Miscellaneous Log and Lumber Processing » Conveyors

Conveyors are used to transport logs or lumber from one part of the sawmill to another. Workers should be aware of various hazards that exist when operating or working near a conveyor.

Lumber conveyor
Hazards/Solutions
Unguarded nip point between belt and pulley on belt conveyor.
Unguarded nip point between belt and pulley on belt conveyor.
 
Chain conveyor with unguarded shaft, shaft end, and nip point between conveyor chain and sprocket.
Chain conveyor with unguarded shaft, shaft end, and nip point between conveyor chain and sprocket.
 
Guarded drive mechanism on belt conveyor.
Guarded drive mechanism on belt conveyor.
 
Worker sitting on belt conveyor. This is not a safe practice.
Worker sitting on belt conveyor. This is not a safe practice.

Workers limbs may get caught in unguarded shafts, shaft ends, spiked live rolls, or nip points.

  • Construction, operation, and maintenance of conveyors must be in accordance with American National Standard B20.1-1957, which is incorporated by reference as specified in Sec. 1910.6. 1910.265(c)(18)(i)

  • Spiked live rolls must be guarded. 1910.265(c)(18)(ii)

Roller conveyor with unguarded chain and sprocket drives.
Roller conveyor with unguarded chain and sprocket drives.
 
Guarded nip points on chain conveyor.
Guarded nip points on chain conveyor.