// Garages

Conveyors - Safety

What should I know when working at or near a conveyor? There are many hazards associated with working at or near a conveyor, including: Rotating parts or pinch points can drag in, crush or entangleConfinement or assembly areas (the area between a fixed object and a moving one) can shear or crushParts that slide or reciprocate (press down) can crush or shearItems can break or be ejected (thrown from) the conveyor systemItems can fall off the conveyorElectrical, fire or explosion hazardsWhen working near any conveyor: Do Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the task, including a hard hat and safety shoes.

foot protection head protection

What should I know when working at or near a conveyor?

There are many hazards associated with working at or near a conveyor, including: When working near any conveyor: Do Do Not

requirement Rotating parts or pinch points can drag in, crush or entangle
requirement Confinement or assembly areas (the area between a fixed object and a moving one) can shear or crush
requirement Parts that slide or reciprocate (press down) can crush or shear
requirement Items can break or be ejected (thrown from) the conveyor system
requirement Items can fall off the conveyor
requirement Electrical, fire or explosion hazards
ppe Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the task, including a hard hat and safety shoes.
requirement Tie back (and tuck in) long hair.
requirement Know the location of the emergency "shut-off" devices and how to use them.
administrative Regularly inspect the conveyor, checking for loose or damaged parts
engineering Make sure all safeguards and guards, including cages, barriers, guardrails, warning signals, and other safety devices that are required are in place and operational.
requirement Consider working in pairs in case an emergency occurs.
administrative Follow your training and know how to work near machinery safely.
requirement Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery.
ppe Do not climb, step, sit or ride on the conveyors, even when it is stopped.
engineering Do not alter or remove guards or safety devices.
requirement Do not override safety controls
requirement Do not try to remove stuck items or debris until the conveyor is locked out.
administrative Do not service the conveyor without following lock-out procedures.

What are some safety tips for working near a gravity conveyor?

Gravity conveyors include those that have rollers, wheels or chutes where objects move by gravity or momentum only. Do

engineering Guard pinch points on rollers and wheels and between the conveyor and receiving table.
engineering Provide adequate guardrails along the sides to prevent all objects from falling off.
requirement Provide retarders (friction areas) if heavy objects are conveyed.
requirement Ensure there are warning devices near the receiving areas if you cannot see the packages moving on the conveyor.
requirement Ensure draft checks (fire doors) are installed where conveyors pass through fire walls or floors.

What are some tips when working at a "powered" conveyor?

"Powered" or "power" conveyors include the use of belts, live rollers, slats, or buckets. Do

context Position yourself so that you are not hit by objects moving down the conveyor.
context Ensure that you can see the conveyor system when you are at the operating controls.
context Ensure that guards are in place for all moving parts of the drive system and in all zones where hazards such as in-running nip, drawing-in, trapping and crushing, friction burns or abrasion are present (includes above, sides, and below the conveyor).
context Guard all pinch points between the conveyor system and fixed objects.
context Locate guardrails around low-level conveyors and areas where conveyors pass through the floor or ceiling.
context Locate emergency stop cut-off switches near the operator and along the length of the conveyor at approximately 30 metres (100 feet) apart (or closer).
context Ground belts on belt conveyors to prevent static buildup.

What are additional tips when working with other types of conveyors?

When working with aerial conveyors: When working with bucket conveyors: When working with pneumatic conveyors: When working with portable conveyors: When working with movable conveyors:

context Make sure that guards and protection plates are in place to protect people working below from falling objects.
context Make sure that both vertical and horizontal bucket conveyors are totally enclosed.
context Familiarize yourself with control devices and release valves to cut off airflow in the event of a blockage.
context Shield joints and access points to prevent material from being thrown in the event of gasket failure.
context Ensure that screening is in place at the suction end to prevent large objects from being sucked in.
context Use only weatherproof electrical components.
context Make sure power cables are located where they will not be walked on or run over.
context Make sure that sideboards are high enough to prevent large items from falling and smaller items from being thrown by the wind.
context Chock the wheels on trucks and rail cars that are being loaded or emptied by portable conveyors.
context Do not exceed the rated load capacity of the conveyor.
context Install barrier guards, guardrails and/or mark the ground to indicate operating area of the conveyor.

Are there issues, other than safety, I should know about?

Yes. If working at a conveyor or belt, repetitive motions, reaching, and lifting may lead to Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD) especially when movements are done quickly and for a long period of time. The following case studies are available as examples and the information can be applied to a variety of situations:

context Conveyor - Ergonomics
context Bottle Recycling Department of a Brewery
context Fish Processing