AS 17551986

Australian Standard
ConveyorsDesign,
construction, installation, and
operationSafety requirements

This Australian standard was prepared by Committee SF/25, Guarding of Conveyors.

It was approved on behalf of the Council of the Standards Association of Australia on
25 November 1985 and published on 3 March 1986.

The following interests are represented on Committee SF/25:

Australian Conveyor Manufacturers Association
Bureau of Steel Manufacturers of Australia
Confederation of Australian Industry
Department of Employment and Industrial Affairs, Qld
Department of Employment and Industrial Affairs, Vic.
Department of Industrial Relations, N.S.W.
Department of Labour S.A.
Electricity Commission of New South Wales
Melbourne Chamber of Commerce
Metal Trades Industry Association of Australia
National Safety Council of Australia
Safety Institute of Australia (Incorporated)
State Electricity Commission of Victoria

Review of Australian Standards. To keep abreast of progress in industry, Australi an Standards are subject
to periodic review and are kept up to date by the issue of amendments or new editi ons as necessary. It is
important therefore that Standards users ensure that they are in possession of the latest editi on, and any
amendments thereto.
Full detail s of all Australi an Standards and related publications wil l be found in the Standards Australia
Catalogue of Publications; this information is supplemented each month by the magazine The Australian
Standard, which subscribing members receive, and which gives details of new publi cati ons, new editi ons
and amendments, and of withdrawn Standards.
Suggesti ons for improvements to Australi an Standards, addressed to the head offi ce of Standards Australi a,
are welcomed. Noti fi cati on of any inaccuracy or ambiguity found in an Australi an Standard should be made
without delay in order that the matter may be investigated and appropriate action taken.

This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 84171.

AS 17551986

Australian Standard
CONVEYORS DESIGN,
CONSTRUCTION,
INSTALLATION, AND
OPERATION SAFETY
REQUIREMENTS

First publi shed (as AS CZ15) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1971

AS 1755 fi rst published . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1975
Second editi on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1986
Incorporating:
Amdt 1 1995

PUBLISHED BY STANDARDS AUSTRALIA

(STANDARDS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA)
1 THE CRESCENT, HOMEBUSH, NSW 2140
ISBN 0 7262 4012 5

AS 17551986

PREFACE
This edition of this standard was prepared by the Associations Committee on
Guarding of Conveyors, to supersede AS 1755-1975, SAA Conveyor Safety Code. It
contains the safety measures to be implemented for the installation and operation of
conveyors and conveyor systems, and sets out the necessary personal protective
measures against hazards experienced by operators of such plant.
The text of this standard has been modified in accordance with the appropriate
recommended modifications received in response to a request for the review of
AS 1755-1975.
The recommended changes included in this standard cover the general safety
requirements for large and small conveyors and conveyor systems, and in particular
the details for conveyor control and motor drive isolation. Technical and editorial
amendments have been incorporated in line with available ISO documentation for
mechanical handling equipment, and Appendix A has been expanded to include
conveying equipment not covered in the previous edition.

Copyri ght STANDARDS AUSTRALIA

Users of Standards are reminded that copyri ght subsists in all Standards Australi a publications and soft ware. Except where the
Copyri ght Act all ows and except where provided for below no publications or software produced by Standards Austr alia may be
reproduced, stored in a retri eval system in any form or transmitt ed by any means without pri or permission in wri ti ng fr om
Standards Australi a. Permission may be conditi onal on an appropriate royalt y payment. Requests for permission and information on
commercial soft ware royalti es should be dir ected to the head off ice of Standards Australi a.
Standards Australi a wil l permit up to 10 percent of the technical content pages of a Standard to be copied for use
exclusively in-house by purchasers of the Standard without payment of a royalty or advice to Standards Austr alia.
Standards Australi a wil l also permit the inclusion of its copyri ght material in computer soft ware programs for no royalt y
payment provided such programs are used exclusively in-house by the creators of the programs.
Care should be taken to ensure that material used is fr om the current editi on of the Standard and that it is updated whenever the
Standard is amended or revised. The number and date of the Standard should therefore be clearly identif ied.
The use of material in pri nt form or in computer soft ware programs to be used commercially, with or without payment, or in
commercial contracts is subject to the payment of a royalty. This policy may be vari ed by Standards Austr alia at any ti me.

AS 17551986

CONTENTS
Page
SECTION 1. SCOPE AND GENERAL
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5

Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . .
Application . . . . . . . . .
Referenced Documents .
Definitions . . . . . . . . .

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5
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5
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2.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2 Material Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7
7

SECTION 2. MATERIALS

SECTION 3. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

3.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2 Design and Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8
8

SECTION 4. INSTALLATION
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Access to Conveyors . . . . . . . . . . . .
Crossovers for Aisles and Passageways
Conveyors Installed in Tunnels or Pits
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical Requirements . . . . . . . . . .
Protective Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Conveyor Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SECTION 5. GUARDING
5.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.2 Design and Construction of Guards .
5.3 Dangerous Parts Requiring Guarding
5.4 Removal of Guards . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.5 Guarding of Other Areas . . . . . . . . .

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SECTION 6. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR UNIT-HANDLING

CONVEYORS
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Slat Conveyors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing Conveyors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roller Flight Conveyors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat Belt Conveyors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overhead Chain or Cable Conveyors . . . . . . . . .
Overhead Chain or Cable Conveyor
(Power and Free Type) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.8 Swing Tray Conveyors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.9 Vertical Chain Conveyors (Opposed Shelf Type) .

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SECTION 7. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR BULK-HANDLING

CONVEYORS
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6
7.7

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safe Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Belt Conveyors . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Screw Conveyors . . . . . . . . . . . . .
En Masse and Bucket Conveyors . .
Vibrating and Oscillating Conveyors
Drag Chain Conveyors . . . . . . . . .

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AS 17551986

Page
SECTION 8. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR MOBILE AND
PORTABLE CONVEYORS
8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
8.6
8.7
8.8
8.9
8.10
8.11
8.12
8.13
8.14

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Design and Construction . . . . . . . .
Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attachment Points for Towing . . . .
Boom Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locking Against Creep . . . . . . . . .
Pneumatic Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss of Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wire Rope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Boom or Trunking . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Conveyor Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control of Motor Drive . . . . . . . . .
Guarding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safe Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safe Operating Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safe Working Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

29
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SECTION 9 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

9.1
9.2
9.3
9.4

General . . . . . . . .
Regular Checks . . .
Removal of Guards
Safety of Personnel

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SECTION 10 INSTRUCTIONS FOR OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE

10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5

General . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Synopsis of Plant . . . . . .
Operating Instructions . . .
Maintenance Instructions .
Spare parts . . . . . . . . . . .

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SECTION 11 TRAINING AND SUPERVISION OF OPERATORS

11.1
11.2
11.3

SECTION 12. MARKING AND IDENTIFICATION

12.1
12.2
12.3
12.4
12.5
12.6

Marking of Conveyors .
Nameplates and Labels
Identification . . . . . . .
Load Capacity . . . . . .
Marking of Controls . .
Location of Signs . . . .

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Glossary of Conveyor Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Example of a Work Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

31
62

ANNEX. LIST OF REFERENCED DOCUMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

64

APPENDICES
A
B

AS 17551986

STANDARDS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

Australian Standard
for
CONVEYORS DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, INSTALLATION, AND
OPERATION SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
SECTION 1. SCOPE AND GENERAL
1.1 SCOPE. This standard applies to the design,
construction, installation, and guarding of conveyors
and conveyor systems, whether of a temporary or
permanent nature, for the conveyance of materials.
It sets out requirements for materials of construction,
mechanical design, general safety requirements,
specific requirements for unit and bulk handling
conveyors, t rai ni ng and supervi si on of
operators,inspection and maintenance, and operating
and maintenance instructions.
The standard is not intended to apply to industrial
trucks, tractors or trailers, prime movers coupled with
monorails, tiering machines, cranes, hoists, skip
hoists, monorails, power shovels, power scoops,
bucket drag lines, platform elevators designed to
carry passengers or the elevator operator, moving
stairways and highway or rail vehicles, or conveyors
specifically designed for the conveyance of
passengers.
This standard does not cover individually powered or
line shaft powered rollers, which are used in other
than continuous manufacturing industries (see also
Clause 1.5.4.2).
A glossary of conveyor terms is provided in
Appendix A.
1.2 PURPOSE. The purpose of this standard is to
establish uniformity in engineering practice with
respect to conveyors throughout the Commonwealth
of Australia. The requirements have been drafted to
provide conveyors and conveyor systems with
practical and adequate safety features and to stipulate
conditions for safety in operation and maintenance.
Attention is particularly drawn to the requirements of
the Regulatory Authority specific to equipment
safety.
1.3 APPLICATION. This standard shall apply to all
new conveyors and new conveyor systems and any
addition or amendment to the standard shall be
applied in a similar manner.
The term new conveyor is not intended to apply to
a conveyor or conveyor system in connection with
which a contract for supply and installation had been
entered into prior to the date on which the standard
and its amendments came into operation.
1.4 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS. A list with
titles of the documents referred to in this standard is
given in the Annex.
1.5 DEFINITIONS. For the purpose of this
standard, the following definitions apply:

1.5.1 Accompanying documents documents

accompanying the equipment containing all important
information for the user, in particular that relevant to
safety.
1.5.2 Controls.
1.5.2.1 Emergency stop control a device which
stops a conveyor system(s) in the shortest practicable
time .
1.5.2.2 Start control a device for starting up a
conveyor system situated appropriately for the local
or remote starting of the system. (See also
Clause 4.8.7).
1.5.2.3 Stop control a normal stop control which
is electrically wired directly in the circuit or in the
starting control circuitry, resulting in a fail safe
immediate or sequence stopping of the conveyor
system.
1.5.3 Control circuit isolation the interruption of
the control circuitry of the drive motor(s) of a
conveyor system(s).
1.5.4 Equipment and parts.
1.5.4.1
Bulk-handling conveyor a conveyor
designed for moving loose material from one location
to another.
1.5.4.2 Conveyor apparatus or equipment worked
by any power other than manual, by which loads are
raised, lowered or transported or are capable of being
raised, lowered, transported, or continuously driven
by
(a) an endless belt, rope or chain or other similar
means;
(b) buckets, trays or other containers or fittings
moved by an endless belt, rope, chain or other
similar means;
(c) a rotating screw;
(d) a vibration or walking beam; or
(e) a powered roller conveyor where the rolls are
driven by an endless belt, rope, or chain,
and including the supporting structure, auxiliary
equipment and gear used in connection with the
conveyor.
1.5.4.3 Conveyor system an installation of one or
more conveyor(s) which transport or transfer loads
from one conveyor to another and whose control is
integrated .
1.5.4.4
Unit-handling conveyor a conveyor
designed for moving individual components or groups

COPYRIGHT

AS 17551986

of components either directly or within a container

from one location to another.
1.5.5 Fail safe the feature of a conveyor or
conveyor system which minimizes any hazard to
personnel and equipment in the event of power
failure, malfunction of the conveyor or conveyor
system or the like.
1.5.6 Guards.
1.5.6.1 Guarded shielded, fenced, enclosed or
otherwise protected by means of suitable enclosure,
covers, casing, shield guards, trough guards, railing
guards, or by nature of location or position so as to
remove foreseeable risk of personal injury being
caused by accidental contact or approach, and for an
underguard so as to remove any additional
foreseeable risk of personal injury being caused by
contact with or spillage of material from the
conveyor.
1.5.6.2 Guarded by location or position the
moving parts are protected by their remoteness from
the floor, platform, walkway or other working level,
or by their location with reference to frame,
foundation, or structure so as to remove the
foreseeable risk of accidental contact by persons or
objects. Remoteness from foreseeable regular or
frequent presence of public or employed personnel
may in reasonable circumstances constitute guarding
by location.

