Trough and flat belt conveyors account for approximately 40 percent of all accidents which occur on conveyors.

Considerable research has been devoted to the safe operation of these machines and methods have been devised which ensure that the principal dangerous parts can be satisfactorily guarded.

The object of this booklet is to assist industry to become more aware of the hazards by highlighting the risk areas, and defining and illustrating the guarding methods. This will assist management to meet their statutory responsibilities under the Machinery Act 1950 and improve the safety of persons working with these types of machines.

Table of Contents

DEFINITIONS
MACHINERY ACT 1950
ACCIDENT CAUSES AND DANGEROUS PARTS
CONVEYOR GUARDING
General
Head pulley fencing
Tail pulley fencing
Fencing of trippers and sweeps
Conveyor discharge nips
Idler rollers
Belt and pulley nip guards
Other pulleys
Projecting shafting
Belt fasteners and cleats
Nips between framework and moving parts
Reversible conveyors
Special considerations
CONVEYOR SAFETY
Access
Interlock mechanisms
Lockout systems
Starting and stopping devices
Maintenance
Lubrication
Material build-up
Static build-up
Training and supervision
Some safety rules for users of conveyors