Roller conveyors are machines that are made from mostly steel and stainless steel that use powered or non-powered conveyor rollers to move the loads of goods or products from one place to another. Roller conveyors help to move items without causing any damage. They are being used in warehouses, factories, and other businesses.

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1-A. What is a Conveyor Roller

A conveyor roller is a key component in many conveyor systems. As its name suggests, it is a roller that helps to move items along the conveyor belt. Conveyor rollers are usually made from strong and durable materials such as steel, making them ideal for high-traffic areas.

In its simplest form, a roller consists of a steel tube, a shaft, and ball bearings. They are also often coated with a low-friction material, which helps to keep the conveyor belt moving smoothly.

In some cases, conveyor rollers may also be equipped with additional features such as motors, as is the case with MDR conveyors. These additional features can help to improve the efficiency of the conveyor system.

1-B. What is an MDR Conveyor Roller

MDR stands for motor-driven roller, and these rollers are driven by an electric motor. MDR conveyor rollers are used in various applications, including package handling, assembly line manufacturing, and warehouse automation. MDR conveyor rollers are available in various sizes and styles to suit the needs of any application.

MDR conveyor rollers are typically used in accumulation and high-speed sortation conveyor systems but can also be used in other types of conveying systems, such as gravity conveyors. MDR conveyor rollers are more expensive than conventional idler rollers, but they offer several advantages, including higher capacity, longer life, and better reliability. They also offer a much higher ROI as compared to other types of conveyors. Energy savings alone could be worth the switch to some.

Top 7 Safety Features Your Conveyor Should Have

Adhering to complex OSHA mining conveyor safety regulations can be an ongoing challenge. There are many moving parts and areas where accidents could occur. However, failure to comply poses serious legal, financial, and reputational risks.

Adding key safety features to your conveyor systems can mitigate hazards and ensure your operations conform to regulatory rules. Read on to learn more about OSHA conveyor safety and compliance.

IMPORTANCE OF CONVEYOR SAFETY IN MINING

Mining conveyors pose inherent safety risks due to multiple moving parts, heavy loads, and continuous operation. Well-implemented safety components and protocols ensure compliance and foster a safe working environment. 

Here are the top seven mining conveyor safety features you should consider:

1. GUARDING

Proper conveyor guarding prevents access to moving parts and hazardous areas. It is an effective measure to protect operators from injuries caused by moving components. The impact of guarding on worker safety is significant, as it directly reduces the risk of accidents and injuries.

OSHA REGULATIONS ON GUARDING

OSHA&#;s General Industry Standard, specifically 29 CFR .219, underlines the requirements for guarding machinery. This standard directly applies to conveyor systems, mandating guards to protect workers from moving parts, pinch points, and other potential hazards.

2. EMERGENCY SHUT-OFF BUTTONS

Emergency shut-off buttons or pull cords are vital for immediate response in hazardous situations. These controls allow for the quick shutdown of the conveyor, thereby minimizing the risk of accidents and enhancing safety. Quick and unimpeded access to emergency controls is essential for effective emergency response.

OSHA STANDARDS FOR EMERGENCY CONTROLS

According to OSHA&#;s Conveyor Standard, 29 CFR .261, conveyors must have easily accessible emergency stop devices. This regulation ensures workers can quickly halt conveyor operations in an emergency.

3. START-UP WARNING SYSTEMS

Start-up warning systems allow operators and nearby workers sufficient time to clear the area before the conveyor starts. These systems provide audible or visible signals that enhance safety by alerting workers allowing them to move to safe locations.

OSHA AND START-UP WARNINGS

OSHA guidelines related to conveyor warning systems are an integral part of safety protocols. These guidelines ensure that workers have adequate warning before the conveyor operation commences. This early warning system helps to reduce accident risks significantly.

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4. SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE

Performing regular maintenance is vital for spotting safety issues before they worsen. Scheduled inspections and upkeep help find hazards like worn parts, loose components, or faulty equipment. This allows for prompt fixes and helps sustain the conveyor&#;s safety and integrity.