1.5.6.3 Underguard a stationary device of sufficient strength and capacity to catch, retain, and
contain any foreseeable spillage which might cause
personal injury from a conveyor passing over a
roadway, walkway, work space, or like area, for the
purpose of protecting persons in that area.
1.5.7 Nip point that point at which a machine
element moving in line meets a rotating element so
that it is possible to nip, pinch, squeeze, or entrap
objects coming into contact with one of the two
members. The term also applies to the similar point
with respect to two rotating parts or two converging
parts in linear movement.
1.5.8 Power isolation the physical separation of
equipment or circuits from all power sources.
1.5.9 Regulatory Authority a Minister of the
Crown, a government department or other public
authority having power to issue regulations, orders or
other instructions having the force of law in respect
of any subject covered by this standard.
1.5.10 Shall and should the word shall is to be
understood as mandatory, and the word should as
non-mandatory, advisory or recommended.
1.5.11 Shear point the point at which or the line
along which a moving part meets or passes close
enough to a stationary part or object so that parts of
the human body can be caught, trapped, or pinched
between them.
1.5.12 Whole current isolation the physically
opening of the power supply conductors to the drive
motor(s) of a conveyor system(s).

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AS 17551986

SECTION 2. MATERIALS

2.1 GENERAL. All materials shall comply with the

relevant Australian standards or with other
specifications acceptable to the Regulatory Authority.
2.2 MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS. The following
standards specify the material requirements for
conveyors and supporting structures:
(a) Bolts AS 1110, AS 1111, AS 1112, AS 1252,
AS 2451, and AS 2465.
(b) Concrete AS 1379 and AS 1480.
(c) Conveyor belts AS 1332, AS 1333, and
AS 1669.

(d) Forgings and castings AS 1448, AS 1734,

AS 1830, AS 1831, AS 1832, AS 1866, AS
1874, and AS 2074.
(e) Gears AS B61, AS B66, and AS 1565.
(f) Rivets AS A34.
(g) Roller chain AS 1532 and AS 2152.
(h) Structural steel AS 1074, AS 1131, AS 1163,
AS 1204, and AS 1444.
(j) Wire rope AS 1656 and AS 2759.

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AS 17551986

SECTION 3. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

3.1 GENERAL. Conveyors and conveyor systems shall be
designed, manufactured and installed consistent with
(a) the appropriate requirements of this standard;
(b) the requirements of the Regulatory Authority; and
(c) the accepted principles of safe engineering practice
and workmanship.
3.2 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION.
3.2.1 General. Safety features necessary for the safe
operation of conveyors and conveying machinery shall be
incorporated at the design stage.
3.2.2 Design requirements. The design and construction
of a conveyor shall take into full account the magnitude,
incidence, conditions and manner of all loading and forces
likely to be applied to the conveyor.
The design and construction of a conveyor shall, where
applicable, comply with the relevant standards.
The slope and characteristics of the conveying device shall
be designed so as to prevent unintentional sliding of the
product or object being conveyed under normal working
conditions.
3.2.3 Brakes and brake devices.
3.2.3.1 Safe stopping. Every conveyor shall be designed so
as to ensure that it will stop in the shortest practicable time
consistent with safety when the driving power is
disconnected, and remain stopped until the power is
restored.
3.2.3.2 Anti-runaway or anti-runback devices. Every
conveyor which can run away or run back shall be
provided with anti-runaway or anti-runback devices.
Where a belt or chain drive is interposed between the
motor and the driving shaft, a device shall be provided on
the driving shaft to sustain the load in the event of failure
of such drive.
3.2.3.3 Prevention of movement. Where an electromechanical brake is provided on an inclined conveyor
which may run away or run back, and a positive drive is
not used, e.g. a fluid coupling is used, means shall be
provided to prevent movement of the conveyor until such
time as positive drive is established.
Brakes shall not be released until the torque has been
applied to the main driving shaft of the conveyor, and shall
be applied automatically if the power fails or the operating
control is returned to the off or stopped position.
3.2.3.4 Controlled speed of descent. Brakes which are
manually released and applied by the movement of
operating devices shall be designed so that, if the power is
interrupted with the brakes in the release position, the load
can descend only at a controlled speed.
3.2.3.5 Sustained load. Where a brake is used as an
anti-runaway or anti-runback device, it shall be rated to
sustain 150 percent of the runaway load of the conveyor
when applied.
3.2.4 Lubrication of bearings. Where bearings are
inaccessible or are in hazardous locations and require
lubrication, the means of lubrication shall be located in an
accessible and safe position and the lubricant piped to the
bearings. The lubrication points should be located outside
the alignment of the carrying mechanism of the conveyor
and should be accessible without the removal of any guard.

3.2.5 Take-ups and counterweights.

3.2.5.1 Gravity take-up. Where take-ups have suspended
counterweights, suitable precautions shall be taken
against the danger of the counterweight falling. The
counterweight shall be enclosed in a suitable enclosure
equipped with guides and stops which shall extend to a
floor of sufficient strength to withstand the falling
weight.
Where counterweights are attached to lever arms, a
safety device shall ensure that the weights cannot
become detached if the device used for the adjustment
of the weight becomes loose.
3.2.5.2 Wire ropes for take-ups and counterweights.
All wire ropes used for take-ups and counterweights of
conveyors shall have a minimum safety factor of 4.5.
3.2.5.3 Spring take-ups. Where spring and screw
take-ups are used and adjustment is required when the
plant is in operation, the means of adjustment shall be
readily accessible. Guards shall be provided to protect
personnel from contact with moving parts.
Where spring and screw take-ups are remote or on a
different level from the main drive, a stop control
complying with Clause 4.8.7 shall be provided.
3.2.6 Wire ropes. All wire ropes used on a conveyor
or conveyor system, other than for take-ups and
counterweights, shall comply with the appropriate
requirements of the relevant standards (see Clause 1.4).
3.2.7 Hinged sections.
3.2.7.1 General. Hinged sections of a conveyor or
conveyor system used for the purpose of creating a
passageway shall be designed so that when the hinged
section is opened while the conveyor is in operation it
need only stop the adjacent upstream conveyor. The
conveyor may be restarted automatically upon closure of
the hinged section provided that the requirements of
Clause 4.8.7.5 are complied with.
3.2.7.2 Manually operated. Manually operated hinged
sections shall be self-locking in the open position or
counterbalanced, and shall be designed so that the
maximum effort required to open or close the hinged
section does not exceed 150 N.
3.2.7.3 Power operated. Power-operated hinged
sections shall be provided with mechanical safety
devices which restrict their closing to a safe speed and
prevent them from falling in event of power failure.
3.2.8 Raising and lowering systems. Fixed or mobile
conveyors including an articulated or mobile part in a
vertical plane, actuated manually or by a motor, shall
have a safety device for immobilizing the articulated part
in the event of voluntary or accidental stopping of the
motive power.
A raising and lowering system shall be fitted with an
appropriate device which prevents the accidental
movement or kickback of a manually operated crank.
The raising and lowering system shall be located so that
it is unnecessary for any person to be under the
conveyor. The movement shall be limited at the extreme
positions by appropriate stops or limiting devices.

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AS 17551986

SECTION 4. INSTALLATION
4.1 GENERAL. In areas where a conveyor or conveyor
system is installed, safe access platforms and safe
servicing facilities shall be provided for the purpose of
loading, unloading, operation, maintenance and
inspection. The design, construction, and installation of
fixed platforms, walkways, underpasses, crossovers,
stairways, and ladders shall be in accordance with
AS 1657.
4.2 ACCESS TO CONVEYORS.
4.2.1 Platforms to be provided. Permanent platforms
not less than 600 mm wide shall be provided to enable
all parts of the plant which need to be reached for
purposes of operation and regular maintenance to be
readily and safely accessible. A clear access platform or
floor space of at least 600 mm wide shall be provided
for maintenance purposes. The minimum platform size
shall be 600 mm square. Platforms at different levels
shall be adequately and conveniently connected.
4.2.2 Use of ladders. Access to plant for purposes of
operation shall be from floors or platforms and not from
stairways or fixed ladders. Portable ladders shall not be
used as places from which operation or regular maintenance may be carried out.
4.2.3 Crossovers. Where walkways are provided on
both sides of a conveyor, and where convenient access
to either side of the conveyor may be required by
employees who regularly work in the area, crossovers or
underpasses with safe means of access thereto should be
provided at appropriate intervals, and at the head and tail
ends of conveyors where no other crossing is available.
4.3 CROSSOVERS FOR AISLES AND PASSAGEWAYS. Where a conveyor crosses a walkway, aisle or
passageway and the lowest part of the conveyor or
material or attachment is less than 2 m from the floor or
walkway surface, a crossover or underpass shall be
provided.
4.4 CONVEYORS INSTALLED IN TUNNELS OR
PITS.
4.4.1 Working clearance. Where it is necessary to
work from within a tunnel or pit, e.g. for maintenance
purposes, a minimum working clearance of 600 mm
coupled with a minimum headroom of 2 m shall be
provided .
4.4.2 Ventilation and drainage. Tunnels and pits
should be designed for proper ventilation and drainage.
If necessary sump holes should be provided, and any
such sump holes shall be covered. Where pumps are
provided, the controls shall be located in an accessible
and safe position outside any area that may be flooded.
4.4.3 Depth indication. Visual indications shall be
provided to indicate the depth of water and to guard
against the possibility of persons stepping into deep
water in the event of the tunnel or pit becoming flooded.
4.4.4 Alternative egress. Provision shall be made for
alternative means of egress from tunnels and pits where
there might be a danger to persons. Normal access
should be reasonably remote from possible overflows
and other sources of danger.

