Bulk solids handling equipment is a vital part of transporting and storing a wide range of materials in manufacturing facilities. While not all bulk handling equipment is the same, each machine is just as dangerous without the proper knowledge or training. Injuries or deaths can occur in the workplace if these machines aren’t operated properly. These tips for how to reduce safety risks when handling bulk solids will help you keep your crew safe throughout each workday.
Beware of Walking on Bulk Solids
If a large amount of material is stacked high in a silo, a novice employee might think it’s safe to walk on. This is far from the case. Employees who walk out onto the surface of bulk solids without taking the right safety precautions are at risk of engulfment—falling into the material and experiencing injuries or even death. It’s for this reason that OSHA has a grain handling standard that provides safety guidelines for instances such as an employee having to enter flat storage structures. With the right safety practices and knowledge of OSHA standards, you can avoid such a situation from occurring in your facility.
Carry Out Regular Maintenance
To keep equipment running safely each and every day, it’s vital for someone to regularly carry out maintenance—whether it’s an in-house employee or an outside professional. A proper maintenance schedule should be put into place when first purchasing the equipment. Allowing equipment to go without maintenance and cleaning can lead to an accumulation of dust, which can then lead to combustion that can cause damage to pedestrians and equipment nearby.
Minimize Foot Traffic While Equipment is Operating
To reduce the likelihood of employee injuries, minimize foot traffic around mobile equipment associated with bulk material handling, specifically when it comes to employees who don’t need to be there to operate the equipment themselves. Clearly mark these work zones with signs and physical barriers surrounding the area to keep those who don’t need to be there out of harm’s way.
Practicing these methods for how to reduce safety risks when handling bulk solids is more than just a suggestion. If you oversee a facility in which bulk material handling takes place, it’s your duty to make sure it’s safe and secure at all times. At DoverMEI, we can provide your facility with durable and reliable bulk solids handling equipment. With the proper training and care, these pieces of equipment can be valuable assets to your facility, just as long as you keep these principles above in mind at all times.