ESS Engineering discusses why prioritising manual handling suitability in machinery guarding during maintenance is critical in bulk-handling operations.
The importance of safeguarding personnel cannot be overstated. Among the many potential dangers on a mine site, conveyor systems are particularly hazardous, especially when they lack proper guarding. Safety hazards like unguarded moving parts and pinch points pose significant risks to mine workers. At the same time, even seemingly minor incidents like slips, trips, and falls around conveyors can result in severe injuries or fatalities.
The consequences of inadequate protection for personnel in Australia are far-reaching. Though infrequent, incidents involving conveyors can be catastrophic for workers and businesses alike. With this in mind, implementing physical barriers to protect workers from conveyor-related risks is essential.
Guarding is crucial in keeping workers safe around moving machinery and conveyors. However, traditional guarding solutions often present their own challenges—many are heavy, cumbersome, and difficult to handle during maintenance. They can become hazards when removed for inspection or maintenance tasks. This is especially problematic in mining environments, where conveyor walkways are often narrow, inclined or enclosed, and regular maintenance must be performed to ensure operational continuity.
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Choosing the right machinery guarding is critical, affecting safety and operational efficiency. Removing or repositioning guards can create a manual handling hazard when guarding is too bulky or heavy. Injuries like strains and sprains are common during such tasks, adding to the risk that proper guarding is supposed to mitigate in the first place. A considered approach to selecting machinery guarding can ensure a safer, more efficient workplace.
The Australian Standard AS4024.3610:2015 emphasises that machinery guarding must not create a new manual handling hazard. It requires guarding to meet specific criteria, such as:
- Providing a protective physical barrier against accidental contact.
- Allowing visual inspection without physical contact with the hazard.
- Being easy and safe to remove for maintenance access and quickly replaced after the task is completed.
- Being lightweight and not introducing manual handling risks during installation or removal.
- A well-designed guard should also ensure that maintenance personnel can do their work without unnecessary risk.
Focused on maintenance safety
The ESS EZI-GUARD system has been engineered to address these challenges, offering a solution that complies with safety standards and is designed with manual handling in mind.
Traditional guarding solutions often create new hazards by requiring workers to lift and move heavy panels. The EZI-GUARD’s lightweight construction mitigates this problem, allowing for easier handling during maintenance activities. This aligns with AS4024.3610:2015 requirements and fosters a safer working environment by reducing the risk of strain injuries during routine tasks. The system’s design enhances maintenance efficiency.
The panels are secured with retaining cotters, which can be released using basic tools, allowing for quick removal without the need for specialised equipment. This enables swift access to conveyor systems, minimising downtime while maintaining safety protocols.
Manufactured from materials like aluminium, mild steel, stainless steel, and HDPE plastic, the EZI-GUARD panels are suitable for various applications, including corrosive environments.While primarily designed for conveyor systems, the EZI-GUARD system can also be adapted for other applications making it a versatile solution, including free-standing barriers for isolating machinery in workshops and any areas with a potential risk of falling from heights.
Achieve safety and efficiency
Choosing a guard that prioritises manual handling suitability is not just a compliance issue; it’s a matter of protecting workers’ health and safety. Easy-to-remove guards allow maintenance to be performed more frequently and effectively, ensuring equipment remains in good working order without compromising worker safety. This directly improves operational efficiency, as maintenance crews can work safely and swiftly, reducing downtime and keeping conveyor systems running smoothly.
Invest in safety
Investing in solutions like the EZI-GUARD system enables companies to protect their workforce, improve operational efficiency, and ensure compliance with stringent safety regulations. In industries where conveyor systems are critical, this investment is both a regulatory necessity and a strategic decision.
Businesses can achieve this by investing in guarding systems that protect workers during every phase.