Start at the drive

Check motors, gearboxes, couplings, chains, sprockets, shafts and rotating fixings. Look for gaps created by missing covers or recent maintenance.

Check head and tail nips

Inspect where belts meet drums and where rollers or products create drawing-in points. Consider access from sides, ends and underneath.

Follow every transfer

Transfer plates, bends, merges, diverters, pop-up units and height changes can create crushing and trapping points.

Inspect the underside

Elevated or open-frame conveyors may expose return rollers, belts, chains and counterweights from below.

Review product openings

Large package or pallet apertures can also admit a person. Check tunnels, distance, sensing and side access.

Observe clearing and cleaning

Ask how jams are cleared, spills removed, belts tracked and tension adjusted. Guards should support a safe isolated method.

Check controls and isolation

Emergency stops do not replace guarding or isolation. Confirm pull wires, stop devices, local isolators and restart behaviour are suitable.

Project checklist

Points to confirm

  • Drive components covered
  • Head and tail nips protected
  • Transfers assessed
  • Return path protected
  • Under-access assessed
  • Product openings controlled
  • Cleaning method defined
  • Isolation accessible
  • Emergency stops tested
  • Guards inspected after maintenance

How Oxford Machine Guarding can help

We can survey the equipment, define the guarding and safety-system scope, develop the design, supply and install the solution, and provide testing and handover records appropriate to the agreed project boundary.

This guide provides general technical information. It is not a substitute for a machine-specific risk assessment, legal advice or verification by the responsible dutyholder.