Safe Use Of Conveyors

What should I know when working at or near a conveyor?

When working near any conveyor:

• Wear hard hat and safety shoes.
• Tie back (and tuck in) long hair.
• Know the location of the emergency "shut-off" devices and how to use them.
• Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery.
• Do not climb on the conveyors.

What are some safety tips for working near a gravity conveyor?

Gravity conveyors include those that have rollers, wheels or chutes where objects move by gravity or momentum only.

Do

• Guard pinch points on rollers and wheels and between the conveyor and receiving table.
• Provide adequate guardrails along sides to prevent all objects from falling off.
• Provide retarders (friction areas) if heavy objects are conveyed.
• Ensure there are warning devices near the receiving areas if you cannot see the packages moving on the conveyor.
• Ensure draft checks (fire doors) are installed where conveyors pass through fire walls or floors.

What are some tips when working at a "powered" conveyor?

"Powered" or "power" conveyors include the use of belts, live rollers, slats, or buckets.

Do

• Position yourself so that you are not hit by objects moving down the conveyor.
• Ensure that you can see the conveyor system when you are at the operating controls.
• Ensure that guards are in place for all moving parts of the drive system and in all zones where hazards such as in-running nip, drawing-in, trapping and crushing, friction burns or abrasion are present.
• Guard all pinch points between the conveyor system and fixed objects.
• Locate guardrails around low level conveyors and areas where conveyors pass through the floor/ceiling.
• Locate emergency stop cut-off switches near the operator and along the length of the conveyor at approximately 30 metres (100 feet) apart (or closer).
• Ground belts on belt conveyors to prevent static buildup.

Do Not

• Do not service the conveyor without following lock-out procedures.
• What are additional tips when working with other types of conveyors?

When working with aerial conveyors:

• Make sure that guards and protection plates are in place to protect people working below from falling objects.

When working with bucket conveyors:

• Make sure that both vertical and horizontal bucket conveyors are totally enclosed.

When working with pneumatic conveyors:

• Familiarize yourself with control devices and release valves to cut off air flow in the event of blockage.
• Shield joints and access points to prevent material from being thrown in the event of gasket failure.
• Ensure that screening is in place at the suction end to prevent large objects from being sucked in.

When working with portable conveyors:

• Use only weatherproof electrical components.
• Make sure power cables are located where they will not be walked on or run over.
• Make sure that sideboards are high enough to prevent large items from falling and smaller items from being thrown by the wind.
• Chock the wheels on trucks and rail cars that are being loaded or emptied by portable conveyors.
• Do not exceed the rated load capacity of the conveyor.

When working with movable conveyors:

• Install barrier guards, guardrails and/or mark the ground to indicate operating area of the conveyor.

Are there issues, other than safety, I should know about?

Yes. If working at a conveyor or belt, repetitive motions, reaching, and lifting may lead to Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD) especially when movements are done quickly and for a long period of time.

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