Safe Work Procedure: Using a Conveyor Belt as a Working Platform

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER] Revision Date: [DATE] Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE] Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This Safe Work Procedure (SWP) outlines the safety requirements and procedures for using a conveyor belt as a working platform. It applies to all workers who may be required to perform tasks on or near conveyor belts. This procedure aims to minimize the risks associated with working at heights, moving machinery, and potential falls. This SWP does not cover the use of conveyor belts for transportation of personnel, which is strictly prohibited [1].

2. Definitions

Conveyor Belt: A continuous moving belt used for transporting materials [2].

Working Platform: A temporary or fixed structure used to support workers and materials while performing a task [3].

Lockout/Tagout: A safety procedure used to ensure that dangerous machines are properly shut off and not able to be started up again prior to the completion of maintenance or servicing work [4].

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure that all workers are adequately trained and competent to perform the task [5].
• Conduct a pre-job briefing to discuss the hazards and control measures [5].
• Ensure that all equipment is in good working order and inspected before use [1].
• Monitor workers to ensure they are following the safe work procedures [1].

3.2 Workers

• Follow all safe work procedures and instructions [1].
• Use the provided safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) [1].
• Report any hazards or unsafe conditions to the supervisor immediately [1].
• Do not ride on a conveyor belt [1].

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

• Assist in the development and review of safe work procedures [1].
• Conduct regular inspections of the workplace to identify hazards [1].
• Investigate incidents and recommend corrective actions [1].

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Fall from height	Serious injury or death	Use fall protection equipment (harness, lanyard, lifeline), ensure proper edge protection, maintain three points of contact [3].
Entanglement in moving parts	Amputation, fractures, or death	Ensure conveyor belt is locked out and tagged out before work begins, install guards to prevent contact with moving parts [4].
Struck by falling objects	Head injury, lacerations, or bruises	Use overhead protection, secure tools and materials to prevent them from falling, establish a drop zone [6].
Contact with combustible dust	Fire or explosion	Ensure no combustible dust accumulates at or near the conveyor belt [1].
Unintended start-up	Injury or death	Implement lockout/tagout procedures, verify energy isolation [4].

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always use the appropriate PPE for the task. Inspect all PPE before use to ensure it is in good condition [1].

• Hard hat - Protects the head from falling objects and impacts [6].
• Safety glasses - Protects the eyes from dust, debris, and other hazards [6].
• Safety boots - Provides foot protection from impacts, punctures, and slips [6].
• Gloves - Protects hands from cuts, abrasions, and chemical exposure [6].
• Fall Protection Harness - Full body harness with appropriate lanyard and tie-off point when working at heights [3].

6. Equipment and Tools

Ensure all equipment and tools are in good working condition and inspected before use [1].

• Lockout/Tagout devices - Used to isolate energy sources and prevent accidental start-up [4].
• Harness and Lanyard - Connects worker to anchorage point for fall protection [3].
• Barricades and signage - Used to restrict access to the work area [7].
• Communication devices - Radios or hand signals for communication between workers [2].
• Lighting - Adequate lighting to ensure good visibility [8].

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

• Workers must be trained and competent in the safe operation of conveyor belts and the use of fall protection equipment [5].
• Workers must be trained in lockout/tagout procedures [4].

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

• Conduct a pre-job briefing to discuss the scope of work, hazards, and control measures [5].
• Review the safe work procedure and ensure all workers understand their roles and responsibilities [5].

7.3 Work Area Preparation

• Inspect the conveyor belt and surrounding area for any hazards [1].
• Ensure the conveyor belt is clean and free of debris [1].
• Barricade the area around the conveyor belt to prevent unauthorized access [7].
• Ensure adequate lighting is available [8].

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Lockout/Tagout

Ensure the conveyor belt is de-energized and locked out before commencing any work [4].

• Identify all energy sources [4].
• De-energize and isolate all energy sources [4].
• Apply lockout/tagout devices [4].
• Verify energy isolation [4].

Safety considerations: Ensure that the conveyor cannot be restarted until the lockout/tagout devices are removed [4].

Step 2: Fall Protection

If working at heights, use appropriate fall protection equipment [3].

• Inspect the fall protection equipment before use [3].
• Ensure the anchorage point is secure and capable of supporting the required load [3].
• Connect the lanyard to the harness and anchorage point [3].

Safety considerations: Ensure that the fall protection equipment is properly fitted and adjusted [3].

Step 3: Performing the Task

Perform the required task safely and efficiently [1].

• Maintain three points of contact when climbing or working on the conveyor belt [3].
• Use tools and equipment safely and as intended [1].
• Avoid any sudden movements or actions that could cause a fall or injury [1].

Safety considerations: Be aware of your surroundings and potential hazards [1].

Step 4: Post-Task

Once the task is complete, remove all tools and equipment from the conveyor belt [1].

• Inspect the work area to ensure it is clean and free of debris [1].
• Remove lockout/tagout devices [4].
• Notify the supervisor that the task is complete [1].

Safety considerations: Ensure that all workers are clear of the conveyor belt before restarting it [1].

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• No Riding: Workers must not ride on the conveyor belt [1].
• Emergency Stops: Ensure that emergency stop devices are accessible and functional [7].
• Guarding: Ensure that all moving parts of the conveyor belt are properly guarded [4].
• Housekeeping: Keep the area around the conveyor belt clean and free of obstructions [1].
• Inspection: Regularly inspect the conveyor belt for any signs of damage or wear [1].

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

• In the event of an emergency, immediately stop the conveyor belt using the emergency stop devices [7].
• Evacuate the area and follow the established emergency response plan [1].
• Contact emergency services if necessary [1].

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Worker Entanglement: Immediately stop the conveyor belt and provide first aid. Call emergency services if necessary [7].
• Fire: Activate the fire alarm and evacuate the area. Use a fire extinguisher if the fire is small and contained [9].
• Fall from Height: Provide first aid and call emergency services. Secure the area to prevent further incidents [3].

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

• Emergency Services: 911
• [Company Security]: [PHONE NUMBER]
• [First Aid]: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

• All incidents, near-misses, and hazards must be reported to the supervisor immediately [1].
• An investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and implement corrective actions [1].

12. References and Related Documents

• Occupational Health and Safety Code [1]
• ANSI B20.1-1957, Safety Code for Conveyors, Cableways, and Related Equipment [4]
• [Company Safety Manual]

---

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION] Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

Safety powered by SALUS