• PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
All moving or rotating components should be guarded , regardless of location .
However , there is also no global standard for guard mesh sizes and mounting distance from the hazard . Most standards use a gauge to measure the distance which varies by mesh size . When a bulk material handling guard is placed relatively close to a hazard , it greatly reduces the ability to inspect components without removing the guard , thereby encouraging guard removal for routine inspections .
It would be far better ( and safer ) to standardise a few mesh sizes and mounting distances , allowing maintenance workers to build guards to a short list of materials , using standard mounting distances and eliminating the use of the gauges . Below is the recommendation included in Martin Engineering ’ s book , FOUNDATIONS for Conveyor Safety .
Mesh sizes and mounting distances .
Put an end to the myth Despite its nearly global acceptance as a concept in industrial safety , the practice of ‘ guarding by location ’ remains a particular problem for overhead conveyor applications . It ’ s time to accept that as far as conveyors are concerned , ‘ guarding by location ’ is a myth . As such , it ’ s a concept that should be abandoned in order to make conveyors – and those who work on and around the equipment – safer .
76 • African Mining • January 2024