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Conveyor regulations are essential for ensuring the safe operation of workplace conveyor systems. These regulations require employers to implement safeguards to protect workers from hazards such as pinch points, moving parts, and conveyor belts. Key measures include proper installation, regular maintenance, and the use of emergency stop devices. Workers must also receive training on safe practices when operating or working near conveyors. While general principles apply across Canada, specific requirements vary by province and territory, reflecting local safety standards. Adhering to these regulations reduces workplace accidents and demonstrates an employer’s commitment to worker safety.
Under the Marine Terminals – Part 1917 Sections 1917.48(a)(1) to 1917.48(j)(3) and Safety and Health Regulations for Construction – Part 1926 Sections 1926.555(a) to 1926.555(a)(8), employers are required to implement safety measures for conveyor systems to protect workers from hazards.
Danger zones at or adjacent to conveyors shall be guarded to protect employees. 1917.48(a)(1).
An elevated walkway with guardrail or equivalent means of protection shall be provided where employees cross over moving conveyors, and suitable guarding shall be provided when employees pass under moving conveyors. 1917.48(a)(2).
Moving parts. Conveyor rollers and wheels shall be secured in position. 1917.48(b).
Positioning. Gravity conveyor sections shall be firmly placed and secured to prevent them from falling. 1917.48(c).
Braking. 1917.48(d)
When necessary for safe operation, provisions shall be made for braking objects at the delivery end of the conveyor. 1917.48(d)(1).
Conveyors using electrically released brakes shall be constructed so that the brakes cannot be released until power is applied, and so that the brakes are automatically engaged if the power fails or the operating control is returned to the “stop” position. 1917.48(d)(2).
Stability. Portable conveyors shall be stable within their operating ranges. When used at variable fixed levels, the unit shall be secured at the operating level. 1917.48(e).
Emergency stop devices. Readily accessible stop controls shall be provided for use in an emergency. Whenever the operation of any power conveyor requires personnel to work in the immediate vicinity of the conveyor, the Conveyor or controls shall not be left unattended while the conveyor is in operation. 1917.48(f).
Starting powered conveyors. Powered conveyors shall not be started until all employees are clear of the conveyor or have been warned that the conveyor is about to start. 1917.48(g).
Loading and unloading. The area around conveyor loading and unloading points shall be kept clear of obstructions during conveyor operations. 1917.48(h).
Lockout/Tagout. 1917.48(i)
Conveyors shall be stopped and their power sources locked out and tagged out during maintenance, repair, and servicing, unless power is necessary for testing. 1917.48(i)(1).
The starting device shall be locked out and tagged out in the stop position before an attempt is made to remove the cause of a jam or overload of the conveying medium, unless it is necessary to have the power on to remove the jam. 1917.48(i)(2).
Safe practices. 1917.48(j)
Only designated persons shall operate, repair or service powered conveyors. 1917.48(j)(1).
The employer shall direct employees to stay off operating conveyors. 1917.48(j)(2).
Conveyors shall be operated only with all overload devices, guards and safety devices in place and operable. 1917.48(j)(3).
For more information:
- General Requirements. Sections 1926.555(a)(1) to (8).
Further details on the Marine Terminals and Safety and Health Regulations for Construction can be found at osha.gov and gov/laws.
In Alberta, the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Code – Part 25 Tools, Equipment and Machinery Sections 372 and 373, Part 36 Mining – Sections 598 to 604, 693.3(4), 693.4, 693.5, 693.9 requires employers to guard all conveyor parts that could pose risks to workers, including belts, pulleys, and rollers. Employers must install emergency stop devices along the conveyor’s length and ensure regular inspections and maintenance. Workers must be trained on operating procedures, potential hazards, and emergency protocols.
Part 25 Tools, Equipment and Machinery
Elevated conveyor belts
(1) If an elevated conveyor belt passes over a walkway, an employer must ensure that the conveyor:
(a) has side walls high enough to prevent materials from falling from it, and
(b) runs in a trough strong enough to carry the weight of a broken chain, rope, belt, or other material that falls from the conveyor. Section 372(1).
(2) A worker must use a walkway to cross over a conveyor belt if:
(a) the conveyor belt is moving, or
(b) the conveyor belt is motionless but has not been locked out in accordance with Part 15. Section 372(2).
(3) A worker must not cross under a moving conveyor belt except at a walkway. Section 372(3).
