Welcome to the October 2026 edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association.
All conveyor systems have inherent dangers while in motion. This month, we're looking at some key safety practices from MSHA to help you stay safe when working on, or around, belt conveyors:
Always ensure that power is disconnected during maintenance and repairs by locking out and tagging out energy at the source.
Always ensure that adequate guarding is installed to prevent any contact between miner and moving parts of a conveyor, including rollers and head and tail areas.
Install pull cords for emergency stops at strategic locations to prevent or minimize injury after accidental contact.
Never try to cross a moving conveyor belt, except at suitable crossings.
Install practical and usable belt crossing facilities at strategic locations.
Install audible and visible warning systems to signal when a conveyor is starting up.
Establish policies and procedures for performing specific tasks on conveyor belts and ensure all miners are trained.
Now, watch our "Think About This" video on conveyor belt safety —
MORE BEST PRACTICES FOR MAINTAINING BELT CONVEYORS
Block From Motion
Identify, isolate and control stored mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and gravitational energy.
Effectively block the belt conveyor to prevent movement in either direction.
Relieve belt tension by releasing the energy at the take-up/belt storage system. Be aware that some tensile energy may remain.
Anchor belt clamping system to substantial belt structures. Use properly rated engineered belt clamps and come-alongs. Do not use belt gripped to restrain tensioned belts.
Position the clamp 90 degrees to the belt's direction of travel, and tie off in line with the belt's direction of travel.
Position belt splice where it can be safely accessed to avoid pinch points.
Be aware of the consequences if blocking equipment fails. Stand in safe locations.
Lock and Tag
De-energize electrical power, and lock and tag the main disconnect before beginning maintenance.
Only the person who installed a lock and tag can remove them, and only after completing the work.
Never lock out using the start and stop controls (belt switches). These do not disconnect power conductors.
Once power has been disconnected and properly locked and tagged out, test the system to assure there is no power to the belt conveyor.
Develop step-by-step procedures and review them with all miners before they perform non-routine maintenance risks such as adding or removing conveyor belts.
Communicate effectively. After maintenance has been completed and before removing your lock and tag, ensure everyone is clear of the belt conveyor and communicate to others that you will be restarting the belt.
