryback-and-belt-cleaning) - [New Technology](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/new-technology-and-innovation) - [Material Flow](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/material-flow) - [Safety](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/belt-conveyor-safety) - [Dust Management](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/dust-management) - [Maintenance](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/belt-conveyor-system-maintenance) - [Spillage](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/material-spillage) Open main navigation Close main navigation - Topics Show submenu for Topics - [Belt Conveyor System Basics](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/basics-of-belt-conveyor-systems) - [Mistracking](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/conveyor-belt-mistracking) - [Conveyor and Component Damage](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/belt-conveyor-and-component-damage) - [Carryback and Belt Cleaning](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/material-carryback-and-belt-cleaning) - [New Technology](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/new-technology-and-innovation) - [Material Flow](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/material-flow) - [Safety](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/belt-conveyor-safety) - [Dust Management](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/dust-management) - [Maintenance](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/belt-conveyor-system-maintenance) - [Spillage](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/material-spillage) - [Request Assistance](https://info.martin-eng.com/request-assistance) [Request Assistance](https://info.martin-eng.com/request-assistance?hsLang=en) Hi! How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Foundations™ Learning Center](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge?hsLang=en) 2. [Belt Conveyor System Maintenance](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/belt-conveyor-system-maintenance?hsLang=en) - [Basics of Belt Conveyor Systems](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/basics-of-belt-conveyor-systems?hsLang=en) - [Conveyor Belt Mistracking](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/conveyor-belt-mistracking?hsLang=en) - [Belt Conveyor and Component Damage](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/belt-conveyor-and-component-damage?hsLang=en) - [Material Carryback and Belt Cleaning](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/material-carryback-and-belt-cleaning?hsLang=en) - [Material Spillage](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/material-spillage?hsLang=en) - [Belt Conveyor Safety](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/belt-conveyor-safety?hsLang=en) - [Dust Management](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/dust-management?hsLang=en) - [Material Flow](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/material-flow?hsLang=en) - [New Technology and Innovation](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/new-technology-and-innovation?hsLang=en) - [Belt Conveyor System Maintenance](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/belt-conveyor-system-maintenance?hsLang=en) # What To Observe & Note During Conveyor Inspections ## Optimizing Conveyor Maintenance: A Comprehensive Guide to 'Walk the Belt' Inspections In its typical usage, 'walking the belt' refers to the routine inspection and servicing of conveyors within an operational facility. The individual tasked with this responsibility, often referred to as the 'belt boss' or plant's belt person, systematically walks the conveyor system. During this process, they inspect its operation, make minor adjustments or perform cleaning activities, and make note of any significant issues requiring further attention. ![2702H](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/2702H.png?width=688&height=461&name=2702H.png) The belt inspector should diligently document observed problems as they arise. For instance, they might note issues like 'The center roller on idler number 127 on Conveyor B is not turning' or 'There is significant spillage at the tail of Conveyor 3.' It is crucial to record these observations immediately rather than waiting until the inspection of a specific conveyor is complete or returning to the maintenance room. Notes can be recorded on paper or a digital device. A basic cell phone can even be used to leave voicemail messages for oneself, ensuring that critical observations are not forgotten amidst daily tasks. Additionally, using a digital camera or smartphone allows the inspector to capture photos of issues, which can then be shared for evaluation. Remaining stationary while 'walking' the conveyor may seem contradictory, but it is essential for the inspector to carefully observe the belt's operation as it completes at least one full revolution. This allows for a thorough examination of the [belt's condition](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/en/knowledge/conveyor-belt-damage?hsLang=en), including its [edges](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/en/knowledge/conveyor-belt-edge-damage?hsLang=en), [splices](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/en/knowledge/vulcanized-conveyor-belt-splices?hsLang=en), [top cover](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/en/knowledge/conveyor-belt-top-cover-wear?hsLang=en) beneath the skirtboard, and [tracking](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/en/knowledge/causes-of-conveyor-belt-mistracking?hsLang=en), to identify any potential problems. The inspector can also check whether the belt remains centered when loaded and unloaded. There may arise situations where immediate action is necessary. If the inspector identifies a risk to the belt, conveyor, or plant personnel—such as a tramp iron lodged in the structure, an overheating idler, smoldering material buildup, or other fire hazards—they must stop the belt promptly. Ensuring safety and preserving equipment integrity takes precedence over avoiding unscheduled downtime. It is crucial that the individual conducting the survey follows a comprehensive checklist of components to inspect during every 'walking the belt' conveyor inspection. This checklist should include manufacturer-recommended maintenance guidelines for various components and subsystems like samplers, scales, metal detectors, and magnets, tailored to each plant's specific needs.   [![Martin Engineering Signature Logo](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MartinEng_SigLogo_2c_150px_Padded.png?width=196&height=55&name=MartinEng_SigLogo_2c_150px_Padded.png "Martin Engineering Signature Logo")](https://www.martin-eng.com/) Foundations™ Learning Center Copyright © 2025, Martin Engineering