4.4.5 Use of covers for headroom. Where the depth

of a pit is less than 2 m, the headroom may be achieved
by the removal of covers. Where covers are provided,
they shall be hinged or otherwise secured to prevent
their displacement through the opening, and the exposed
opening shall be provided with a suitable guard rail of
adequate strength which can be readily and conveniently
erected but not removed. Access to the opening shall be
restricted until the guards, which shall be on at least
three sides, are in position.
4.4.6 Removal of accumulated material. Pits shall
have adequate space for the accumulation of spilled
material and means for the ready removal of such
accumulation.
4.5 LIGHTING. Suitable permanent or mobile lighting
shall be provided for conveyors or conveyor systems
appropriate to their location. The level of illumination
shall provide safe access to conveyors or conveyor
systems and create safe working conditions for
operation, inspection, and maintenance purposes (see
AS 1680). Provision should be made for access to light
fittings for ease of servicing.
Permanent lighting shall be provided in tunnels and pits
and areas where natural light is not available. In
addition, permanent lighting and/or power outlets for
connecting hand-held lamps shall be provided in areas
requiring maintenance and inspection.
NOTE: Hand-held fittings should be one of the extra-low voltage
type.

4.6 ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS. The electrical

instal-lation, components and associated equipment of
conveyors or conveyor systems shall comply with
AS 3000 and other relevant standards.
4.7 PROTECTIVE DEVICES.
4.7.1 General. Where personal safety is involved, all
protective devices shall be hard-wired external to
electronic control equipment of conveyors or conveyor
systems.
4.7.2 Overload protection. Every conveyor where the
maximum torque developed by a motor will produce
stress in excess of safe working stresses and where
failure may cause a hazardous situation shall have, in
addition to the overload protection provided to protect
the motor overload devices to protect the conveyor and
mechanical drive parts. Such devices shall be designed
to quickly disconnect the conveyor or drive parts from
the motive power in the event of overload.
4.7.3 Types of device. The overload devices may be
speed-responsive switches, shear pins, torque limiting
couplings, or any other devices designed for the purpose
of quickly disconnecting the motive power or limiting
applied torque. Shear pin failure on any one drive unit
shall stop all drive units on that conveyor and any other
preceding synchronized conveyor or material feeder.
Where a shear pin is used, a description of the proper
size and material of the shear pin shall be placed at an
appropriate point on the conveyor so that the operators
can readily see it when replacement is being made.

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10

4.7.4 Speed control. Where the operation of the

overload device would permit overspeeding in either
direction with consequent hazard to persons, a speed
control device shall be provided.
4.8 CONVEYOR CONTROL.
4.8.1 General. Conveyors and conveyor systems shall
be provided with appropriate drive power isolation,
whether electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical.
4.8.2 Drive power isolation. Drive power isolation
shall be obtained by mains supply isolating switches or
devices capable of being secured in the isolating
position. Resetting of mains supply isolating switches or
devices shall be by manual operation only.
The securing method shall be by means of a keyoperated lock, danger tag (as approved), or other method
acceptable to the Regulatory Authority. Features shall be
incorporated which positively indicate the isolating and
operating conditions of the isolating device and also
provide a method of preventing unauthorized or
inadvertent operation.
Power-isolating switches or devices shall not be capable
of being locked in the supply mode.
4.8.3 Motor isolation. Motor isolation shall be
obtained by either one of the following means:
(a) A full current isolator connected in series with the
drive motor and mounted adjacent to the drive.
(b) A control circuit isolating switch mounted adjacent
to the drive motor the operation of which shall
comply with Clause 4.8.4.
Whole current switches and control circuit isolating
switches shall comply with Clause 4.8.2 and shall be
clearly identified.
4.8.4 Control circuit isolation. Where control circuit
isolation is used, such isolation shall be used only as
motor isolation for the purpose of test and inspection
services. Operation of the control circuit isolator shall
open the main supply to the drive motor.
The control circuit isolator, at the drive, shall bear a
notice worded as follows:
CAUTION For testing/inspection purposes only. For
servicing and maintenance access, isolate the drive power at the
main supply isolator.

4.8.5 Whole current isolation. Where access to the

conveyor is required whole current isolation shall be
implemented to isolate the drive functions of the
conveyor controls. Operation of the whole current switch
shall open the supply to the drive motor and to all
auxiliary drives, operation of which could cause the
conveyor belt to move.
4.8.6 Starting controls.
4.8.6.1 General. At each conveyor start location, a
clearly labelled stop control shall be provided.
4.8.6.2 Remote control. Conveyors or conveyor
systems equipped with remote control shall comply with
the following:
(a) Where the start control is in a position from which
the whole of the conveyors operation cannot be
viewed and the possibility exists of accidents
arising from the starting of the equipment, an
automatic visible and/or audible signal shall be
provided to warn persons in the vicinity of the
conveyor or conveyor system prior to the starting

up of the conveyor or system. There shall be a

suitable time delay between the beginning of the
signal and the starting of the conveyor or conveyor
system.
(b) Where conveyors or conveyor systems are equipped
with remote control and separate local manual
control switches for any conveyor in a system,
these controls shall be clearly marked and
interlocked so that the remote control cannot
override the local control. Starting interlocks or
contacts from remote controls shall be physically
disconnected by the selection of local control.
(c) The local/remote control selector switch shall be
suitably protected or located to prevent operation by
other than authorized persons. The selected
condition shall be displayed at the local start
location and may also be displayed at both the
remote and local control locations.
(d) An appropriate warning sign shall be displayed.
4.8.7 Stop controls.
4.8.7.1 General. All conveyors and conveyor systems
shall be provided with manual emergency-stop controls.
Where a conveyor is not electrically powered, provision
shall be made for an appropriate stopping device. In
addition, conveyors may be equipped with manual
normal-stop controls for the purpose of production or
other stopping functions (see also Clause 4.8.7.4).
Field-mounted manual stop controls, whether for
emergency or normal stop functions, shall be of the
knock-off, automatic lock-off, manual reset type.
Lanyards are considered to comply with this
requirement.
4.8.7.2 Emergency stopping of conveyors. The stopping
function of an emergency-stop control shall, upon
activation, open the mains supply and lock itself
simultaneously in the off position. It shall prevent the
starting of the conveyor from any position until such
time that the stopping control has been manually reset.
It shall not be possible to restart the conveyor after the
manual reset operation without the activating of the
normal start control.
4.8.7.3 Emergency-stop controls.
Provisions for
emergency stopping of conveyors and conveyor systems
by means of emergency-stop controls shall be as
follows:
(a) Conveyors positioned within 2.5 m from the floor
or normally accessible walkways or platforms shall
have emergency-stop controls located at intervals
not exceeding 30 m.
(b) Readily accessible conveyors shall have emergencystop controls located at intervals not exceeding
30 m. Accessible points along the pull wire of a
lanyard type stop control shall be considered as
being emergency-stop controls.
(c) Where conveyors pass through storage areas and
ovens or other areas not considered readily
accessible, emergency-stop controls at the entry and
exits of these areas shall be provided.
(d) Emergency-stop controls shall be wired directly into
the conveyor control circuit and where activated,
shall isolate the power supply to the conveyor by
electromechanical means.
(e) Where the conveyor is controlled by electronic
equipment, emergency-stop controls shall be hardwired external to the electronic equipment so that

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electronic circuit malfunction shall not inhibit the

function of the stopping device.
Inaccessible conveyors supported on trestles exceeding
2.5 m in height, or conveyors not accessible other than
by a ladder or mobile platform, should have
emergency-stop controls located at the base of the
trestles at intervals not exceeding 100 m.
Operation of a local emergency-stop control in a
conveyor system should be arranged so that it stops the
associated conveyor and its feeding conveyors, except
where the control is located at a transfer point and it
may be necessary to also stop the downstream conveyor.
Where emergency stopping of the total conveyor system
is required, the system should be provided with a single
or multipositioned group of emergency-stop controls.
Operation of the emergency-stop controls should result
in the stopping of the total system. These emergencystop controls shall be either at the main control point, or
at suitable positions which permit the operator a clear
view of the total system.
Where access is provided on each side of the conveyor,
local emergency-stop controls shall be provided on both
sides.
Emergency-stop control systems shall be uniform
throughout the installation.
4.8.7.4 Normal-stop controls. Where normal-stop
controls are provided in addition to emergency-stop
controls, the normal-stop controls may be wired into
electronic control equipment for sequence control
purposes. Interlocking should be arranged so that the
sequencing control cannot be initiated before the manual
resetting of the stopping mechanism and the start control
has been activated. Where this type of conveyor control
has been incorporated appropriate warning signals (see
Clause 4.8.6.2) and warning signs shall be provided.
4.8.7.5 Automatic stop controls. Automatic stop
controls provided for conveyor systems for other than
safety purposes, e.g. overdimensional load, tension
mechanism overtravel, and temperature limit controls,
should not prevent the restarting of the system after
resetting, provided that
(a) the stopping device is labelled to indicate that the
conveyor will restart upon resetting the device; and
(b) where this control is in a position from which the
whole of the system cannot be viewed and there is
a possibility of accidents arising from the starting
of the conveyor, a warning signal in accordance
with Clause 4.8.6 shall be provided.
NOTE: This stop control may be wired into electronic control
equipment.

4.8.7.6 Lanyard or pull wire. Automatic lock-out

manual reset stop controls which are operated by a
lanyard or pull wire shall comply with the following:
(a) They shall be installed within reach of the operator
or other person engaged in the near vicinity of the
conveyor.

AS 17551986

(b) Where emergency-stop controls are not provided at

the head or tail end of the conveyor, lanyard
switches shall be installed.
(c) Breaking, slackening or removal of the lanyard or
pull wire shall automatically stop the conveyor.
(d) The force required to operate the lanyard or pull
wire stop control shall not exceed the following:
(i) Where applied midway between the lanyard or
pull wire supports and at right angles to the
axis of the lanyard or pull wire . . . . 70 N.
(ii) Where applied along the axis of the lanyard
or pull wire in either direction . . . 230 N.
(e) Supports for lanyards or pull wires shall be
provided at intervals not exceeding 4.5 m.
A cross lanyard or pull wire or equivalent type of stop
system may be installed above approaches to certain
points, e.g. crushers, transfers and chutes.
Lanyards or pull wires should be stranded galvanized or
plastics-covered wire or be of similar material not
affected by atmospheric or environmental conditions.
NOTE: The application of lanyards to long overland conveyors
is subject to approval by Regulatory Authorities.

4.8.7.7
Interlocking devices.
Except where the
conveyor at the loading and unloading point is
operationally visible to and under the control of an
operator, an electrical or mechanical device shall be
provided on all sequence type conveyor systems to
automatically stop the conveyor or the load when a
conveyor, bin, hopper, or chute to which it feeds has not
been started, has been stopped, or has been blocked with
loads so that it cannot receive additional loads or
material (see also Clause 4.8.7.5).
4.8.7.8 Location of signs. Each stop control shall be
readily accessible and shall be indicated by safety signs
erected in suitably conspicuous positions. Such signs
shall comply with AS 1319, and shall have letters not
less than 15 mm high.
For lanyard controls, signs shall be erected at suitable
and clearly visible positions along the length of the
conveyor, or at any other position where lanyard is
installed, at intervals not greater than 30 m.
4.9 FIRE PROTECTION. In the design of a
conveyor or conveyor system and of the situation into
which it is to be installed, consideration should be given
to the materials of construction, the materials being
handled, and the operating conditions to assess the extent
to which the installation may be a fire hazard.
Firefighting facilities should be provided consistent with
the assessment of the fire hazard.
In the design of the access provided for the operation
and maintenance of the conveyor or conveyor system,
safe alternative means of exit shall be provided for
personnel in case of fire.

