In general, conveyor belts are most commonly used in self-unloading freighters and bottom trucks. In the construction industry, on the other hand, they’re often used on major projects in order to transport materials from one location to another. In general, the way in which this works is supposed to be fairly simple – conveyor belts save time and energy, reduce the damage that occurs on materials in transportation and, most importantly, reduces the number of workplace accidents. Still, this is only true when this equipment is used properly, so here are four things you need to know for safer and more efficient use.

1.     Buying or Renting

The first issue that you need to consider when it comes to the issue of conveyor belts on your construction site is whether buying it is worth your while or should you hire one instead. Like with any other construction equipment, the rule of the thumb is that if you use it for more than 60 percent of the time that you should buy it. On the other hand, what if you don’t need the same conveyor type all the time but have to change them for different projects? What if you want to innovate a bit more frequently? All of these factors go in favor of hiring and are something that needs to be considered.

2.     Getting a Proper Conveyor

One of the most important things when it comes to getting a conveyor lies in picking the one for your business. What you need is the one that will give you the best ROI, due to the fact that you’re still running a business. When it comes to the issue of maintenance (which is a topic that we’ll later discuss at length), it’s also important that you have a supplier capable of providing you with parts that you need. Therefore, it might be worth your while to start checking out available providers of conveyor rollers and other pieces of equipment like belt pulleys, mechanical fasteners and other items.

3.     Adequate Training

Even though a conveyor belt has a chance to improve the process of getting materials from point A to point B, thus automating the process. It’s a tool that is operated by humans, which is why proper management may determine its efficiency. First of all, adequate training is necessary for the operating staff to learn the capacities of the conveyor belt in order to avoid a malfunction or a breakdown due to overloading. Second, no matter how simple it looked, it’s still a potent piece of machinery and, as such, a safety hazard if not used properly. This is why it’s important that you train every person that comes in touch with the conveyor belt.

4.     Proper Maintenance

The last thing you need to keep in mind is the fact that even though many people in your employ may be capable of using a conveyor belt, its maintenance needs to be handled by specialists. Even in scenarios that are as simple as cleaning, you need to ensure that it’s turned off and unplugged. The main point of interest here is the debris, seeing as how it’s most commonly the reason for an injury or a malfunction. By tending to this properly, you’ll drastically contribute to the longevity of equipment, as well as its efficiency and functionality.

In Conclusion

At the end of the day, conveyor belts are not complex to use and their application is easy to understand and justify. It all comes down to the ROI, the magnitude of the project and whether all of the above-discussed advantages and features are something that you should be doing. For those who are still on the fence, remember that if the ROI is positive, the sooner you acquire and start using the equipment the better the outcome will be. So, try to consider all of these facts and make the right decision, in time.

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Bio: Patrick Adams is a freelance writer and rock-blues fan. When he is not writing about home improvement, he loves to play chess, watch basketball, and play his guitar. More than anything, he loves to spend his time in his garage, repairing appliances and creating stuff from wood.

Categories: General