The Top 8 Hazards Associated With Conveyors
Conveyor rollers are essential to any industrial or manufacturing facility but have certain risks. It is important to be aware of the potential hazards associated with conveyors and take steps to protect workers from harm. Here we’ll discuss the top nine conveyor roller risks and tips for a safe workplace.
1.) Entanglement with Clothing/Hair/Body Parts
Entanglement with clothing, hair, or body parts is one of the most significant risks posed by conveyors. To prevent such incidents, here are some safety measures to take:
- Ensure that all rotating parts receive proper guarding at all times.
- Make sure there is adequate clearance between moving parts and other objects.
- Regularly inspect guards and guards in motion to ensure they are in working order.
- Wear appropriate PPE near conveyor belt rollers at all times.
Also, consider a dress code for employees, including non-loose clothing and long hair tied back in a bun or ponytail.
2.) Pinched Fingers or Other Body Parts
Pinched fingers and other body parts are additional hazards to be aware of when dealing with conveyors. To prevent such incidents from occurring, here are a few safety procedures to follow:
- Ensure that no fingers contact a moving belt or belt drive mechanism.
- Use proper guarding, such as barriers, fencing, and physical guards where applicable.
- Ensure workers know not to reach inside the conveyor system while running.
We want to help you maintain a safe and healthy workplace. Besides physical guards, consider utilizing jam-proofing devices as an extra safety measure. Contact us and ask one of our representatives at Conveyor Rollers about these options.
3.) Misalignment or Jamming of Rotating Components
When working with conveyor systems, misalignment or jamming of rotating components is a potential hazard. To avoid such incidents, here are some safety measures to take:
- Always check for proper alignment before starting a system, using visual inspections rather than physical probing as much as possible.
If misalignment occurs during operation, shut down the system immediately and perform repairs before restarting.
Ensure that employees avoid rotating components such as belts or rollers while a system is running.
In addition, think about utilizing jam-proofing and overload protection devices to help reduce the risks of misalignment or jamming.
4.) Shear Points
Shear points are a potential hazard when using conveyors in any environment. To reduce the risk of entrapment or other bodily harm, here are some safety measures to take:
- Ensure these areas are guarded appropriately, such as with protective barriers or fencing.
- Consider using safety mats at shear points for additional protection against unwanted entrapment.
- Be aware of any objects protruding from the system that could create a shear point if they come into contact with moving parts.
Employees should never put their hands or other body parts near shear points while the system runs.
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5.) Falling Objects and Overhead Hazards
Falling objects and overhead hazards can cause significant physical and financial damage if left unaddressed on industrial sites where conveyor rollers may be present. Safety measures to reduce the risk of such incidents should include:
- Developing suitable risk assessments and procedures for falling object protection (FOP).
- Scheduling regular inspections of overhead structures to look for signs of wear and tear.
- Training personnel to identify potential overhead hazards so they can respond quickly if necessary.
By implementing these preventive measures, businesses can create a safe environment while protecting against costly damages caused by falling objects or other overhead hazards.
6.) Crushing and Entrapment of Objects
Crushing and entrapment of objects can be dangerous in many industrial settings, mainly when dealing with belt-driven conveyor systems. To help minimize the risks associated with these occurrences, operators should take the following safety measures:
- Monitor the system closely while it is in operation and take action promptly if any issues arise.
- Ensure that guards are correctly positioned around the system to prevent potential hazards.
- Regularly inspect all conveyor system parts to ensure everything is functioning as expected.
Also, use appropriate guards and other safety devices, such as jam-proofing, to reduce the chances of entrapment or crushing.
7.) Electrical Hazards
Working with electrical components and machinery can be hazardous if not done safely. To help reduce the risks associated with electrical hazards associated with conveyors, businesses should take the following precautions:
- Ensure that all wiring is up to date before starting any machinery.
- Install copper sheeting around circuits when necessary for extra protection against electric shocks.
- Follow manufacturer instructions regarding safety procedures involving electricity usage near machinery.
With proper safety measures in place, businesses can help prevent electrical-related accidents or incidents from occurring.