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12

SECTION 5. GUARDING
5.1 GENERAL. Guards shall be designed to prevent
injury to persons and shall be provided at every
dangerous part of a conveyor normally accessible to
personnel.
Guards should be planned into the design of the
conveyor or conveyor system and should not in
themselves create a hazard.
Guards shall be provided to prevent accidental contact
by persons or parts of clothing being caught, e.g.
between belt and pulley, chain and sprocket, cable and
sheave, or drum and block. Where removal of a guard is
not required for inspection or maintenance purposes, the
guard shall be secured in position so that it cannot
readily be removed without the use of tools.
Fixed guards shall be provided where the conveyor can
be serviced without the removal of the guards (e.g. for
adjustments, cleaning or lubrication).
Removable guards shall be installed in a manner
acceptable to the Regulatory Authority in positions
where normal maintenance or cleaning is carried out
regularly .

5.2 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF GUARDS.

5.2.1 General. Guards shall be made of solid material,
mesh, or equivalent construction, and shall be designed
to prevent persons reaching into the danger area (see
Fig. 5.1).
Sheet metal guards shall be not less than 1.5 mm thick.
For mesh guards, 9 mm mesh shall be not less than
1.5 mm thick; 50 mm mesh shall be of not less than
3 mm wire thickness.
Guards shall not deflect more than 12 mm under a force
of 450 N applied at any point on the guard over a square
area of 50 mm side.
These requirements are not intended to exclude other
methods of construction provided that they comply with
the requirements for prevention of access.
Where a guard is situated so that a person may climb or
rest upon it, such guard shall be capable of sustaining a
mass of 75 kg placed in any position upon it, together
with a simultaneous force of 220 N applied horizontally
in the same or any other position. The guard shall
maintain the required safe clearances.

Fig. 5.1. USE OF MESH FOR GUARDS

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5.2.2 Reach dimensions (See Figs 5.2 and 5.3). The

design and construction of guards and their subsequent
location shall be such that the distance of any nip point
or shear hazard and the nearest point of access is
restricted as follows:
(a) Arm reach . . . . . . 1000 mm from under arm to
fingertips.
(b) Elbow reach . . . . . 500 mm from the inside elbow
to fingertips.
(c) Wrist reach . . . . . 280 mm from wrist to tip of
middle finger.
(d) Finger reach . . . . 150 mm
(e) Vertical reach . . . . 2500 mm maximum when
standing on toes.
The above dimensions include an allowance made to
obtain clearance from the danger areas.

AS 17551986

(a) Size of mesh of opening up to and including 9 mm

.... Distance of guard from danger point virtually
same as sheetmetal, working clearance only
required.
(b) Above 9 mm up to 50 mm square ...Guard at least
150 mm from danger point.
(c) All types of guards ....Distance between the
underside of the guard and the floor not to exceed
250 mm.
Where complete enclosure with a guard is not provided,
fence type guards shall be used and the height of the
guard and the distance of the guard from the danger
point shall be in accordance with Fig. 5.4. The size of
mesh or other openings shall be not greater than 9 mm
where the nip point is up to and including 150 mm from
the guard, and not greater than 50 mm square where the
nip point is in excess of 150 mm from the guard.

5.2.3 Guard placement. The size of mesh or other

openings in the guard and the distance of the guard from
the danger point shall be as follows:

(a) Reaching over a barrier

(b) Reaching around a barrier

Fig. 5.2. REACHING OVER AND AROUND A BARRIER

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14

millimetres

2500
2360
2290

2290

75
75

2130

150
150

Distance from nip point to guard (c)

Height of guard from floor or working surface (b )
1980
1830
1680
1520
1380

230
230
230
230
230
230
300
380
380
380

2210
2130
2050

200
200
150

300
300
300

380
450
450

450
530
600

530
600
600

530
600
600

530
600
680

600

1100

1980
1900
1830

150

300
230

450
450
450

600
600
600

680
680
680

680
680
750

750
840
840

1200

1750
1680
1600

450
380
380

600
600
530

750
750
750

840
840
840

920
920
920

1300

1520
1450
1380

230

530
530
450

750
750
750

840
840
840

920
920
920

1300
1220
1150

380

750
750
680

840
840
840

920
920
920

1350

1050
1000
920

680
680
300

750
680
680

840
840
840

1400

840
750
680

600
380
300

840
750
600

1200

600
530

530
380

Height of nip point from

floor or working surface
(a)

NOTES:
1.
For intermediate measurements use next higher scale.
2.
Measurements shown allow 75 mm over average reach.

Fig. 5.4. GUARDING DISTANCES

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230
380

1000

230

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5.3
DANGEROUS PARTS REQUIRING
GUARDING (See also Figs 5.5 to 5.12).
5.3.1 Minimum clearance of moving parts. Where
there is a risk of personal injury from any nip point
or shear hazard, between any moving part of carrying
mechanism of the conveyor and any attachment fixed
thereto, and any fixed portion of the conveyor
structure and any other equipment, the clearance shall
be not less than 90 mm. Where this minimum
clearance is not practicable, the clearance may be
reduced provided that the nip point or shear hazard is
effectively guarded.
As an alternative, pop-out rollers or dead plates
which, when operating, allow a minimum clearance
of 90 mm to be maintained, may be provided. The
force required to operate such devices shall not
exceed 110 N.
Where the surface of the moving part of the conveyor
is provided with projections exceeding 6 mm in
height, or where there is any type of attachment to
the moving part, the minimum clearance of 90 mm
shall be maintained between the highest point of the
projection and the adjacent structure.
5.3.2 Nip points and shear hazards. Guards shall
be provided to prevent accidental contact with nip
points or shear hazards where the nip point or shear
hazard exists up to a height of 2.5 m above any floor,
platform level, or stored goods or materials.
5.3.3
Rotating parts.
The use of exposed
projecting parts such as keys, bolts and set-screw
heads on rotating members should be avoided where
possible. Where this is not possible, such projecting
parts shall be provided with guards. Guards shall be
provided for all exposed shaft couplings and collars.
Sheet metal guards shall be provided for all fluid
couplings which are provided with fusible plugs.
5.3.4 Hoppers and chutes. All openings to hoppers
and chutes shall be suitably protected where there is
danger of personnel falling into the opening.
Hoppers or chutes shall be provided with access
opening so that, as far as possible, any necessary
cleaning inspection may be carried out from outside
the hopper or chute.

AS 17551986

The sides of open hoppers or chutes shall be high

enough to prevent material falling into working areas
below and to prevent injury to personnel by contact
with moving parts in the conveyor. Open chutes
should be provided with front plates at the point
where conveyors discharge into them to prevent
materials from bouncing out of the chute.
Chute doors shall be located so that when open they
do not create a hazard to personnel during normal
operation of the plant. When the chute doors are
open, there shall be a minimum headroom of not less
than 2 m .
5.4 REMOVAL OF GUARDS.
5.4.1 Fixed guards. Where required for inspection,
maintenance, or operational purposes, hinged
inspection doors may be provided in a fixed guard,
but such inspection doors shall comply with
Clause 5.4.2.
5.4.2 Removable guards and covers. Lifting
handles or lugs shall be provided where required for
the safe removal or opening of guards or covers.
Removable guards and covers shall be clearly
labelled DANGER Isolate drive before removing
guard.
5.5 GUARDING OF OTHER AREAS.
5.5.1 Loading, unloading, and discharge points.
Wherever a person is employed at a loading,
unloading, work station, transfer, or discharge point,
adequate safeguards in the form of guard rails,
fences, or close fitting guards shall be installed to
prevent injury to personnel.
5.5.2 Guarding of openings in floors. In locations
where conveyors pass through a floor or where it is
possible to inadvertently step upon moving plant,
hand railing and toe boards shall be provided in
accordance with AS 1657. Provision should be made
for a height gauge at the loading end where a
conveyor passes through a floor to ensure sufficient
clearance between the load and the floor.
5.5.3 Restricted areas. Where conveyors are
installed in restricted access areas, they may be
considered as being partially for fully guarded at the
discretion of the Regulatory Authority.

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Fig. 5.5 TYP ICAL GUAR DS FOR HEA D PU LLEY

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Fig. 5.7 TYP ICAL GU AR D AT THE TAIL EN D OF THE CONV EY OR

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Fig. 5.8. TYPICA L GUA RD FOR A CHU TE

Fig. 5.9. TYPICA L GUA RD AT BE ND OF CONVE YO R

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Fig. 5.10. TYPICA L GUAR D FOR A TRAV ELLING TRIPPE R

Fig. 5.11. TYPICA L GU AR D FOR GRA VITY TAKE -UP AT FLOOR LEVE L

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Fig. 5.12. TYPICA L GUAR D FOR ACC ES S UND ER A CONVE YO R

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AS 17551986

SECTION 6. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

FOR UNIT-HANDLING CONVEYORS
6.1 GENERAL. Conveyors designed for unit loads
shall comply with the requirements of this Section
together with the appropriate and applicable
requirements specified in other Sections.
Where routine operations, maintenance, and
replacement of parts is necessary and such parts are
not readily accessible, access and platforms shall be
provided in accordance with AS 1657.
6.2 SLAT CONVEYORS. Unless deemed safe by
location and position, the sides and undersides of slat
conveyors shall be appropriately guarded (see
Fig. 6.1). All slats shall be designed for live load and
shall include an allowance for wear. The hazard
which may be caused by the space between slats or
variation in such space as they move along the
conveyor track shall be eliminated as follows:
(a) Slats travelling in a straight line. The space
between slats travelling in a straight line should
be 25 mm; however, where the slats have a clear
space between of more than 25 mm, the entire
space under the top or carrying rung of slats
shall have a solid, smooth bed to prevent a
shearing hazard between the moving slats and
any structure or return run.

(b) Change of direction. Where the minimum

distance between slats is less than 20 mm or
more than 30 mm when passing around the end
shaft sprockets or where changes of direction
occur, the slats shall be guarded in a manner to
prevent any person from receiving injury from
the closing slats.
6.3
TOWING CONVEYORS (See Fig. 6.2).
Underfloor or overhead truck towing conveyors shall
be provided with means to release the truck from the
tow chain in the event of the truck or load meeting
an obstruction.
There shall be at least 600 mm clear space between
any two trucks and their loads on parallel lines or
between any two trucks, including loads and a fixed
object.
Tow truck wheels shall be guarded by one of the
following methods:
(a) By providing guards on the wheels to within
20 mm of the floor.
(b) By providing a skirt guard on the truck to within
20 mm of the floor.
(c) By any other method which provides equivalent
safety to personnel.

