Emma Radebaugh
Conveyors are monumental to manufacturer productivity and efficacy. However, they are also a common source of injury in fabrication shops due to negligence. Proper training and strict workplace safety guidelines can help minimize on-site accidents. Read these conveyor safety tips for professionals.
Confirm Clearance Before Starting Equipment
Before turning your conveyor system on, be sure that all personnel and additional materials are clear of the equipment. Forgetting to check can pose a severe threat to an unsuspecting coworker.
You can implement a loud and flashing alert system to warn employees when machinery is about to start up. Include alarm systems throughout your plant and discuss their importance and meaning during training.
Tie Up Hair, Avoid Loose Clothing and Jewelry
One of the most important conveyor safety tips for professionals is to stay clear of moving machinery. Employees should keep all loose materials and body parts away from an active conveyor.
Dangling jewelry, loose clothing, untied hair, and poor spatial awareness can cause serious workplace injuries. All fabrication shop employees and visitors should adjust any clothing or hair that could get caught before going near the conveyor system.
Do Not Load a Stopped Conveyor or Overload
It may seem convenient to place products onto a conveyor belt when it’s stopped, but it poses a safety risk. Stocking the belt while it is inactive can be detrimental to the equipment and cause overheating once the machine starts up again.
Another reason to avoid loading a stopped conveyor is that its startup could catch you off guard. Unexpected conveyor movements can cause injury and product damage.
Overcrowding the conveyor is also dangerous, and it is one of the major causes of conveyor slippage. Slippage is a workplace hazard that leads to a decrease in productivity and potentially costly repairs.
Mind Pinch Points and Check Covers, Guards
Pinch points are a natural occurrence in a conveyor’s structure. Anyone working on the conveyor belt should be wary of its pinch points. Covers and guards protect employees from harmful conveyor chains, belts, and gears. Still, it is critical to know the locations of pinch points in case of guard or cover removal. Trained, authorized personnel are the only ones who should interact with conveyor guards and covers to avoid employee endangerment.
To maximize conveyor system safety and productivity at your manufacturing facility, incorporate routine training. Educating your employees on the dangers of conveyor misuse is critical to injury prevention. With the proper knowledge and safety precautions in place, you can feel confident your facility prioritizes employee safety.