8.) Fire or Explosion Hazards
Fire or explosion hazards can be found whenever combustible materials come into contact with hot surfaces, such as those found on motorized machinery. Businesses should take the following precautions to protect personnel and equipment from potential fires or explosions.
- Establish fire safety protocols around areas where combustible materials regularly pass through
- Have an evacuation plan ready in case of emergencies involving fires started near electrical circuits powering heavy-duty equipment
- Ensure employees know their roles during evacuations to escape affected zones quickly and safely
Adhering to these guidelines can help prevent fires, explosions, and other conveyor-related hazards that could cause irreparable damage. Having the proper protocols and ensuring everyone understands them is vital so they can act quickly if a fire hazard is detected.
Safety Tips To Reduce Conveyor Roller Accidents
Conveyor roller system safety is an integral part of any workplace safety program. To ensure the safety of workers, employers should implement a comprehensive conveyor safety program that includes training, regular inspections and maintenance, and proper guarding. Here are eight tips to help reduce accidents involving conveyor rollers:
- Don’t sit, stand, or walk on conveyors.
- Make sure conveyor controls are operating correctly.
- Keep hair, clothing, jewelry, and other loose items away from moving parts of the conveyor system.
- Installing proper boundaries and guards to protect miners from the moving parts of a conveyor system, including rollers and head/tail areas, is critical to ensure safety.
- Do not use unsafe conveyors until they have been made safe.
- Personnel must never climb, step or sit on a conveyor belt. At the same time, it is in motion or when it has been stopped for maintenance, repairs, conveyor rollers replacement, or repair work unless power is necessary for testing.
- Do not overload the conveyors beyond their capacity, as this can cause damage to the system or create hazardous conditions for workers nearby.
- Keep clear of hands, loose clothing, and other body parts from any exposed moving parts of the conveyor system at all times while it is in operation or when it has been stopped unless necessary.
By implementing these safety tips, workers can help ensure the conveyor system runs safely and efficiently. Taking the extra time to follow proper protocols while working with a roller conveyor system can drastically reduce the risk of accidents or incidents occurring in the workplace.
Regular Conveyor Roller Safety Training
It is essential that all personnel working with a conveyor system be adequately trained on its safe operation. Training should include the following topics:
- How to recognize potential hazards related to the conveyor system, including fire or explosion risks, electrical shock risks, and safety protocols for working near rollers or other moving parts
- The need for regular inspections to identify any potential maintenance issues, including alignment, wear and tear, or safety concerns
- The importance of following manufacturer instructions regarding safety procedures involving electricity usage near machinery
- How to properly install, use, and guard conveyor systems to prevent contact with moving parts that could lead to serious injury
By regularly training personnel and ensuring they understand the need for safe conveyor use, businesses can help reduce the risks of working near heavy-duty steel conveyor rollers systems. With adequate training, personnel can eliminate or minimize potential safety hazards using a roller conveyor system.
Key Takeaways:
Working with conveyor systems can present a variety of hazards that must be considered to ensure personnel safety. Following these guidelines can help workers identify and reduce potential risks associated with operating a conveyor system:
- Fire and explosion hazards associated with electrical circuits powering heavy-duty machinery.
- Loose clothing and hair can get caught in moving parts of the conveyor system.
- Overloading the conveyor beyond its capacity can create hazardous conditions.
- Regular inspections are needed to identify maintenance issues, alignment problems, and safety hazards.
- Personnel must be trained on properly installing, using, and guarding the system.
- Follow manufacturer instructions regarding electricity usage near the machinery.
By following basic safety protocols and regularly training staff on safe operation, businesses can ensure that personnel is safe when working with conveyor systems. Taking the extra time to identify potential risks associated with a conveyor roller system will help reduce accidents and serious incidents in the workplace.
Are you ready to expand, replace, or install a conveyor system in your business? Contact the experts at Conveyor Rollers today! We have the knowledge and experience to help you choose from the different types of conveyor rollers what the right conveyor system for your needs will be. Our experienced team can also provide top-notch custom conveyor rollers to ensure your business runs safely and efficiently.