Fig. 6.1. SLAT CONV EY OR

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Fig. 6.2. TRUC K TOWING CONV EY OR

Fig. 6.3. PO SITION OF PR OTEC TIVE PLATE

Fig. 6.4. PR OV ISION OF PO P-OUT ROLLERS

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6.4 ROLLER FLIGHT CONVEYORS. Where the

rollers of roller flight conveyors are arranged to
provide a clear space of more than 25 mm and there
are structural members under the rollers which
present a shear hazard, and the conveyor is not safe
by virtue of its position, the entire space under the
top or carrying run of rollers shall have a solid
smooth bed to prevent a shearing hazard between the
moving rollers and the structure.
Where the rollers are not mounted on the centreline
of the chain and where the minimum clearance
between the rollers is less than 25 mm, the closing
roller shall be guarded externally at the closing point.
6.5 FLAT BELT CONVEYORS.
6.5.1 Protective plate. A table or a suitable flat
protective plate used in conjunction with side plates
or side guards shall be provided under the belt to the
tangent line of the pulley to minimize the possibility
of accidents between the nip point of the belt and the
pulley (see Fig. 6.3).
6.5.2 Transfer points. At transfer points, where a
belt conveyor discharges onto a roller conveyor,
means shall be provided to ensure a minimum
clearance between the conveyors of 90 mm except
where guards are provided (see Clause 5.3).
This minimum clearance may be reduced by using
pop-out type rollers or dead plates, provided that the
roller substructure or support does not encroach on
this clearance (see Fig. 6.4).
6.5.3 Return idler guarding.
On any exposed
section of a conveyor which is not safe by virtue of
its location or position, the return idler rollers shall
be provided with guards to prevent accidental contact
with nip points of any return idler and belt where the
nip points are between 0.6 m and 2.5 m above any
floor, platform or level.
6.6 OVERHEAD CHAIN OR CABLE CONVEYORS. That portion of an overhead chain or cable
conveyor which travels so that the lowest point of the
conveyor or its load is more than 2.5 m above ground
level shall be provided with underguarding to sustain
any object which may fall from the conveyor and in
falling cause injury to persons underneath.
Where traction wheels or roller turns are installed at
a height of less than 2.5 m from the ground level, the
nip points between the chain and the wheel or roller
shall

AS 17551986

be guarded. Traction wheels or roller turns shall be

designed so that their fall due to failure of bearings
or shafts is minimized.
6.7 OVERHEAD CHAIN OR CABLE CONVEYOR (POWER AND FREE TYPE). Where the
underside of the free track of an overhead chain or
cable conveyor is within 2.5 m of the floor level, the
power chain and trolley shall be suitably guarded
where they pass through the yokes. Where, however,
access to the trolley is from walkways provided for
maintenance, yokes need not be specifically guarded
provided that the clearance between the trolley
bracket and the yoke is not less than 30 mm.
Where drop sections are used, suitable means shall be
provided to prevent the following free trolley from
entering the open section of the track, and the free
trolley in the dropped section shall be positively
retained on its track.
Means shall be provided to stop the descent of any
drop section or to control its speed to not more than
125 percent of its normal operation; in any case, its
speed shall not exceed 500 mm/s.
6.8 SWING TRAY CONVEYORS (See Figs 6.5
and 6.6).
6.8.1 Fork tray type. Where there is more than one
loading point, a fork tray type conveyor or its
controls shall be designed so as to ensure that the
loading forks or fingers can be in the loading
position at only one level at any one time while the
conveyor is in motion.
Where the discharge is automatic, means shall be
provided to ensure that the conveyor will stop should
the receiving area be unable to take the discharge
load.
Loading and unloading points shall be guarded by
fixed guards extending a distance of at least 1 m
from the sill line of the loading or unloading point.
6.8.2 Solid tray type. Where the discharge from
solid tray type conveyors is not automatic, the
loading and unloading point shall be provided with
doors electrically interlocked to prevent movement of
the conveyor while any door is open.

Fig. 6.5 SWING TRA Y CONVE YO R (DETAIL)

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6.9 VERTICAL CHAIN CONVEYORS (OPPOSED SHELF TYPE) (See Fig. 6.7). Means shall
be provided on vertical chain conveyors to stop the

conveyor in the event of any portions of the load

projecting beyond the door head or still line.

Fig. 6.6. SO LID TRA Y CONV EY OR

Fig. 6.7. VE RTICAL CH AIN CONVE YO R

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AS 17551986

SECTION 7. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

FOR BULK-HANDLING CONVEYORS
7.1 GENERAL. Conveyors designed for bulk handling shall comply with the requirements of this
Section together with the appropriate and applicable
requirements specified in other Sections.
7.2 SAFE ACCESS.
7.2.1 Walkways (See Clause 4.2). Where appropriate, a walkway complying with AS 1657 should he
provided on at least one side of bulk handling
conveyors. Where inspection, maintenance, and
replacement of parts of a conveyor remote from such
walkways is necessary and such parts are not readily
accessible, an additional walkway should be
provided.
The provision of an additional walkway is not
necessary where safe access is available and can be
provided on the conveyor structure.
7.2.2 Crossovers and underpasses. Where access
is required for operational purposes, crossovers, or
underpasses shall be provided. A suitable crossover
or underpass attached to a mobile tripper will satisfy
the requirement. Where appropriate, suitable boarding
switches shall be provided to isolate the travel drive.
7.2.3 Access to drive unit. Access to the drive unit
and tail pulleys shall be provided for all bulk
handling conveyors whether of the fixed or shuttle
type.
7.2.4 Nip points. Unless deemed safe by position or
location, guards shall be provided to prevent
accidental contact with nip points where the nip
points are between 0.6 m and 2.5 m above any floor,
platform or level (see Fig. 5.4). Guarding of nip
points shall comply with Section 5.
7.3 BELT CONVEYORS.
7.3.1 Danger points. The most important danger
points on belt conveyors are shown in Fig. 7.1 and

marked with arrows. These are at the nip (wrapping)

points of the belt with the pulley. (See also Figs 5.5
to 5. 12.)
7.4 SCREW CONVEYORS. All casings and loading, delivery, drainage, and inspection apertures or
chutes of screw conveyors shall be guarded or
interlocked to prevent contact with the screw and nip
point.
7.5 EN MASSE AND BUCKET CONVEYORS.
Access to the driving machinery or head of en masse
and bucket conveyors shall be provided from a
platform of such dimensions as will allow the
replacement of any machinery. Access to and the
guarding of the platform shall comply with AS 1657.
7.6 VIBRATING AND OSCILLATING CONVEYORS. Where access walkway or platform is
provided past or at the end of a vibrating or
oscillating conveyor, the requirements of Section 5
shall apply.
7.7 DRAG CHAIN CONVEYORS. Where inspection panels are used in the top of the trunking which
encloses the drag chain, a wire mesh screen shall be
provided under the door or panel; such screen shall
be designed and constructed so as to withstand a
force of 750 N in any position upon it and maintain
the required safe clearances at all points of guarding.
All loading, delivery, drainage, and inspection
apertures or chutes in the trunking shall be guarded
to prevent contact with the flights or nip points.
Such guarding shall be securely bolted and/or welded
in position. Where guards or covers are to be opened
for cleaning the conveyor, they shall be hinged and
interlocked electrically or mechanically with the
driving means by positive non-interference devices so
as to prevent movement of the conveyor while the
guard or cover is in the open position or is removed.
The guarding shall comply with Section 5.

NOTE: Nip points are indicated by arrows.

Fig. 7.1. DA NG ER POINTS OF BELT CONVE YO RS

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SECTION 8. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

FOR MOBILE AND PORTABLE CONVEYORS
8.1 GENERAL. Mobile and portable conveyors
shall comply with the requirements of this Section
together with the appropriate and applicable
requirements specified in other Sections.
8.2 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION. Mobile and
portable conveyors shall be designed and constructed
so as to remain stable under normal loading and
transporting conditions. The design and construction
of mobile and portable conveyors shall take into
account the magnitude, incidence, conditions and
manner of loading and all forces likely to apply to
the conveyors.
8.3 STABILITY. The margin for stability for
mobile conveyors and conveyor structures shall be
determined under the combined effects of
(a) wind loading;
(b) design live and dead loads; and
(c) design live load and dynamic effects.
The design margin of stability expressed as a
percentage shall be calculated from the following
equation:

where the stabilizing moment is the moment of the

conveyor mass about its axis of tipping, and the
overturning moment is the moment of the design
loads about the conveyor axis of tipping.
The margin of stability for a mobile conveyor shall
be not less than 50 percent.
8.4 ATTACHMENT POINTS FOR TOWING.
Suitably designed points of attachment shall be
provided for the towing of mobile conveyors.
NOTE: Reference should be made to the rules for towing
mobile conveyors issued by the local tr affi c authori ti es.

8.5 BOOM MOUNTING. The boom or trunking

shall be mounted on a chassis, base or wheels. The
plan distance at right angles to the boom or trunking
between the chassis, base, or wheels shall be not less
than 25 percent of the elevated height of the boom or
trunking.
8.6
LOCKING AGAINST CREEP. Suitable
locking devices shall be provided to prevent creep
while the conveyor is in use.
8.7 PNEUMATIC TYRES. Where pneumatic tyred
wheels are used, stability shall be maintained in
conditions of under-inflation or loss of air in any one
wheel.
8.8 LOSS OF POWER. Suitable means shall be
provided to automatically sustain the boom in any
position when power is removed from the raising or
lowering medium. A screw or helix type brake fulfils
this purpose. Pawl and ratchet type winches without
brakes shall not be used.

8.9 WIRE ROPE.

8.9.1 Safety factors and diameter ratios. Wire
rope, where used for elevating booms, shall comply
with the appropriate requirements of AS 1656 and AS
2759 with respect to minimum factor of safety and
ratio of rope diameter to drum and sheave diameter.
8.9.2 Attachment. Attachment of the ropes shall be
made in such a manner as will ensure that the
strength of the rope is maintained in the connection.
8.9.3 Minimum diameter. Ropes of less than 6 mm
diameter shall not be used.
8.9.4 Load equalizing. Where more than one rope
or fall is used, automatic static means of equalizing
the load on each rope shall be provided.
8.9.5 Anchorages. Rope anchorages shall have a
minimum safety factor of 4.5.
8.10 BOOM OR TRUNKING.
8.10.1 Minimum approach. The boom or trunking
shall be designed so that it cannot approach closer
than 1 m to the ground or floor level unless measures
are taken to ensure that the elevated boom or
trunking has its descent controlled to a safe regulated
speed. The boom raising frame shall not become
detached from the boom, trunking, or base.
8.10.2 Separation from drive. The boom or
trunking shall be attached and supported so that when
at its lowest elevation or while being transported it
cannot rest upon the conveyor drive.
8.10.3 Warning notice. A permanent notice shall be
attached in a conspicuous position adjacent to the
prime mover (see Fig. 8.1).
The notice shall comply with AS 1319 (see Section
4 therein) and shall be displayed on all conveyors on
which the boom or trunking can be raised in excess
of 2 m.
8.11 CONVEYOR DRIVE. Where an internal
combustion engine is used as the conveyor power
drive, the following applies:
(a) The speed control should have a positive
shut-off of the power source to prevent speeds in
excess of the designed maximum.
(b) The conveyor should be equipped with a fire
extinguisher of sufficient capacity to extinguish
a fire arising from the loss of total fuel capacity
of the fuel storage tank.
(c) An appropriate cautionary sign should be
attached to the conveyor prohibiting its use in
confined spaces because of the toxic hazard of
the exhaust fumes.
(d) Due consideration should be given to the control
of static electricity (see AS 1020).
8.12 CONTROL OF MOTOR DRIVE.
8.12.1 General. An automatic lock-out manual reset
type switch shall be provided in an accessible
position at each end of the conveyor. Drive power
isolation shall comply with Clause 4.8.