Stopping
(1) An employer must ensure that each conveyor belt system has:
(a) an emergency stopping system capable of being activated by a worker from any point along the length of the conveyor belt system where workers have access, and
(b) controls that must be reset manually before the conveyor belt system can be restarted after an emergency stop. Section 599(1).
(2) An employer must ensure that a conveyor belt system is equipped with a belt-slip detection device to stop the drive motor in the event of belt blockage or slippage. Section 599(2).
Riding conveyor belts prohibited
(1) An employer must ensure that no worker rides on a conveyor belt. Section 603(1).
(2) A worker must not ride on a conveyor belt. Section 603(2).
Inspecting conveyor
An employer must ensure that a conveyor is inspected at reasonably practicable intervals to identify any hazards to workers. Section 604.
Fire precautions
(4) An employer must ensure that conveyor belt transfer points have automatic fire-warning devices that activate an alarm in a permanently attended monitoring station at the surface. Section 693.3(4).
Fireproofing
An employer must ensure roadways and linings of a conveyor transfer or loading points in an underground mine are constructed of non-combustible materials or are otherwise made fire-resistant. Section 693.4.
Protection around conveyors
An employer must ensure that:
(a) adequate clearance is maintained between the bottom rollers of conveyor belt systems and the floor of the roadway to permit workers to safely remove spilled material, and
(b) if the clearance is obtained by mounting the conveyor belt system on pillars, the pillars are either non-combustible or otherwise made fire-resistant. Section 693.5.
For more information:
- Crossing conveyor belts. Sections 373(1) to (3).
- Part 36 Mining – Fire Resistance. Sections 598(1)(2).
- Distance surrounding conveyor belts. Section 600.
- Combustible dust. Sections 601(1)(2).
- Carbon monoxide monitors. Section 693.9.
Further details on the Occupational Health And Safety Code can be found at alberta.ca.
The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation – Part 12 Sections 12.22 to 12.28 in BC specify that conveyors must be equipped with guards, emergency stops, and warning systems to prevent injuries. Employers are responsible for ensuring that conveyor systems are maintained and inspected frequently.
Part 12 Conveyors – Standards
Unless otherwise permitted by this Regulation, a conveyor must meet the requirements of ANSI Standard ANSI/ASME B20.1-1993, Safety Standards for Conveyors and Related Equipment. Section 12.22.
Belt-type conveyors
A belt conveyor must have accessible nip points of spools and pulleys guarded to prevent contact by a worker. Section 12.23.
Screw-type conveyors
(1) The moving parts of a screw-type conveyor must be guarded from contact by a worker.
(2) Each guard on a screw-type conveyor must be secured by fasteners requiring a tool for removal.
(3) The openings in mesh and grid guards must meet the requirements of Appendix A of CSA Standard Z432-94, Safeguarding of Machinery. Section 12.24.
Emergency stopping devices
(1)A conveyor must have an emergency stopping system unless worker access to the conveyor is prevented by guarding.
(2) The conveyor emergency stopping system must be designed and installed so that the system will activate as a worker falls onto the conveyor, or if a fallen worker on the conveyor moves an arm or leg off to one side of the conveyor.
(3) If a conveyor emergency stopping system uses a pull wire, the system must activate by a pull of the wire in any direction, or by a slack cable condition.
(4) The conveyor emergency stopping system must be designed and installed so that after an emergency stop, manual resetting is required before the conveyor can be restarted.
(5) A conveyor must not be restarted after an emergency stop until inspection has determined it can be operated safely. Section 12.28.
For more information:
- Feed Points. Section 12.25.
- Falling Materials. Section 12.27.
Further details on the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation can be found at gov.bc.ca.
The Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulation – Part 16 Sections 16.19 to 16.21 mandates that conveyor systems be equipped with guarding to prevent worker contact with moving parts. Employers must install emergency stop mechanisms, conduct regular safety checks, and provide training on the proper use and potential risks associated with conveyors.
Part 16 Machines, Tools, and Robots
Emergency stopping system for conveyor
(1) An employer must ensure that a conveyor has an emergency stopping system that is readily accessible to workers working at the conveyor unless worker access to the conveyor is prevented by guarding or other means. Section 16.19(1).
(2) An employer must ensure that a conveyor emergency stopping system is designed and installed so that manual resetting is required before the conveyor can be restarted after an emergency stop. Section 16.19(2).
