Conveyor Systems

GUARDING Protecting Life & Limb

METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - - On December 21, 1999, a 22-year-old Laborer with 2 weeks of mining experience was fatally injured when his clothes became entangled in a self cleaning pulley and he was subsequently pulled into the moving machine parts. The victim had entered into a confined space area containing an unguarded self-cleaning pulley that was in operation. Guards had been provided to protect persons from the moving machine parts, however, the guards had been removed and were laying on the ground. Best Practices >Each work place must be examined at least once on each shift for conditions which may adversely affect safety or health >Prompt action must be initiated to correct hazardous conditions >Moving machine parts must be guarded to protect persons from contacting them >Guards must be securely in place while machinery is being operated >New employees must be indoctrinated in safety rules and safe work procedures

METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On August 9, 1999, a 25-year-old laborer with 4 weeks mining experience was fatally injured at a sand and gravel operation. The victim was using a hoe to clean material underneath an operating conveyor belt when he was caught and drawn into the pinch point at a return roller. Maintenance should not be performed unless the power is off and machinery components are blocked against hazardous motion. Moving machine parts should be guarded to protect persons from contact that could cause injury. Best Practice

METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On April 12, 2000, a 38-year-old laborer with 4 years mining experience was fatally injured at a crushed stone operation. The victim and a co-worker were making adjustments to a new conveyor installation. The victim was aligning the extended grease lines for the bend pulley from inside the conveyor frame. He was caught and drawn into the pinch point when the conveyor was started without his knowledge. Best Practices Maintenance should not be performed unless the power is off and machinery components are blocked against motion. Visible or audible warinings should be provided before conveyor start-up when the entire length of the conveyor is not visible from the starting switch. Mine operators should take measures to assure all personnel are trained in safe work procedures.

METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On April 21, 2000, an 18-year-old plant operator with 1 year mining experience was fatally injured at a sand and gravel operation. The victim, who had been operating the plant alone, became entangled in the unguarded tail pulley of the sand washer conveyor. Best Practices Moving machine parts should be guarded to protect persons from contact that could cause injury. Conveyors should be provided with emergency stop cords along their entire length. Mine operators should take measures to assure all personnel are trained in safe work procedures.

Equipment Guarding MSHA’s number one citation for the past several years. Shafts, sprockets, pulleys, rotating parts and pinch points must be guarded. Guards cannot create a hazard.

Equipment Guarding MSHA’s number one citation for the past several years. Shafts, sprockets, pulleys, rotating parts and pinch points must be guarded. Guards cannot create a hazard.

Why is this a Bad Guard?

Why is this a Better Guard?

Why is this a Bad Guard?

Why is this a Better Guard?

Man vs. Machine Man lost.

Man vs. Machine Man lost again.

Man attempted to pick up some tools from the ground beneath the drill head when his clothes became caught in the rotating rod. Clothes

Machine Guarding This man lost his finger when a machine in a foundry cut it off. There was no guard in place, as required by law, to keep his finger out of a point of contact.

Conveyor safety rules that can help prevent a tragedy  Don’t attempt to service or repair a conveyor without procedures for locking out power.  Never walk, ride, sit, or climb on a conveyor not intended for that purpose.  When working near conveyor, don’t wear loose clothing, jewelry, or other articles that might catch.  Do not operate any conveyor without thorough training in its use.  Don’t overload conveying equipment.  To avoid slips, be sure all work areas ared clean and grease free.  Keep all body parts away from moving parts of conveyors.  Do not operate any conveyor unless all safety guards, covers, and maintenance panels are in place.  “ REMEMBER LET GO ’’

Can you take the chance?

Remember…. Guarding is the only way to make machines TRULY human friendly.