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8.12.2 Electric power supply. Flexible conductors

providing power to the conveyor drive shall be
(a) protected to prevent mechanical damage; and
(b) attached to the conveyor in a manner that
prevents strain on the electrical connections.
Core-balance earth-leakage devices should be
provided to circuits feeding mobile conveyors (see
AS 3190).
8.12.3 Clutches. Where toothed or dog type clutches
are used, they shall have not less than four teeth or
four dogs. The teeth or dogs and their mating
recesses shall be undercut sufficiently to prevent
inadvertent disengagement of clutches.
8.13 GUARDING. The guarding of mobile conveyors shall comply with Section 5. Guards shall also be
provided as follows:
(a) On return side idlers less than 2.5 m from the
ground or floor level or at any position that can
be reached by a person while the conveyor is
operable.

AS 17551986

(b) On flywheels, couplings, and starter mechanisms

of petrol engines.
NOTE:
It is recommended that impulse, spri ng, or
permanentl y attached cord type start ers be used to eliminate
exposed ir regular surf aces or start ing pull eys.

(c) On exposed or extended shafting of crank type

starting mechanisms.
(d) On bag and bale conveyors to prevent
dislodgment of the load. Such side guards or
aprons shall have an effective height of 100 mm
whether splayed or vertical.
(e) On exposed screws, chains, or flights in hoppers.
The design shall be such as will prevent personal
contact with the moving parts.
(f) On return side chains with pusher attachment.
Such chains shall be positioned to prevent
contact by persons or shall run in protective
ducts or a similar method of guarding.
8.14 SAFE ACCESS. Where appropriate, a means
of safe access shall be provided on the conveyor.

Fig. 8.1 WAR NING NOTICE

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SECTION 9. INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

9.1 GENERAL. An inspection and maintenance
program shall be organized to keep the conveyor
mechanism in a safe operating condition.
9.2 REGULAR CHECKS. Persons responsible for
the operation, inspection and maintenance of
conveyors and conveyor systems, shall be familiar
with the operational and safety requirements of the
equipment. These requirements include the following:
(a) Instructions and recommendations provided by
the manufacturer of the equipment.
(b) Regular inspection of the relevant parts of the
equipment for abnormal wear.
(c) Implementation of a preventive maintenance
program.
(d) Details of maintenance and regular checks
appropriately recorded and kept for future
reference.

9.3 REMOVAL OF GUARDS. Where inspection

or maintenance work entails the removal of guards
drive power shall be disconnected from the conveyor
(see Clause 4.8.2).
9.4 SAFETY OF PERSONNEL. Where inspection
and maintenance personnel are required to work in
situations where there is a risk of falling,
consideration should be given to the use of safety
belts and harness assemblies (see AS 1891 and
AS 2626).
All persons working on a conveyor or conveyor
system shall be provided with individual locks and
keys or danger tags for personal safety (see
Clause 4.8.2). Where appropriate, a work permit
may be provided (see Appendix B).
Under normal circumstances, where a person has
tagged or locked out a conveyor, it is the
responsibility of that person to remove the tag or
lock and to reset the control.

SECTION 10. INSTRUCTIONS FOR OPERATING

AND MAINTENANCE
10.1 GENERAL. Operation and maintenance
instructions should be supplied with all conveyors
and conveyor systems and should be subdivided into
four parts in accordance with Clauses 10.2 to 10.5.
10.2 SYNOPSIS OF PLANT. This part should be
a book type reference to all component parts of the
conveyor or conveyor plant with machine capacities,
speed, serial numbers, and order numbers, and should
include reduced scale general arrangement drawings
of all mechanical and electrical equipment.
10.3 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS. This part
should give clear instructions on the operation of the
conveyor and/or conveyor plant from Start Up to

Close Down including all possible sequences of

control and operation.
10.4 MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS. This
part should give clear instruction on complete
routines for lubrication and maintenance of the
conveyor and/or conveyor plant, and should be
supported by arrangement drawings showing the parts
requiring routine lubrication and maintenance.
10.5 SPARE PARTS. This part should comprise
lists of recommended spares together with serial
numbers, order numbers, and any other details that
would be necessary in obtaining spares, all of which
should be illustrated by suitable arrangement
drawings indicating the location of the various parts
in question.

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AS 17551986

SECTION 11. TRAINING AND SUPERVISION OF OPERATORS

11.1 TRAINING. During the training of conveyor
operators, particular care should be taken to ensure
that each operator understands the safe operation of
the conveyor and the following safety precautions:
(a) The method of stopping and starting the
conveyor.
(b) The hazards which are known to arise in the
course of normal working.
(c) The hazards liable to arise from bad practices,
inattention, and misuse.
(d) The purpose of the guard or safety device, and
how the guard or device may fail.
(e) The necessity for immediately informing the
person in charge if any faults or defects arise,
and the danger to the operator in attempting to
correct any faults.
(f) The ability to recognize overloading or abnormal
loading conditions.
Instructions shall be given that guards or safety
devices shall not be tampered with, removed, or
altered in any way, and that adjustable guards shall
be readjusted only by an authorized person. The
operators knowledge on the use of the conveyor or
conveyors and the precautions to be taken should be
regularly checked
A conveyor operator should be closely supervised by
a person with a thorough knowledge of the conveyor
or conveyors during the training period.
11.2 SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES. The
following operating procedures apply to all conveyor
installations:
(a) All starting and stopping controls shall be kept
clearly marked. The area around these devices
shall be kept free from obstructions to permit
ready access to them and a clear view of them at
all times.
(b) The area around all loading and unloading points
on the conveyors shall be kept free from
obstructions at all times.
(c) Manual cleaning of belts, pulleys, or drums shall
not be carried out while the conveyor is in
motion.

(d) No person shall be permitted to travel on a

moving conveyor at any time, unless an
exemption is granted by the Regulatory
Authority.
(e) Maintenance or repair work shall not be carried
out while a conveyor is in operation. In every
case the power shall be disconnected and the
stopping control shall be positively locked in the
open or stop position before such work is
commenced. Where it is not practicable to carry
out adjustment of a conveyor while it is stopped,
a qualified operator shall be in attendance while
such adjustment is being made.
(f) Before a conveyor that has stopped because of
an overload is restarted, the reason shall be
ascertained and the stoppage cleared. The
stopping control shall be locked out before any
attempt is made to remove the cause of an
overload.
(g) No overload or safety control shall be removed
from the conveyor. Precautions should be taken
to prevent unauthorized persons from adjusting
or tampering with the adjustment of any such
control. Where adjustments are to be made, they
shall be carried out by a competent authorized
person.
(h) All persons working on or near a conveyor shall
be instructed in the location and operation of
stopping controls.
(j) At no time should a conveyor be used for a
purpose other than one for which it was
designed, unless such design has been proved
satisfactory for the new conditions of use and
load, nor should it be loaded in excess of its safe
working load.
(k) Good housekeeping shall be maintained at all
times.
(l) Operators should not wear loose clothing which
may become entrapped in a conveyor.
11.3 SAFE WORKING METHODS. Operators
shall be trained in safe working methods (see
AS 1470).

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SECTION 12. MARKING AND IDENTIFICATION

12.1 MARKING OF CONVEYORS. The following information shall be marked on the conveyor or
on labels permanently attached thereto:
(a) The manufacturers name, trade name or mark.
(b) An identification number or code.
12.2 NAMEPLATES AND LABELS. Nameplates
and labels shall be durable, corrosion resistant and
permanently attached and shall be clearly visible.
12.3 IDENTIFICATION. The identification number
shall be in raised or indented letters or figures of a
minimum height of 15 mm complying with AS 1319.
12.4 LOAD CAPACITY. The load capacity for a
unit handling conveyor (SWL) should be exhibited
adjacent to or on the conveyor at each loading
position.
The load capacity for a bulk handling conveyor shall
be exhibited on the conveyor; it is acceptable on a
data plate or on the driving unit.

Unit handling conveyors of the overhead chain type

shall have its SWL exhibited as mass per attachment,
and total load per structure.
12.5 MARKING OF CONTROLS.
12.5.1 Start and stop controls. All conveyor
controls shall be marked with the words appropriate
to their function, e.g. stop, start, forward, reverse,
raise, or lower. Arrows indicating the direction of
travel shall be provided at forward and reverse
controls. The identification colours used shall be in
accordance with AS 1318.
12.5.2 Emergency stop control. All emergency
stop controls including the central emergency stop
control shall be clearly marked with their function.
12.6 LOCATION OF SIGNS. Care should be
exercised in the choosing of sign mounting locations
to ensure that the possibility of the signs becoming
obscured by stacked materials is prevented (see also
AS 1319).

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APPENDIX A

GLOSSARY OF CONVEYOR TERMS

NOTE: The terms and defi niti ons appli cable to conveying systems set out in this Appendix are accompanied by typical
configurations for the purpose of clari ty; however, this does not exclude other arrangements that achieve the same effect.

A1 ANTI-RUNBACK DEVICES.
A1.1 Anti-runback device for belt conveyors consists of a full complement of shaped steel sprags
or wedges, located in the annular space between concentric inner and outer races. Power is transmitted
from one race to the other by the wedging action of the sprags between them. Rotation of one race in the
driving direction causes the sprags to tilt, thus transmitting the torque in full from one race to the other.
Conversely, rotation of the race in the other direction frees the sprags and permits overrunning between
the races.

A1.2 Anti-runback device for overhead chain conveyor a mechanical device to prevent reversal of
a loaded conveyor under action of gravity when forward travel is interrupted.

UP HILL SAFETY STOP

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A1.3 Anti-runaway device for overhead chain conveyor a mechanical safety device to lock or catch
the conveyor and prevent running away in the direction of travel in the case of failure.

