Conveyor Guarding Guidelines

Conveyors and pulleys should be equipped with a metal guard that does not allow workers either operating the machinery or traveling around it to become entangled in the moving parts of the machinery.

Training

• One of the most important aspects in the proper use of conveyor guards is training in their use and operation, according to the Mine Safety and Health Administration. Guards are positioned to deny employees access to areas of the machinery including nip points and moving parts.

Position

• Where guards are used on conveyor machines in an elevated position allowing employee access to areas beneath the conveyor, the guard should be placed around the entire area of the exposed conveyor. Gaps can be placed in the guard to allow material to fall through the guard, but should not be large enough to allow workers the ability to access the moving parts of the conveyor.

Tools

• To clear blockages, conveyor operators should use tools to access the conveyor, operators should not use any part of their body to work on a machine still in operation. Emergency stop cords should be positioned in areas where walkways run alongside a conveyor machine.