OSHA&#;S PERSPECTIVE ON MAINTENANCE

OSHA emphasizes the importance of regular inspections and maintenance of conveyors through its Conveyor Standard, 29 CFR .261. This standard mandates periodic checks to ensure the safe operation of conveyors.

Additionally, following the Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) standard (29 CFR .147) is vital during maintenance to safeguard workers. LOTO prevents unexpected startups that could endanger them.

5. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) directly safeguards against many hazards while safeguarding worker health and safety. Required PPE varies by work environment but can include safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection.

OSHA REGULATIONS ON PPE

The OSHA standard for PPE, 29 CFR .132, mandates employers to assess workplace hazards and provide appropriate personal protective equipment. This standard is crucial for ensuring that employees working with conveyors are adequately protected from potential risks.

6. SENSOR AND ALARMS

Sensors and alarms play a critical role in detecting abnormalities in the conveyor system. They can identify issues like jammed materials, excessive loads, or equipment malfunctions. These warning systems are crucial for preventing shutdowns and accidents, enhancing the overall safety of the conveyor system.

OSHA GUIDELINES FOR TECHNOLOGICAL SAFETY MEASURES

OSHA regulations on using technology for safety in conveyor systems are integral to modern safety protocols. They ensure conveyors have the latest safety technology to detect and respond promptly to potential hazards. Applicable regulations can include:

29 CFR .555 &#; Conveyors: This regulation covers the safety requirements for various types of conveyors, including using technology to enhance safety.

29 CFR .147 &#; Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout): While not specific to conveyors, it pertains to machinery safety, which can include safety technology on conveyors.

29 CFR .212 &#; General Requirements for Guarding of Machinery and Mechanical Power Transmission Apparatus: This regulation addresses guarding and safety measures for machinery, which may involve conveyor systems and their safety technology.

7. PROPER STICKERS AND WARNING LABELS

Stickers and warning labels are essential for conveyor safety. They offer clear, visible instructions and warnings to workers. These labels inform about potential hazards and safety procedures associated with operating or working near conveyors. They serve as reminders for the use of necessary protective gear and guide on safe machinery operation.

OSHA GUIDELINES FOR STICKERS AND WARNING LABELS

Under OSHA&#;s General Requirements (29 CFR .22), maintaining a safe and orderly workplace is crucial. This includes the use of stickers and warning labels around conveyors. Employees should place these strategically so that they&#;re easily seen and understood.

WEST RIVER CONVEYORS SAFETY FEATURES 

Our conveyors integrate all the safety components outlined above. If you require any of these mechanisms, you can have us install them directly. Our experienced team fabricates a wide range of customizable guarding options in-house to meet all safety standards.

Our expert fabricators can integrate these safety features into new or existing systems to guarantee compatibility with your West River Conveyors equipment. We comply with OSHA regulations and verify that all necessary protective mechanisms are included on our conveyors.

For instance:

• Guarding complies with the Mechanical Power-Transmission Apparatus standard (29 CFR .219)
• Emergency shut-off buttons adhere to the Conveyor Standard (29 CFR .261)
• Regular inspections and maintenance follow the guidelines of the Conveyor Standard (29 CFR .261) and the Lockout/Tagout standard (29 CFR .147)
• Personal Protective Equipment provided aligns with the OSHA PPE standard (29 CFR .132)

GET EXPERT CONVEYOR SAFETY GUIDANCE  

Implementing the above safety features will help create an efficient, productive, and sustainable working environment. Worker morale will also improve as the company takes the necessary steps to ensure their health and well-being.

At West River Conveyors, we have over 40 years of experience building high-performance and long-lasting mining conveyors for various industries. We can help you navigate through the often-complex maze of conveyor safety regulations and requirements.

We invite you to click below to learn more about our innovative conveyor safety features.

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