When Do Conveyor Guards Require a Tool to Remove the Fastener?

After recently hosting the webinar, "Back to Basics: Top 5 Old-School Conveyor Safety Tips Still Relevant Today," the following question was asked: When Do Conveyor Guards Require a Tool to Remove the Fastener?

Well, it's not so easy to provide a concrete answer to that question as there are varying opinions, preferences, and standards on this topic. There should be, and often are, site-by-site rules. 

Martin^® Conveyor Guards are laser cut panel guards that can conform to OSHA/MSHA standards as well as other local standards. They prevent worker exposure to conveyor nip points and pinch points, and are a cost effective way to keep workers away from the most significant risk of conveyor injuries. 

Martin Engineering Guarding Features:

• Conforms to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.217 when installed with a minimum of 5.50 inches between guard opening and hazard
• Laser cut panels don't present the opportunity for broken welds or sharp edges commonly seen with expanded metal guards
• Rugged 11 gauge steel provides greater strength, durability, and reliability than lighter-weight metals and plastic
• Wedge clamps allow panels to be removed and reinstalled quickly
• Modular design installs on supplied angle iron structure and does not need to attach to conveyor equipment
  

Regulatory Agencies' Stance

MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) regulations related to guarding equipment and machinery are outlined in specific standards. The primary standard that addresses guarding retainment is found in 56/57.14112. The standard is summarized as:

• Guards to be securely fastened
• Guards must not be easily moved aside
• Guards can be secure if they are fastened
• Size, mass, weight can cause guards to rest or hang so they cannot be easily moved

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) also has specific standards that address guards on machinery and equipment, including conveyor systems. Those standards will vary by general industry or construction. The primary standard that covers guard retainment is 29 CFR 1910.217(c)(2)(i)(d). It states:

• Point of operation guards shall utilize fasteners not readily removeable by operator
• Must minimize the possibility of misuse or removal of essential parts

Variance By Country & Enforcement

The requirement for using a tool to remove a guard on a belt conveyor varies by country and jurisdiction. While many countries and regulatory bodies emphasize the use of tools to secure guards to prevent unauthorized access to hazardous areas, there may be variations in specific requirements and enforcement practices. 

The laws are the laws however, sometimes the level of enforcement is at play given the varying views of inspectors. In some jurisdictions, there might be allowances or exceptions based on risk assessments or specific operational conditions. However, the overarching goal is to ensure worker safety by preventing accidental contact with moving parts of machinery.

For example, in the United States and Canada, MSHA accepts cable ties as suitable for securing a guard in position, providing they are maintained and replaced when worn or damaged. While guard fasteners that use cable ties do add security as they require a tool (side snip pliers) for removal, we do not recommend plastic ties be used as a fastener because they are subject to abuse and degradation. In Australia, a plastic cable tie is not compliant with the requirements for fasteners. The ties can be removed with a knife or simply broken by an operator inserting items commonly available, such as a rod, and twisting. Cable ties come in a variety of sizes and specifications, making it difficult to ensure suitable strength, resistance to the environment, or endurance. 

Know Standards & Exceed Them

To obtain accurate information on whether any specific country does not require the use of a tool to remove guards on belt conveyors in mines, one would need to refer to the mining regulations and standards of that particular country or consult with local regulatory authorities. It's important for mining operations to adhere to the specific safety requirements outlined by their national or regional regulatory bodies to protect workers from machinery-related hazards effectively. 

We can only promote best practices and provide consultation on how best to prevent injuries. Ultimately, regulations and enforcement of those regulations are local and may be machine specific.  Always keep in mind, it’s better to exceed whatever local standard you might need to follow to best protect workers. Stay safe!