This module covers safety considerations for handling materials using conveyors, general housekeeping measures to reduce hazards, and best practices for storing materials.
Example: A worker performing maintenance on a conveyor belt. Proper lockout procedures are essential to prevent potential fatalities.
Working Around Conveyors
When working with conveyors, employees may be exposed to several hazards, including:
- Nip points: Areas where the conveyor medium passes close to the frame, rollers, or support members, which can catch hands or clothing.
- Falling material: Workers may be struck by materials that fall off the conveyor.
- Entanglement: Workers can be drawn into the conveyor path, causing serious injury.
To prevent or reduce injuries, employers should implement engineering and administrative controls.
Engineering Controls
- Emergency Stop Mechanisms
- Install emergency buttons or pull cords at employee workstations to stop the conveyor immediately.
- Ensure emergency stop cables extend the full length of continuously accessible conveyors so they can be reached from any location.
- Design emergency stop switches to require a reset before restarting the conveyor.
- Guards and Barriers
- Provide guards where conveyors pass over work areas or aisles to protect employees from falling materials.
- Mark low-clearance guards with warning signs or bright paint to prevent accidental collisions.
- Fully cover screw conveyors except at loading and discharge points. Guards at these points must be movable but interlocked to prevent operation when removed.
Administrative Controls
- Ensure trained personnel inspect the conveyor and remove blockages before restarting it after a stoppage.
- Prohibit employees from riding on materials-handling conveyors.