Today is World Day for Safety and Health at Work, celebrating a fundamental right to have a safe and healthy work environment. This is something we take very seriously within our own workplace, with the products and services we supply and with our after sales support.
Conveyor belts are a convenient and efficient way to transport materials around a warehouse and other facilities, however if they are not used correctly or safety requirements are not adhered to then they can be a common cause of injury. With this in mind here are some safety tips for working with conveyor belts and in warehouses.
Training employees on conveyor safety standards
Making sure employees are up to date with conveyor safety training is one of the best ways to uphold the rules and standards of warehouse safety. All employees working with conveyor systems need to be trained in the safety rules and procedures, including how to safely operate the conveyor system, what to do in the event of an emergency and what to wear and not wear when working on a conveyor. This should be constantly monitored to make sure any updates are passed onto staff new or existing.
Installing safety signs and warnings
Warning and signs must be placed in all locations where there are potential hazards to clearly mark them for workers to see. Included on the signs should be all of the warehouse safety rules and procedures for employees to know the best ways to reduce accidents and avoid injuries.
Regular inspections and maintenance
Regular maintenance and inspections of conveyor systems, conducted by a qualified technician, are key to running a safe and efficient system and keeping employees safe. Belts, pulleys and motors are among the components of the conveyor system that need regular inspections, with any faulty or damaged parts needing repair or replacement as soon as possible. Just as important is regular cleaning of the conveyor, dirt and debris that is not removed can affect performance and create a safety hazard.
Stay clean and organised
An unorganised and messy warehouse can lead to a variety of safety issues. If there is any clutter or debris around the conveyor it can affect efficiency and become dangerous. Walkways and exit routes also need to be free of clutter and debris and a clean warehouse goes a long way to promoting warehouse safety.
Records and reporting
After maintenance and inspections, records tracking the actions undertaken should be kept to ensure safety standards are being adhered to.
If any safety hazards are spotted outside of regular inspections, employees should be encouraged to report them to the correct person so they can be fixed before someone gets hurt.
Selecting the right conveyor system
The size and layout of the warehouse facility needs to be assessed when selecting the correct conveyor system. Depending on the goods and materials that will be processed around the warehouse, and what space needs to be utilised will depend on what conveyor is the best choice. In all cases the safety of workers in the warehouse is of upmost importance, and that the chosen conveyor system allows for ease of access throughout the warehouse.
When selecting a conveyor for your warehouse, or requiring assistance for your safety needs, our expert and knowledgeable team at Asmech Systems Ltd. are at hand to help. Please contact us on 01623 424 442 or sales@asmechsystems.co.uk
