Safety is paramount when running an industrial facility. But are you utilizing the proper techniques when using these facilities, especially roller conveyor systems? Unsafe practices can lead to accidents and downtime, making processes slower and less efficient than they need to be. Thus, we’ll discuss seven safety tips for using roller conveyors in industries.
Roller conveyors are used in many industries, from retail stores to warehouses, factories, and more. They are commonly used for moving heavy and/or bulky items while keeping them organized. However, they also need careful consideration when it comes to safety precautions.
No matter your industry, proper use of roller conveyors is essential for your employees’ highest level of safety. Several measures help reduce the chance of injury due to improper installation, operation, and maintenance of roller conveyor systems. But before we delve into them, let us look into the concept of a roller conveyor.
What is a Roller Conveyor?
A roller conveyor is a conveyor system that uses rollers to move items along a flat surface. A motor powers the rollers, providing forward momentum to the items on the conveyor. So, it allows them to move from one end of the conveyor to the other.
You’ll mostly find a roller conveyor in manufacturing and distribution facilities. They transport goods, packages, and materials from one location to another.
Yet, the types of roller conveyors available vary depending on the application they are being used for. You can also configure them with bends, gates, and other ancillary equipment to suit the needs of the environment they are being used in.
Roller conveyors offer various benefits, including increased efficiency and productivity for workers when transporting goods. While they’re so great, you must be very careful using them. Due to this, we have examined seven tips for using roller conveyors safely.
1. Ensure its Total Functionality
The proper functioning of conveyor controls is essential for any conveyor system’s safe operation. Without properly working controls, a conveyor system can become unreliable and dangerous. This can lead to costly downtime and potential injury. It could even lead to a worker’s death if the system malfunctions.
To ensure that conveyor controls are operating correctly, they need regular maintenance. All these include checking wiring connections and inspecting belts and chains for wear and tear. Also, you must keep up with software updates to ensure that the control systems are running the latest version of their programming.
Regularly maintaining the system’s components can help prevent unexpected breakdowns that could lead to serious problems.
2. Keep the Roller Conveyor Clear of Obstructions
Obstructions could be in any form, such as dirt, hair, or loose clothing items. Whatever they are, they can malfunction the conveyor and even cause an accident. The reason is that these items can easily get caught in the moving parts of a conveyor belt, resulting in serious injuries.
Loose clothing, such as scarves or long sleeves, can be pulled into the machinery and cause entanglement. Similarly, long hair can also get caught in the moving parts of a conveyor belt and cause severe injury.
To avoid this, you must keep the area around the roller conveyor clear of any objects that could interfere with its operation. Also, if you have long hair, tie it to the back before working near a conveyor belt.
3. Wear Appropriate Safety Gear
Even if you do the slightest job in the industry, it’s essential to wear the right safety gear. These include safety glasses, gloves, and hard hats.
Safety goggles protect your eyes from debris or dust, while gloves protect your hands from cuts or scrapes. Also, steel-toed shoes protect your feet from heavy items that may fall from the conveyor. Also, you might wear hearing protection if the conveyor generates excessive noise.
Wearing the appropriate safety gear helps to reduce the risk of injury. It also ensures a safer work environment for everyone using the roller conveyor.
4. Train Your Employees on its Usage
You must train employees on the proper usage of a roller conveyor. Proper training can help employees understand the conveyor’s operating procedures. These include how to load and unload items, how to avoid hazards safely, and how to respond during emergencies. Besides, training can help to prevent accidents and injuries, ensuring that the conveyor is used efficiently.
Training should include reviewing the conveyor’s design, construction, and components. You should also instruct employees on the proper use of safety devices, such as emergency stop buttons.
Moreover, employees should receive hands-on training, either through a demonstration. This method helps them to have a complete understanding of how to safely and effectively use the equipment.
5. All Conveyor Guards Must Be in Place
Ensure that all conveyor guards are in place before operating a conveyor. Conveyor guards protect workers from potential hazards associated with the operation of the conveyor, such as pinch points and moving parts. Without these guards, workers can be exposed to serious injury or even death.
To check that all conveyor guards are in place, inspect the system for any missing or damaged components. All guardrails should be securely mounted and properly aligned with the conveyor belt. Any loose bolts or screws should be tightened, and any broken parts should be replaced immediately.
6. Only Qualified Employees ShouldOperate the Roller Conveyor
Only qualified employees should operate the roller conveyor to ensure more safety in the industry. These employees must be familiar with the equipment and its operation. They should also understand the safety procedures associated with the conveyor, such as how to stop it in an emergency.
Qualified personnel should also be able to identify potential hazards and know how to respond if an accident occurs. Furthermore, they should be trained to inspect and maintain the conveyor.
7. Turn Off and Lock Out the Conveyor Before Cleaning
Before cleaning the roller conveyor, always turn off and lock out the power source. This will prevent the conveyor from starting unexpectedly while someone is cleaning or performing maintenance.
To ensure that the power source is locked out, use a lockout/tagout device. This device will physically prevent anyone from turning on the power source until it is removed.
Conclusion
Roller conveyors are a great asset to any industry. However, taking the necessary safety precautions when using them is essential. Following these seven safety tips ensures that your employees and equipment remain safe while using the roller conveyor.
