Friday, September 24, 2010

Conveyor Safety Tips for Mechanics

Mechanics are exposed to more conveyor hazards than most other mine employees. Conveyors are of ten involved in many mining deaths and injuries. You can help yourself work safer. When near this machinery, watch for conveyor hazards and work safely.


Conveyors can grab you
... don’t get caught up.

Working Smart
• Lock out the conveyor power switch and tag it be fore you work on that conveyor.
• Align the belt from a safe place and only after you’re sure the conveyor can’t grab you.
• Re turn idlers look safe, but they can hurt you. Never try to fix or adjust them while the conveyor is running.
• Stay clear of suspended loads when install ing or repairing a conveyor.
• Conveyor stop cords are for your safety. Check them period i cally to make sure they actually work.
• Use a harness or safety belt and line when work ing where you can fall from a conveyor.

Safe Maintenance
• If the belt’s in motion, don’t manu ally apply belt dressing. Only pressur ized dressings can be put on while the conveyor is running.
• Put the guard back in place when you’re donework ing on the machine.
• Don’t try to dislodge rocks from pulleys while the conveyor is running.
• Block convey ors against hazard ous motion be fore repairing or doing mainte nance on the machine.