DO WNHILL RU NA WAY STOP

A2 APRON CONVEYORS.
A2.1 Apron conveyor a conveyor composed of interlocking or overlapping, flat or shaped plates,
carried on chains and running on tracks.

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A2.2 Apron conveyor with pans an apron conveyor in which the sides and ends of the plates are
turned upwards to form open pans.

A3 BELT CONVEYORS.
A3.1 Belt conveyor a conveyor using a moving belt for the conveying medium. The belt is usually
driven by a drum at one end, passing over a free-running drum at the other end. The upper portion of the
belt may be supported by free-running idlers or suitable flat surfaces. This type of conveyor can be
arranged for horizontal or inclined travel, the angle of slope depending on the character of the goods
conveyed and the type of belt surface.

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A3.2 Fixed belt conveyor a stationary mechanical item of plant designed for the conveying of
materials and fitted with an endless of fabric, rubber, plastics, leather, or metal.

A3.3 Mobile belt conveyor a mobile conveyor on wheels which is not self-propelled, carrying
continuous handling equipment, with either adjustable or non-adjustable heights.

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A3.4 Portable belt conveyor a portable conveyor on stands, carrying continuous handling equipment,
with adjustable heights.

A3.5 Belts conveyor, thrower or spreader a short high speed belt conveyor, capable of throwing
loose bulk material into otherwise inaccessible areas.

A3.6 Blanket, or twin band conveyor a conveyor composed of two moving belts working in unison,
the carrying surfaces being in or near contact. The load is carried between the two belts. This conveyor
can be used up and down steep inclines.

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A3.7 Closed belt conveyor a conveyor composed of a moving belt capable of being formed into a
closed tubular shape. While in motion the belt opens to receive the load, closes to convey it, and opens
to discharge it.

A3.8 Flat belt conveyor a conveyor composed of a moving flat belt carried on free-running rollers
or sliding on a suitable surface.

A3.9 Sloping belt conveyor a horizontally or vertically tensioned belt conveyor with or without a
loading tail unit.

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A3.10 Telescopic belt conveyor a continuous belt consisting of a series of pulleys which permits
extension or retraction of the conveyor length.

A3.11 Troughed belt conveyor a conveyor composed of a moving belt carried on horizontal centre
and inclined side rollers that imparts a transverse curvature to the belt.

A4 BARREL OR DRUM CONVEYOR a conveyor with arms fixed to the chains which may be set
at a moderate angle to the vertical. Loading can occur at any intermediate floor but unloading can only
occur as the arms pass over the top of the chain sprockets and discharge the load.

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A5 BUCKET CONVEYORS.
A5.1 Bucket conveyor any type of conveyor in which the materials are carried in a series of buckets
attached to chains, ropes or belts.

A5.2 Bucket elevator a conveyor for loose bulk materials with buckets as the carrying medium
attached to the belt or chains as the driving medium.

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A5.3 Continuous bucket conveyor a belt and bucket or chain and bucket conveyor where the buckets
are set at close pitch. The sides of the buckets are made to overlap thus forming a continuous trough.

A5.4 Gravity bucket conveyor a conveyor consisting of freely swinging buckets carried between
parallel endless chains, the buckets being tipped to discharge contents. The centre of gravity of the bucket
is below the centre line of the chain pivot and thus the chain may follow any path from horizontal to
vertical with the buckets continuing to hang vertically. Feeding of the buckets may either by gravity or
by means of a suitable rotary feeder.

Drive corner

A5.5 Inclined belt and bucket conveyor a conveyor generally totally enclosed for powdered
or granular material, consisting of suitably shaped buckets mounted at predetermined pitches on
an endless belt, but inclined at a slight angle to the vertical. (Similar to vertical belt and bucket
conveyor.)

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A5.6 Pivoted bucket conveyor a conveyor using pivoted buckets attached between two endless chains.
The buckets remain in a carrying position until tipped or inverted to discharge.

A5.7 Vertical belt and bucket conveyor a conveyor generally totally enclosed for powder or granular
material consisting of suitably shaped buckets mounted at predetermined pitches on an endless belt. The
belt obtains its motion from a powdered head pulley and is returned over a tail pulley, adjustment being
provided to accommodate belt stretch. Material is picked up either by buckets dredging out the bottom
of the conveyor or by feeding the material into the passing buckets and then discharged by centrifugal
action while passing over the head.

A5.8 Vertical internal discharge chain and bucket conveyor a totally enclosed continuous bucket
conveyor with the bucket carried between two chains and having inner openings. The material is fed in
at the foot of the conveyor and discharge occurs when the buckets are inverted while passing over the head
sprockets, the material being delivered by means of a chute passing through a conveyor casing.

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A6 CHAIN CONVEYORS.
A6.1 Chain conveyor a conveyor for unit loads, with an endless driving medium, e.g. chain or cable,
and a series of trolleys supported by an overhead track.
A6.2 Chain conveyor with driving dogs a chain conveyor with pusher dogs driving load-carrying
trucks on separate track or floor.

A6.3 Chain or wire rope belt conveyor a conveyor composed of a belt secured to transverse supports
carried by moving chains or wire ropes. The chains or wire ropes transmit the driving force, the belt
forming the load-carrying medium.

A6.4 Drag chain conveyor a conveyor having one or more endless chains which drag bulk materials
in a through.

A6.5 Overhead chain conveyor (open track type) a conveyor which uses a bi-planar chain suspended
by wheeled trolleys which run on an overhead track.

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A6.6 Overhead chain conveyor (enclosed track) a chain conveyor which uses a bi-planar articulated
chain which serves to transmit driving tension and carries the weight of the load. It has rollers disposed
in the vertical and horizontal planes running in an enclosed track.

A6.7 Overhead chain or cable conveyor (power and free type) an overhead chain conveyor with
pusher dogs attached to an endless chain or cable driving load-carrying trolleys running on a separate track
from which trolleys can be diverted away from the driving chain by means of switches. These conveyors
may be designed for single plane or multiple plane operations.

A6.8 Positive discharge type chain and bucket conveyor a conveyor similar to the vertical belt and
bucket conveyor but normally operating at slow speeds, and arranged for the buckets to up-end when
approaching the discharge point by means of deflecting sprockets.

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A6.9 Raised link or offset roller chain conveyor a conveyor consisting of two or more strands of
chain running in parallel tracks with the loads carried directly on the chains.

A6.10 Single chain or crate conveyor a conveyor with a centrally located chain as the driving
medium.

A6.11 Sliding chain conveyor a conveyor assembled with one or more endless chains sliding on tracks
on which objects are carried.

A6.12 Swing chain conveyor a single chain type conveyor assembled with finger trays.

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A6.13 Swing chain conveyor, fork tray type a conveyor consisting of freely swinging finger type
trays carried between parallel endless chains which swing at the change of direction to pick up on the feed
side and discharge the feed on the downward side. The drive is generally at the head of the conveyor, the
chains passing over sprockets of considerable diameter. Loading or unloading can be made automatic and
can occur at any intermediate floor level.

A6.14 Swing tray conveyor, solid tray type a vertical conveyor having one or more endless chains
with suitable pendant trays, or carries which receive and deliver packages or objects at one or more
elevations.

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A6.15 Twin rail conveyor (Power and free type) an overhead twin rail conveyor of the chain or cable
type.

A6.16 Twin chain type, swing tray a conveyor with two endless chains and swing trays.

A6.17 Vertical bag or bale conveyor a conveyor comprising two endless chain connected together
by flight bars set at suitable interval. The bag or bale is lifted by flight bars and slides up a smooth
backing surface and is ejected by hinged deflectors.

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A6.18 Vertical chain conveyor, opposed shelf type two or more elevating conveying units opposed
to each other. Each unit consists of one or more endless chains whose adjacent facing runs operate in
parallel paths so that pairs of opposing shelves or brackets are synchronized to receive packages or trays
and deliver them at any number of elevations. (The auto-unload type is illustrated.)

A7 CROSS-BAR CONVEYOR a conveyor consisting of two strands of chain connected together by

fixed bars from which unit loads are suspended.

A8 DISC OR BUTTON CONVEYOR a conveyor composed of a wire rope or chain carrying discs
or buttons and operating in a V-shaped trough.

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A9 EN MASSE CONVEYOR a conveyor composed of an endless chain built up from shaped flight
moving through an enclosed duct.

A10 FLIGHT CONVEYORS

A10.1 Flight conveyor (push-type) a conveyor comprising one or more endless chains or links to
which flights are attached.

A10.2 Flight conveyor (reciprocating) a conveyor consisting of a reciprocating beam with attached
hinged flights.

A11 PALLET TYPE CONVEYOR a conveyor assembled from a series of flat or shaped wheelless
carriers propelled by and attached to one or more endless chains or other linkage.

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A12 POCKET CONVEYOR a conveyor consisting of a series of pocket made of flexible materials
and festooned between cross-rods carried by two endless chains or other linkage.

A13 PUSHER BAR CONVEYOR a conveyor assembled from two endless chains, or other linkage,
connected at intervals by bars which propel the load.

A14 TRUCK-TOWING CONVEYORS.

A14.1 Floor truck-towing conveyor a moving endless chain or wire rope carried in a trench and
mounted above or below floor level, to which is attached by means of a retractable pin, load-carrying tow
trucks.

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A14.2 Single strand floor-mounted truck conveyor a conveyor for unit loads with a single strand
chain or wire rope under or above floor level as the driving medium.

A14.3 Over and under single strand floor truck conveyor a conveyor for unit loads with a single
strand chain or wire rope just under or above floor level as the driving medium.

A14.4 Overhead monorail chain conveyor a conveyor for units loads, with an endless chain or cable
as the driving medium for a series of trolleys.

A15 GRAVITY CHUTE a straight, curved, or spiral smooth trough by which bulk materials or units
loads are directed and lowered by gravity.

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A16 HYDRAULIC CONVEYORS

A16.1 Hydraulic conveyor a conveyor transporting materials by means of a moving stream of water
or other liquid.

A16.2 Open type hydraulic conveyor a hydraulic conveyor of the open type for loose bulk materials.

A16.3 Tube type I hydraulic conveyor a hydraulic conveyor of the tube type suitable for unit loads.

A16.4 Tube type II hydraulic conveyor a hydraulic conveyor of the tube type suitable for loose bulk
materials.

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A17 INCLINED BAG CONVEYOR a conveyor set at an inclination to the vertical, composed of two
parallel endless chains connected together by flight bars set at suitable intervals. The bag or bale is lifted
by the flight bars and slides up a smooth surface, discharging when it falls forward after passing over the
top sprocket.

A18 MAGNETIC CONVEYOR a conveyor having a flexible rubber or canvas belt moving adjacent
to a static magnetic field which imparts a retaining influence or pull to any magnetizable article and so
allows the belt to move the article through vertical and/or horizontal planes.

A19 OSCILLATING CONVEYOR a conveyor similar to a vibrating conveyor but of the slow-speed
type, using an eccentric crankshaft to move the trough or tube.