(3) An employer must ensure that a conveyor cannot be restarted after an emergency stop until an inspection has determined that the conveyor can be operated safely. Section 16.19(3).
Emergency pull-cords
When the emergency stopping system uses emergency stop pullcords, an employer must ensure that:
(a) the pull-cords are clearly visible and readily accessible at the operator’s normal control station and at other appropriate points; and
(b) the system is activated when:
(i) the pull-cord is pulled in any direction,
(ii) the pull-cord breaks, or
(iii) the failure of a single spring in the pull-cord assembly occurs. Section 16.20.
Elevated conveyors
If an elevated conveyor crosses over a place where a worker may pass or work, an employer must ensure that a suitable guarding system is provided to prevent materials on the conveyor from falling on the worker. Section 16.21.
Further details on the Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulation can be found at gov.mb.ca.
Under New Brunswick’s Occupational Health and Safety Act – Part XVI Sections 241, and 255 to 26, employers are required to guard conveyor systems and ensure emergency stop devices are installed. Employers must also inspect conveyors regularly for defects, train workers on safe operations, and maintain detailed records of maintenance and training activities.
PART XVI MECHANICAL SAFETY
Contact with Machines
(1) An employer shall ensure that sufficient space is provided around a machine in order to ensure the safety of employees while the machine is being operated or while cleaning, maintenance, adjustments, or repairs to the machine are being carried out.
(2) Where an employee or the employee’s clothing may come into contact with moving parts of a machine or a moving machine, the employee shall:
(a) wear close fitting clothing,
(b) confine or cut head and facial hair, and
(c) not wear jewelry, rings, dangling neckwear, or similar items. Section 241.
Conveyors
(1) An employer shall ensure that a conveyor is constructed and installed so that:
(a) sufficient clearance is provided between the material transported and any fixed or moving object,
(b) shearing points between moving and stationary parts are avoided, and
(c) the conveyor is not able to feed onto a stopped conveyor.
(2) An employer shall ensure that a power-driven conveyor to which an employee has access is provided with emergency stop devices at:
(a) loading and unloading stations,
(b) drive and take up sections, and
(c) other convenient places along the run of the conveyor. Section 255.
(1) An employer shall ensure that a conveyor installed underground or in any other place where a belt fire of the conveyor may endanger the life of an employee is:
(a) made of fire resistive material, or
(b) protected by an adequate automatic fire extinguishing system.
(2) Where it is necessary to maintain a fire separation between parts of a building, an employer shall ensure that a spiral chute conveyor is:
(a) enclosed in a shaft made of fire resistive material with doors at each end of the shaft, or
(b) provided with automatic fire doors or draft checks when the chute of the conveyor passes through the parts of the building. Section 256.
An employer shall ensure that a conveyor that carries a load up an incline is equipped with an anti-rollback device. Section 257.
(1) Where employee access to an elevated conveyor is necessary, an employer shall ensure that the elevated conveyor has a walkway along its entire length that is not less than 500 mm wide and is equipped with guardrails.
(2) Where an employee is required to cross over a conveyor, an employer shall ensure that adequate crossing facilities are provided. Section 258.
For more information:
- Dangers of material falling requiring safeguards for employees. Section 259.
- Employer responsibilities with enclosed or pneumatic conveyor’s carrying combustibles. Section 260.
- Loading, unloading, or cleaning blockages. Section 261.
Further details on the General Regulation – Occupational Health and Safety Act can be found at worksafenb.ca.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, the Occupational Health and Safety Act requires employers to maintain machine safety pursuant to Part VIII – Sections 87 to 126.
Safe Machinery and Equipment – Employer Responsibilities
(1) An employer shall ensure that each tool, machine and piece of equipment in the workplace is:
(a) capable of safely performing the functions for which it is used; and
(b) selected, used and operated in accordance with:
(i) the manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions, where available,
(ii) safe work practices, and
(iii) the requirements of these regulations.
(2) Except as otherwise provided in these regulations, the installation, inspection, testing, repair, maintenance, or modification of a tool, machine, or piece of equipment shall be carried out:
(a) in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions or a standard acceptable to the minister; or
(b) as specified by a professional engineer.
(3) Where equipment or a structure is dismantled in whole or in part and subsequently reassembled, it shall not be used until completely checked and found to be safe for operation or occupancy. Section 88(1) to (3).
