Safety Guarding 101

An Overview of Conveyor Safety Guarding Systems

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Raquel Stroher

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August 10, 2021

Many industries rely on safety guarding systems. While commonly found in manufacturing and production facilities, this equipment is also used by the mining, transportation, automotive, and pharmaceutical industries, among many others. Regardless, safety is always a priority. This is why companies depend on products like flat guards.

In response to increased demand for higher productivity, workers now have access to more advanced conveyors and rotating equipment. However, even top-of-the-line machinery consists of different moving parts. To protect the people who operate these systems, companies take various protective measures. That includes installing machine guarding panels.

Keeping Employees Safe

Even one mishap can prove disastrous. Not only can it lead to serious injury but also halt production and damage a company’s reputation. Fortunately, wire machine guards and flat guards can significantly reduce risks.

Now, to ensure seamless operations and keep workers safe, companies that use conveyor systems should start with a superior quality piece of equipment. Today, reputable companies manufacture these systems to a much higher standard of safety.

Helpful Tips to Establish a Safer Work Environment

Even with the installation of wire machine guards and flat guards, companies that utilize conveyors must set clear safety guidelines. With everyone on the same page, any risk of injury or other consequences diminishes significantly.

Here are a few helpful tips to make a work environment that uses conveyors safer.

Operator Training

Along with implementing machine guarding panels, every conveyor operator needs extensive training. Not only does that include instruction when first learning to run the machine but also periodically. That way, operators are always up to speed on changes to safety requirements.

Material Handling Only

While not sitting, standing, climbing, or walking on a conveyor sounds like common sense, some people still make these mistakes. A conveyor system, even with excellent machine guarding panels installed, is for material handling only, not humans.

Never Overload

Although tempting to add an extra load to a conveyor to help speed up production, that’s another flawed decision. For one thing, this requires employees to work faster and harder, which creates risk. For another, this increases the chance of packages falling off and getting damaged.

Nothing Loose

At no time should an individual operating a conveyor have on loose clothing, jewelry, or belts. Even those with long hair must keep it securely up. As mentioned, conveyors have many moving parts. Yes, wire machine guards help tremendously, but at the same time, workers need to ensure that nothing could catch on the equipment.

Warning Signs

For any industry that relies on conveyors, they need to have warning signs posted in the appropriate places. Not only is this good business practice, but it’s also mandated according to government safety standards.

Protect Your Workers With Machine Guarding Panels

The best way to keep an employee safe is by implementing the best safety features. This is where Belt Conveyor Guarding can help. Contact us today so we can introduce you to the various machine guarding panels available.

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