Conveyor Safety

Conveyors are the simplest form of automation, transferring parts, assemblies or loose material from one place to another to avoid manual handling. Despite their apparent simplicity, conveyors account for a large number of injuries to workers. Figures published by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive)*, indicate that in the food and drink industries some 30 percent of all injuries caused by machinery are attributable to conveyors – with 90 percent of conveyor injuries occurring on flat belt conveyors. The majority of hazards are in areas such as in-running nips, transmission parts and trapping points between moving and fixed parts. Furthermore, 90 percent of injuries occur during normal operations such as production activities, clearing of blockages, and general cleaning.

Since 1998, users of conveyors have been legally obliged to perform a PUWER assessment – which often reveals that existing safeguards are inadequate and that additional measures are needed. In addition, companies purchasing off-the-shelf, configured-to-order or custom-built conveyors frequently have to design and fit extra guarding.

A systems integrator based in Lancashire is able to provide engineering support to resolve conveyor issues. The experienced engineers are able to monitor, identify and rectify where risks pose a hazard. If necessary they have the ability to provide bespoke new conveying or modify existing to meet the needs of a PUWER assessment and improve line efficiency.