TOP 10 LIST SHORTCUTS FIRES LACK OF GUARDING NEGLECTED SAFETY EQUIPMENT MIS-TRACKING BELTS PROBLEM: Unsafe practices such as taking a ‘shortcut’ by crossing under an operating belt conveyor can lead to injury. PROBLEM: If the belt slips or stops moving and the drive pulley continues to rotate, temperatures are quickly reached at the pulley/ belt interface that are sufficient to cause ignition of the belt, pulley lagging, or combustible bulk materials. PROBLEM: The removal of guarding – and the non-replacement of guarding after maintenance procedures are completed – can create a risk when the conveyor is restarted. PROBLEM: Neglected safety equipment (such as the broken cord on this pull-rope emergency-stop switch) creates a hazard, preventing workers from acting quickly to shut down the conveyor. PROBLEM: Mis-tracking belts can cause significant spillage – as well as damage to belts and support structures – and may even create a potential fire hazard. SOLUTION: Secure walkways with handrails. Walkways should be provided at any point at which workers may need to cross the conveyor path. SOLUTION: Suggested points of application for a fire-suppression system along a belt conveyor. SOLUTION: Effective guarding is needed to control the hazards from a number of unique conveyor-related components and circumstances. SOLUTION: Emergency stop cords should be placed throughout the length of the conveyor and regularly inspected for signs of wear or damage. SOLUTION: Conveyor belt tracking systems mitigate misalignment along the conveyor path, rather than correcting it after the fact, to promote greater efficiency and safety. Content provided by Martin Engineering www.martin-eng.com Canadian BIOMASS 25
Canadian Biomass January-February 2018: Page 25