General Requirements for Employer
Except as otherwise provided in these regulations, an employer shall ensure that machinery and equipment is fitted with adequate safeguards that:
(a) protect an employee from contact with hazardous power transmission parts;
(b) ensure that an employee cannot access a hazardous point of operation; and
(c) safely contain material ejected by the work process that could be hazardous to an employee. Section 89.
Standards
(1) The application, design, construction and use of safeguards, including an opening in a guard and the reach distance to a hazardous part, shall meet the requirements of CSA Standard Z432 “Safeguarding of Machinery”.
(2) A safeguard shall be capable of effectively performing its intended function. Section 90(1)(2).
Guards
(1) A fixed guard shall not be modified to be readily removable without the use of tools.
(2) A guard shall be designed, where practicable, to allow lubrication and routine maintenance without the removal of the guard. Section 91(1)(2).
Identifying unsafe equipment
An unsafe tool, machine, or piece of equipment shall be removed from service and identified in a manner that ensures that it is not inadvertently returned to service until it has been made safe for use. Section 92.
Operating controls
(1) Powered equipment other than portable powered tools or mobile equipment shall have:
(a) starting and stopping controls located within easy reach of the operator;
(b) controls and switches clearly identified to indicate the functions that they serve;
(c) controls positioned, designed or shielded to prevent inadvertent activation;
(d) where two-hand controls are installed, controls designed to require concurrent use of both hands to operate the equipment, and to require both controls to be released before another machine cycle can be initiated; and
(e) control systems meeting the requirements of these regulations.
(2) Portable powered tools and mobile equipment shall have operating controls that conform to an appropriate standard acceptable to the minister. Section 93(1)(2).
For more information:
- Machinery Location. Section 94.
- Marking of Hazards. Section 95.
- Piping Systems. Section 96.
- Restraining Devices. Section 97.
- Exception for custom work. Section
- Description of power actuated and pneumatic tools including protective measures in their use. Sections 98 to 126.
Further details on the Occupational Health and Safety Act can be found at Ohsguide.workplaceNL.ca.
Nova Scotia’s Occupational Safety General Regulations – Part 8 Sections 93 to 96 obligate employers to prevent conveyors related injuries. Employers must maintain the conveyors in good working order, conduct regular safety checks, and train employees on operational and emergency procedures.
Part 8 – Mechanical Safety
Conveyors
(1) This Section and Sections 94, 95 and 96 do not apply to any device that is intended for the transport of persons and to which the Elevators and Lifts Act applies.
(2) An employer shall ensure that a conveyor is constructed or installed so that:
(a) there is adequate clearance between the material transported on the conveyor and a fixed or moving object;
(b) pinch points that a person may come into contact with are adequately guarded; and
(c) the conveyor cannot feed onto a stopped power-driven conveyor, or that written procedures are established that provide an equivalent level of safety.
(3) Where a person in the workplace has access to a power-driven conveyor, an employer shall ensure that emergency stop devices are installed at designated workstations and other appropriate locations along the run of the conveyor to ensure the safety of a person in the workplace. Section 93.
(1) Where a person is required to cross over a conveyor, an employer shall:
(a) provide an adequate means of crossing the conveyor; and
(b) identify the crossing point by adequate means.
(2) No person in a workplace shall:
(a) ride on a conveyor; or
(b) stand on the supporting frame of a conveyor.
(3) Despite clause (2)(b), a person may stand on the supporting frame of a conveyor if the conveyor has been locked out. Section 94.
Where a conveyor is installed at a height that may result in falling objects causing injury to a person, an employer shall ensure that:
(a) it is equipped with guards or other adequate protection to prevent the material from falling from the conveyor to the workplace below; or
(b) adequate barriers are installed that prevent a person from being under the conveyor while it is running. Section 95.
Where the rollback of the load or belt creates a hazard to a person at the workplace, an employer shall ensure that an anti-rollback device is installed on a conveyor that carries a load up an incline to prevent the belt or the load from rolling back. Section 96.
Further details on the Occupational Safety General Regulations can be found at novascotia.ca.
In the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, the Consolidation of General Safety Regulations – Part V Sections 109 to 116 and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations – Part 9 Sections 123, 247, 256 require employers to guard conveyors and install accessible emergency stop systems. Employers must regularly inspect and maintain conveyors and ensure that workers are trained on safe usage, hazard recognition, and emergency responses.
