Understanding Industrial Equipment

Conveyor belts play a major role in any industrial setting. A conveyor belt will allow you to transport large quantities of material from one location to another. During this transportation process, your workers can work on sorting this material or working on different components as they travel along a production line. However, conveyor belts can also pose a serious hazard to your workers. If your conveyor belt is not fitted with the correct type of conveyor guarding, your workforce may be at risk of being injured by the moving parts of the machine. Below is a guide to 4 benefits of installing guarding on your industrial conveyor belt.

Reduced likelihood of a compensation claim

If one of your workers is injured while using the conveyor belt, it is likely they will contact a lawyer and file a workers compensation claim against your company. If the claim is successful, which it is likely to be if the worker can prove in court that the proper guards were not in place, you could be liable to pay out money to cover the cost of medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost earnings and legal cost of the worker. If you are found to have broken health and safety law by not fitting your conveyor belt with a guard, you may be prosecuted and fined.

Extended lifespan

Fitting your conveyor belt doesn't just protect those working using the equipment, it will also help protect the machine itself. As well as stopping a person's fingers or hands from becoming trapped within the moving parts of the conveyor belt, the guard will also prevent loose or dropped items from falling into the workings of the belt. Even something as small as a coin, a screw or a bolt could jam up the gears of the conveyor belt, which could result in lengthy repair work. A guard will also help to prevent dust and other debris from falling down and collecting within the machine. If this occurs, it could cause the moving parts to seize up.

Increased productivity

If you do not have a guard fitted to your conveyor, your workers will work cautiously and slowly to ensure they are not injured. When a guard is fitted to your conveyor belt, your employees can be confident that they will not accidentally trap their hands or fingers in the moving parts of the machine. This will allow them to work at a greater speed and will increase the overall productivity of your business.

If you would like further advice, you should contact an industrial equipment supplier.