Conveyors are used in a variety of industries to effectively transport materials. They reduce manual material handling tasks which increase productivity and efficiency. With conveyor manufacturers Ontario introducing conveyor systems which can transport materials horizontally, vertically, around curves, and at angles, they have also introduced additional hazards employees and management need to be aware of.
Types of Conveyor Systems
The basic types of conveyor systems are listed below:
- Powered
- Unpowered
- Live Roller
- Slat
- Chain
- Screw
- Pneumatic
With any conveyor system there are always dangers. This is why various ways to safeguard workers and the environment need to be implemented.
Some of those methods are listed below:
- Machine Guarding
- Secondary Safeguarding Methods
- Lockout Tagout Practices
Hazards and Conveyor-Related Injuries
Conveyor roller manufacturing companies have listed situational hazards which can create areas in which employees can be caught-in, struck-by, or crushed-by various parts of conveyor systems.
Fingers and hands are the most frequently injured parts of the body. These injuries occur in the following situations:
- Cleaning and Maintaining Conveyors
- Removing Debris
- Routine Maintenance of Conveyors
Cleaning and Maintaining Conveyors
It is absolutely necessary to clean and maintain conveyor systems. When they are properly maintained, they operate at maximum efficiency. It is necessary to remove damaged rollers and other components of the conveyor system at regular intervals. It is vital this be done when the conveyor system is offline. Injuries to fingers and hands can easily occur when attempting to clean the system while it is still in operation.
Removing Debris
Conveyor systems oftentimes become clogged with materials. This is particularly common in the food packaging industry. When food or other debris becomes clogged in the conveyor system it can affect function. One of the biggest hazards to workers occurs when trying to remove jammed debris from various areas of the conveyor system. When debris is removed, it can cause the system to jump, shearing fingers or hands off very easily. It is important to remove debris when the system is offline.
Routine Maintenance of Conveyors
All conveyor manufacturers Ontario, recommend regular maintenance at specific intervals. This is typically done with wiping down the system with a cloth. However, the cloth can easily get caught in areas of the conveyor. It can easily get caught and pull fingers and hands into the conveyor mechanism. All caution should be paid when working on or performing maintenance on the conveyor system. Industrial rollers manufacturers recommend all maintenance and cleaning occur when the system is entirely powered down. Only then can workers be assured they can perform their duties safely.
Allied Marine & Industrial will help you and your company perform regular maintenance to extend the lifespan of your conveyor system. Reach out for more information.
