The conveyor belts and rollers that make production lines and manufacturing facilities run efficiently also present a potential to hazard to workers.
Even slow-moving conveyors or rollers can catch clothing, fingers and even limbs inside their moving parts, often resulting in crushing or mangling injuries.
But a UK engineering firm has designed a new roller guard system that helps protect workers from injury by creating a barrier between moving machinery and facility personnel.
It’s called the Martin Return Roller Guard and it can be installed on practically any piece of equipment that features potentially dangerous conveyors or rollers. The assembly — which was developed by Martin Engineering, of Nottingham, England –keeps workers from being drawn into a moving return roller, according to a company news release.
Separates Workers from Moving Parts
It has a solid upper section that delivers pinch point protection, while a slotted lower area allows workers to visually inspect the equipment while still preventing contact with the roller.
Brackets mount the guard to either the side or bottom of a stringer. The device features quick-release pins that facilitate easy access for maintenance or servicing and its side and bottom panels swing open as well. It also has removable end plates to provide access to roller bearings.
The guard is designed to fit all major roll manufacturer sizes, including CEMA C, D & E. It is ideal for any return roller that is less than seven feet off the ground or is in a location where the roller is within easy reach of workers.
The Martin Return Roller Basket is another product that increases workers’ safety. It is designed to prevent a return roller from falling to the ground in the event of mechanical failure. It includes a combination of guards and baskets to provide a systematic approach for protecting workers from falling conveyors.
Like the return roller guard, the basket also has slotted panels to allow for easy inspection. It also has brackets that are designed to fit all major roll manufacturers’ sizes so that the basket can be mounted directly to either the bottom or side of the stringer. Both the roller basket and guard are available in painted steel and two grades of stainless steel.
Provides Easy Access for Maintenance and Service
Another product — the Martin Conveyor Guard — feature a heavy mesh that protects workers from moving components of conveyor belts. Its rugged modular design is supported by a supplied angle iron structure so that that the device does not need to be attached to the conveyor at all. The conveyor guard is attached using wide clamps that allow panels to be removed and re-installed quickly and simply.
In addition to safety materials for conveyors, belts and other industrial equipment, Martin Engineering also offers safety training programs for workers. Training is available to suit individuals with varied levels of experience and responsibility, covering everybody from the first-day employee to the plant’s senior engineer.
“Attendees attain a better understanding of conveyor safety and performance, helping to justify upgrade investments and increase profitability,” the news release stated.