Between January 2011 and September 2016 there were 107 reported injuries involving conveyors at mine sites*. This statistic was published after a worker was seriously injured after he was caught in a moving conveyor. He sustained a de-gloving injury, friction burns, and multiple fractures to his hands, arms, and back.
We recommend that you stay safe by checking your operations have adequate and compliant safety measures in place. Here are our essential six safety actions to reduce injury while working with or around conveyors, including providing appropriate guarding to dangerous parts of a conveyor, enforcing isolation procedures for plant and machinery, and installing sufficient emergency stop devices on conveyors.
#1: Nip Point Protection / K-Protector® Return Idler Guard
A vital piece of guard equipment where conveyor rollers present significant safety risks. The AS compliant K-Protector® Return Idler Guard is suitable for all roller diameters and belt widths. It is lightweight and its design allows for easy but safe access for roller change out or cleaning.
#2: Roller Changeout Injury Prevention / K-Retractable Impact Idler Frames
An injury prone area. Retractable frames can be changed under conveyor transfer points without the idler frames being laid down or removed. Replaces need for predetermined mounting/feet hole pitch and/ or position along the conveyor stringer. Easily positioned before/ after obstacles such as safety switches.
#3: Belt Wander Alarms / Safe-T-Drift Belt Misalignment Switch
Made for high speed applications, having a pre-warn ALARM contact and final TRIP micro switches both individually adjustable. Switch pre-wired to tunnel terminals , robust UV stable, flame retardent (VO rating) PBT/PC non corrosive plastic enclosure to IP67. Arms fully 360° adjustable. The must-have compliant failsafe.
#4: Immediate Complete Stop / Safe-T-Lanyard Pull Wire Rope
Manufactured for reliability and precision for use with emergency pull wire system. Complies with Machinery Standards AS4024.1604-2006 Actuator Colour compliant red. UV stable and will withstand harshest of enviroments. Available in Stainless Steel and Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) multi-filament melt spun yarn rope.
#5: Safety Signs / Emergency Stop Sign
Universally understood and clearly communicated essential safety signs for all authorised personnel working around the conveyor. Highly reflective. Bracket mounting. Safety signage AS1755-2000 compliance requires visibility compliance every 30 metres.
#6: Slip and Trip Hazard Avoidance / Belt Tracking Devices
Avoid serious OHS problems caused by material spillige. Both slip/trip hazards and clean-up injuries can cause unproductive disruption to operations. There are a range of effective belt tracking devices to assist with bulk material containment as well as dust suppression/management.
Kinder Australia has recently developed a Insight Into Guarding manual, and have presented this at several bulk materials handling industry forums – CLICK HERE, and we will rush you a copy.
If you have any questions about working safely around conveyors, speak to one of our conveyor sales engineers by phone on 03 8587 9111 or email us at [email protected] We will immediately advise you on your specific requirements to ensure that your site works efficiently and your team stays safe.
*reported in Australian Mining, September 2016 https://www.australianmining.com.au/news/worker-sustains-burns-fractures-conveyor-accident/