Conveyor Installation Tools - Objective Of Research

To reduce accidents associated with transporting, installing or maintaining mine conveyor belts by providing easy-to-use tools for use in specific tasks. Approach The Bureau of Mines, through a re-search contract, developed three devices for use on conveyor belt systems 1) for use in moving and positioning conveyor components. 2) to reduce spillage and clean-up around conveyors, and 3) to lessen the maintenance of the belt system. The Saucer Skid Moving conveyor components using runner nose 1-beam skids is a simple task when the direction of travel parallels the beams. However, when the unit is moved sideways or around corners for final positioning, the web of the beam scrapes the floor with a bulldozing effect. Many strain and sprain injuries hap-pen when mine workers drag the skids into position at this paint. To minimize such injuries, the Bureau of Mines developed a saucer skid five feet in diameter with rounded sides and a flat bottom. Its design incorporates eight reinforced ribs with holes so the component may be secured to the skid, and eight exterior eyelets to which towing chains may be attached. The skid can be easily moved in any direction because its rounded sides slide over the mine floor rather than drag across it.