A20 PLATE CONVEYOR a continuous conveyor for loose bulk materials or unit loads.

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A21 POWDERED ROLLER CONVEYOR a series of rollers over which packages or objects are
moved by the application of suitable power means to all or a part of the rollers.

A22 RECIPROCATING BEAM CONVEYOR a conveyor assembled with one or more reciprocating
beams with tilting dogs or pushers.

A23 ROLLER CONVEYOR a series of rollers supported in a frame over which objects are advanced
manually, by gravity, or by power.

A24 SCRAPER DRAG BAR OR DRAG LINK CONVEYOR a conveyor having one or more chains
equipped with scraper bars and operating in a trough.

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A25 SCREW CONVEYORS.

A25.1 Screw conveyors a conveyor for loose bulk materials with a trough or tube as the carrying
medium, the material being transported by the action of a rotating helix or broken screw (paddle type.)
A25.2 Screw tube conveyor a screw conveyor for transporting bulk materials by means of a closebladed screw.

A25.3 Vertical screw tube conveyor a screw conveyor for transporting bulk material vertically.

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A25.4 Screw auger conveyor a screw conveyor in which the conveying element is in the form of a
solid helix attached to a central rotating shaft working within a tube normally inclined at angle to the
horizontal. The shaft normally rotates at a relatively high speed. The conveyor is generally used for
intermittent light duties and for free flowing non-abrasive material.

A25.5 Screw conveyor, trough type a revolving pipe or shaft on which is mounted helically shaped
flighting which serves to convey bulk materials along the trough or a defined path.

A25.6 Screw conveyor, full-bladed type a screw conveyor in which the conveying element is in the
form of a solid helix with either constant or varying pitch, attached to a central rotating shaft the whole
being enclosed in a U trough or tube, the material being moved along by the action of the helix.

A25.7 Screw conveyor, paddle type a screw conveyor which is similar to the full bladed type, but
the conveying elements are in the form of separate paddles of various shapes attached to the central shaft
in the helical pattern, allowing mixing of the material during conveying.

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A25.8 Screw conveyor, ribbon type a screw conveyor which is similar to the full-bladed type except
that the helix is in the form of a ribbon attached to the central shaft by palm-bolts.

A25.9 Screw tube conveyor a screw conveyor in which the conveying element is in the form of a
ribbon helix attached to the inside of a revolving tube.

A26 SHUTTLE CONVEYOR any conveyor such as a belt, chain, pan, apron, screw, etc, in a selfcontained structure movable in a defined path parallel to the flow of the material.

A27 SLATE CONVEYORS.

A27.1 Slat conveyors one or more endless chains to which non-overlapping non-interlocking spaced
slats are attached to form a moving support for the packages or objects being conveyed.

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A27.2 Slat conveyor with pushers a slat conveyor for loose bulk materials or unit loads with slats
and pushers as the carrying medium and with chains as the driving medium.

A27.3 Slat band conveyor a light duty flat top conveyor in which small hinged plates serve as both
the chain and the work carrying plates. This conveyor provides a flat, smooth, and level surface commonly
used to transport cans and bottles.

A28 SLING OR POCKET CONVEYOR a conveyor in which the conveying medium consists of
flexible fabric pockets, e.g. canvas, each suspended between two cross-bars supported at their ends from
two endless chains.

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A29 STEEL BAND CONVEYOR a belt conveyor in which the carrying medium is a thin flexible
steel band.

A30 THROWING MACHINE, VANE TYPE a high speed rotating drum with vanes or paddles
capable of throwing loose bulk material into otherwise inaccessible areas.

A31 TWIN FLAT TOP CONVEYOR a conveyor which utilizes two heavy duty flat top lines
commonly set flush in the floor and driven by a single head shaft to transport large, heavy, or wide objects
such as a complete motor vehicle, rolls of paper or sheet steel.

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A32 TRANSFER TABLES.

A32.1 Transfer tables equipment for transferring a load from one conveyor to another.
A32.2 Ball transfer table a table with freely mounted balls proud of its surface used for transferring
a load with a suitable base, from one roller conveyor to another.

A32.3 Roller conveyor transfer (right angle) equipment for transferring a load from one roller
conveyor to another running at right angles by means of small manually operated or power-operated lifting
rollers. The centreline of the load changes its direction of travel by 90 degrees.

A 32.4 Roller conveyor transfer (straight through) equipment for transferring a load from one roller
conveyor to others running parallel by means of a roller-topped traversing section. The centreline of the
load continues to follow the same direction after transfer.

A32.5 Roller conveyor turntable equipment for transferring a load from roller conveyor to another
running at angle to it by means of a roller-topped turntable. The centreline of the load does not change
its direction of travel in relation to the centreline of the conveyor.

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A32.6 Roller flight conveyor (accumulating) a conveyor having double strands of chain connected
by spindles supporting freely rotating load-carrying rollers.

A32.7 Roller conveyor a series of rollers supported in a frame over which packages or objects are
moved manually or by gravity.

A32.8 Hinged section a hinged section,inserted in a roller conveyor, and counterbalanced to facilitate
the upward tilting of the section to produce a clear way through the conveyor track.

A32.9 Wheel conveyor a conveyor consisting of a framework and spindles carrying small free running
wheels for the movement of loads having suitable flat bases.

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A33 TRIMMER CONVEYOR a self-contained, lightweight portable conveyor of the belt type for
transporting bulk materials.

A34 TRIPPER a conveyor, on wheels, for transporting and discharging bulk materials.

A35 TROLLEY CONVEYOR a conveyor consisting of a series of trolleys supported from or within
an overhead track connected by an endless chain, cable, or other linkage with loads suspended from the
trolleys.

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A36 VIBRATING CONVEYOR a trough or tube flexibly supported and vibrated to convey bulk
material or objects.

A37 WALLED BELT CONVEYOR a conveyor consisting of a moving belt having a flat carrying
face extended to form side walls of limited height.

A38 WIRE MESH BELT CONVEYOR a conveyor in which the carrying medium is of mesh
construction, either flat or troughed, the conveyor may be straight or curved.

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APPENDIX B

EXAMPLE OF A WORK PERMIT

Conveyor identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Date: . . . . . .
System isolating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Time: . . . . . .
Work to be done . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . .. .. ... .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. . .. . .. . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . .. . .. . .. . . . .. .. . .. ..

PREPARATION
Fuses out

Danger tagged

Locked out

Switches out

Danger tagged

Locked out

Isolator out

Danger tagged

Locked out

Control circuit out

Danger tagged

Locked out

Flame/Welding:
Permitted

Not permitted

Protective Equipment Breathing apparatus

Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Safety belt and lifeline

Air supply
Low voltage electric tools
Protective clothing

Type

.... .. ... .. ..

Rescue equipment
Have operators been trained and rehearsed on the use of the equipment?

(continued)

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AUTHORIZATION
Permit to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Time: .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Date:
(Maintenance Supervisor)

.... ..

Authorized by . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . for: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Manager, Engineer, Supervisor)
(Period)
Persons authorized to enter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assistant(s)

.... .. ... .. ..... .... . ..

I/We agree to observe the safety precautions and to use the protective clothing and equipment provided
above:
. . .. .. ... .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. . .. . .. . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . .. . .. . .. . . . .. .. . .. ..
. . .. .. ... .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. . .. . .. . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . .. . .. . .. . . . .. .. . .. ..

RETURN TO SERVICE
Work completed/not completed
Remarks

Time: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Date:

.... .. ... .. ..... ..... .

.... .. ... .. ..... ..... .................. .... .. .... .................

. . .. .. ... .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. . .. . .. . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . .. . .. . .. . . . .. .. . .. ..
System handed back. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . to: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Maintenance Supervisor)
(Manager, Engineer, Supervisor)

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ANNEX

LIST OF REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

AS 1020
AS 1074
AS
AS
AS
AS
AS
AS
AS
AS
AS
AS
AS
AS
AS
AS
AS
AS
AS
AS
AS
AS
AS
AS
AS

1110
1111
1112
1131
1163
1204
1252
1318
1319
1332
1333
1379
1444
1448
1470
1480
1532
1565
1656
1657
1669
1680
1734

AS
AS
AS
AS

1830
1831
1832
1866

AS
AS
AS
AS
AS
AS
AS
AS
AS
AS
AS
AS
AS

1874
1891
2074
2152
2451
2465
2626
2759
3000
3190
A34
B61
B66

The Control of Undesirable Static Electricity

Steel Tubes and Tubulars Threaded or Suitable for Threading with Pipe Threads of Whitworth
Form
ISO Metric Hexagon Precision Bolts and Screws
ISO Metric Hexagon Commercial Bolts and Screws
ISO Metric Hexagon Nuts, Including Thin Nuts, Slotted Nuts and Castle Nuts
Dimensions of Hot-rolled Structural Steel Sections
Structural Steel Hollow Sections
Structural Steels Ordinary Weldable Grades
High Strength Steel Bolts With Associated Nuts and Washers for Structural Engineering
SAA Industrial Safety Colour Code
Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment
Conveyor Belting with Textile Reinforcement
Conveyor Belting of Elastomeric and Steel Cord Construction
Ready-mixed Concrete
Wrought Alloy Steels AISI-SAE Standard, Hardenability (H) and Stainless Series
Carbon Steel and Carbon-manganese Steels Forgings (Ruling Section 300 mm Maximum)
Code of General Principles for Safe Working in Industry
SAA Concrete Structures Code
Short Pitch Transmission Precision Roller Chains and Chain Wheels
Copper and Copper Alloys Ingots and Castings
Steel Wire Ropes (Other than for Mining Purposes)
SAA Code for Fixed Platforms, Walkways, Stairways and Ladders
Friction-surface Rubber Transmission Belting
Code of Practice for Interior Lighting and the Visual Environment
Wrought Aluminium and Aluminium Alloy Flat Sheet, Coiled Sheet and Plate for General
Engineering Purposes
Grey Iron Castings
Iron Castings Spheroidal or Nodular Graphite Cast Iron
Iron Castings Malleable Cast Iron
Wrought Aluminium and Aluminium Alloy Extruded Rod, Bar, Solid and Hollow Shapes for
General Engineering Purposes
Aluminium Ingots and Aluminium Alloy Ingots and Castings
Industrial Safety Belts and Harnesses
Steel Castings
Rivetless Chain, Trolleys and Trolley Attachments
Bolts, Screws and Nuts with British Standard Whitworth Threads
Unified Hexagon Bolts, Screws and Nuts (UNC and UNF Threads)
Industrial Safety Belts and Harnesses Selection, Use and Maintenance
Steel Wire Rope Application Guide
SAA Wiring Rules
Approval and Test Specification for Current-operated (Core Balance) Earth-leakage Devices
Dimensions of Rivets from 1 /2 Inch to 13/ 4 Inches Diameter (Excluding Rivets for Boilers)
Spur and Helical Gears
Worm Gearing (Inch Series)

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