Downtime is inevitable.
When the pressure is on, accidents can happen. Rushed jobs where production is waiting on a screen media replacement can lead to distracted workers and a greater risk of falls, injuries and cuts.
A regular preventive maintenance schedule can help mitigate these risks. However, breakdowns happen, and unplanned maintenance is sometimes necessary. In these situations, workers can take steps to reduce risk during screen media changeout.
Wear PPE
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) isn’t something to be taken lightly.
Workers might be tempted to skip wearing something like gloves to increase dexterity when handling nuts and bolts, but the risk is never worth it. For example, the sharp edges on screen media can cause cuts or gashes on workers’ hands. These injuries can pose a danger to workers and delay production.
Take your time
The most effective way to prevent injuries is to take your time during changeouts. Production may be waiting, but safety and attention to detail go hand in hand.
Workers should take the time they need to complete their work safely and be aware of their surroundings. For example, if a nut gets jammed in an impact socket, workers should disconnect the power source before attempting to remove it. Though this takes a few extra seconds, it can prevent accidents and keep workers safe.
Additionally, it’s important that workers never change screen media alone and always have someone nearby to assist. Furthermore, proper lockdown procedures and safety harnesses are essential, especially when the vibrating screen is elevated.
Minimize trips up and down
Accurate job planning is vital for efficiency and safety. Each trip up and down the vibrating screen and plant structure extends the process and increases crews’ exposure to risk.
Bringing a toolbox with all the necessary tools, including extra bolts, washers and nuts, can help cut down on trips. A good rule of thumb is to double what you need in case an item gets dropped.
Choose lighter materials
Some screens are significantly heavier than others, which can affect installation ease and worker safety. Heavier screen media can cause strain-related injuries.
Lighter screen media is easier to handle, reducing fatigue and injury risk. It enhances worker safety and offers a longer wear life, reducing the frequency of replacements and maintenance efforts.
Final thoughts
By following these tips, operations will take steps to minimize safety risks when changing out screen media, but it’s just the starting point. Be sure every employee is well-trained in proper safety procedures for screen media installation, and work closely with an OEM or an OEM-certified technician to ensure proper safety measures.
Serge Raymond is a product specialist at Major.
Related: Factors to consider when choosing the best screen media