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WACs > Title 296 > Chapter 296-155 > Section 296-155-77120











296-155-77115    

296-155-77125







Agency filings affecting this section







WAC 296-155-77120









Conveyors.









(1) All conveyors in use shall meet the applicable requirements for design, construction, inspection, testing, maintenance, and operation, as prescribed in ANSI B20.1-1976, Safety Code for Conveyors, Cableways, and Related Equipment.
(2) Starting precautions.
(a) When the entire length of a conveyor is visible from the starting switch, the operator shall visually check to make certain that all persons are in the clear before starting the conveyor.
(b) When the entire length of the conveyor is not visible from the starting switch, a positive audible or visible warning system shall be installed and operated to warn persons that the conveyor will be started.
(c) All reasonable precautions shall be taken by the operator prior to starting a conveyor, to assure that no person is in a hazardous location where they may be injured when the conveyor is started.
(3) Riding and walking on conveyors.
(a) Riding on conveyor chains, belt, or bucket elevators shall be prohibited.
(b) Persons shall not be allowed to walk on conveyors except for emergency purposes and then only after the conveyor has been deenergized and the person can do so safely.
(c) Riding of conveyors shall only be permitted on the manlift steps and platforms with handholds attached and other safety factors as specified in chapter 296-96 WAC, Safety regulations and fees for all elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, and other conveyances.
(4) Stop controls.
(a) Means for stopping the motor or engine of a conveyor shall be provided at the operator's station.
(b) If the operator's station is at a remote point, similar provisions for stopping the motor or engine shall be provided at the motor or engine location.
(5) Emergency controls. Emergency stop switches shall be arranged so that the conveyor cannot be started again until the actuating stop switch has been reset to running or "on" position.
(6) Screw type conveyors. Screw or auger type conveyors shall be guarded to prevent employee contact with turning flights.
(7) Overhead conveyors.
(a) Where a conveyor passes over work areas, aisles, or thoroughfares, guards shall be provided to protect persons required to work below the conveyors.
(b) Where a conveyor crosses over an aisle or passageway, it shall be conspicuously marked by suitable signs, as required by Part E of this chapter.
(c) When the return strand of a conveyor operates within seven feet of the floor there shall be a trough provided of sufficient strength to carry the weight resulting from a broken chain. If the strands are over a passageway, a means shall be provided to catch and support the ends of the chain in the event of a break.
(8) Emergency stop.
(a) Conveyors shall be provided with an emergency stopping device (panic-type) which can be reached from the conveyor.
(b) The emergency stopping device shall be located near the material entrance and shall stop the conveyor a sufficient distance away from the hazard to prevent injury.
(c) Where the conveyor leading into such equipment is under constant control of an operator who has full view of the material entrance who is located or restrained where they cannot possibly fall onto the conveyor an emergency stopping device is not mandatory.
(9) Conveyor lockout.
(a) Conveyors shall be locked out with a padlock at any time repair, maintenance, or clean-up work is being performed.
(b) Tags or push-button stops are not acceptable.
(10) Where conveyors are in excess of seven feet in height, means shall be provided to safely permit essential inspection and maintenance operations.
(11) Conveyor repair.
(a) Any part showing signs of significant wear shall be inspected carefully and replaced prior to reaching a condition where it may create a hazard.
(b) Replacement parts shall be equal to or exceed the manufacturer's specifications.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.440, 49.17.060, and 29 C.F.R. 1926, Subpart CC. WSR 12-01-086, § 296-155-77120, filed 12/20/11, effective 2/1/12.]