Conveyor Guarding

Conveyors present several key hazards that necessitate proper guarding. The most common and serious risks include pinch points and nip points, which are created where a belt or chain moves over a pulley, roller, or gear. These points can easily catch and pull in clothing or body parts, leading to severe crushing injuries or amputations. Other hazards include shear points between a moving part and a stationary object, caught-in hazards from chains, sprockets, or belts, and hazards from falling materials or products. Guarding is essential to address all of these potential risks.

A comprehensive conveyor guarding solution goes beyond just a simple fence. It typically includes a combination of:

• Perimeter Guarding: Creating a secure barrier around the entire conveyor system to prevent unauthorized access.
• Underside Guarding: Panels placed beneath the conveyor to catch and contain any products, parts, or debris that may fall off, preventing them from becoming a trip hazard or striking workers below.
• Pinch Point Guards: Specific guards designed to cover and protect the dangerous pinch points at rollers and pulleys.
• Cross-over Access: Securely designed and guarded stairs or platforms that allow workers to safely cross over the conveyor without climbing on or around it.
• Emergency Stops: Integration with emergency stop buttons or pull cords along the length of the conveyor, allowing for immediate shutdown in case of an incident.

While both fall under the umbrella of industrial safety, conveyor guarding has unique considerations. Unlike a static machine, a conveyor is a dynamic, often very long, and complex system with numerous moving parts and access points. This requires a solution that is highly modular and adaptable to long distances and different angles. The primary focus of conveyor guarding is on managing continuous motion hazards, a large number of potential pinch and nip points along the entire length, and the risk of product spillage.

Clear visibility is a critical safety feature that works in tandem with the physical barrier. Our wire mesh panels allow operators to constantly monitor the flow of materials on the conveyor without having to open a gate or enter the guarded area. This is essential for:

• Spotting Jams: Operators can quickly identify and address material jams or blockages from a safe distance, reducing downtime.
• Preventive Maintenance: It allows for visual inspections of the conveyor’s components (rollers, belts, etc.) without exposure to moving parts.
• Operational Awareness: Workers can maintain a clear view of the entire process, ensuring they are aware of the conveyor’s status and any potential issues without compromising their safety.