PART V CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
Guards and Protective Devices on Machinery
The nip-points of belt conveyors must be guarded against contact by a person. Section 109.
The moving parts of screw-type conveyors must be guarded against contact by a person. Section 110.
When it is impracticable to guard feed-points, workers shall be provided with, and shall use, suitable tools or devices to prevent them from coming into contact with moving parts. Section 110.
A conveyor that operates over an area used by workers must be designed and equipped to prevent material or parts from falling into the area. Section 112.
No person shall cross a conveyor other than at an established walkway. Section 113.
(1) Where a conveyor constitutes a hazard to a person, that person shall be protected by the installation of guardrails or shall wear a safety-belt or other effective means of restraint.
(2) The protection mentioned in subsection (1) must be provided on conveyors where a person might fall onto a conveyor or where the accessible sides of a conveyor are located less than 91.44 cm (36 in.) above the level of adjacent floors, platforms or walkways. Section 114.
No person shall be permitted on a conveyor until it has been locked out. Section 115.
(1) A conveyor that poses a hazard to workers must be equipped with emergency stopping devices, located near the conveyor, or workers shall wear safety-belts or other effective means of restraint.
(2) An emergency stopping device referred to in subsection (1) must be so arranged that, after an emergency stop, the conveyor can only be restarted after manually resetting the stopping device.
(3) No conveyor shall be restarted after an emergency stop until it has been inspected to determine that it can be operated safely. Section 116.
Part 9 Safeguards, Storage, Warning Signs, and Signals
Elevated Conveyors
If an elevated conveyor crosses over an area where a worker could pass or work, an employer shall ensure that suitable precautions are taken to prevent materials on the conveyor from falling on the worker. Section 123.
This Part applies to the installation, operation, teaching and maintenance of robot systems, but does not apply to personal robots, automatic guided vehicle systems, automated storage and retrieval systems, automatic conveyor and shuttle systems, mobile robots, or numerically controlled machine tools. Section 247 of Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.
(1) In this section, “travelway” means a place where workers or vehicles regularly travel or pass, and includes a ramp, runway, catwalk, bridge, conveyor, gantry, or passage.
(2) An employer shall ensure that a travelway:
(a) is strong enough to withstand traffic to which the travelway could be subjected;
(b) has secure footing for workers and adequate traction for vehicles or equipment; and
(c) is not less than 900 mm wide. Section 256 of Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.
Further details on the Consolidation of General Safety Regulations and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations can be found at wscc.NT.ca and gov.NT.ca.
The Reg. 854: Mines And Mining Plants – Part IV Sections 82, 196, 196.1 and Reg. 851: Industrial Establishments – Part I Sections 13, 33, 34 in Ontario requires employers to equip conveyor systems with guards, emergency stop devices, and warning signs. Regular maintenance and inspections are mandatory, and workers must be trained on the risks and safe operation of conveyor systems.
Part IV – Protection of Workers
When work or an examination is taking place in the compartment of a shaft or in that part of the headframe used in conjunction therewith:
(c) the power supply to all conveyor belts, gates and other devices that are located above a worker and that could cause material to flow into the shaft shall be locked and tagged in the safe position and the gates shall be mechanically secured in the closed position. Section 82.
(1) No person shall ride on a conveyor belt.
(2) A conveyor shall have:
(a) a means to safely apply belt dressing while the conveyor is in motion; and
(b) if the conveyor is started automatically, by remote control or if a portion or portions of the conveyor are not visible from the operator’s position, a start-up warning device.
(3) Subsections (3.1) and (3.2) apply to the following pinch points on a conveyor:
- The head, tail, drive, deflection, and tension pulleys.
- If the lift of the belt is restricted, the return rollers and the carry rollers.
(3.1) Subject to subsection (3.2), the pinch points referred to in subsection (3) shall be guarded by a guard that, unless it would render the pinch point inaccessible, extends at least 0.9 metres from the pinch point.
(3.2) If it is impracticable to comply with subsection (3.1):
(a) a fence shall be in place that prevents access to the pinch points;
(b) a barricade shall be in place that prevents access to the pinch points; or
(c) a gate equipped with an interlocking device, which has a manual reset switch, shall be in place that prevents access to the pinch points while the conveyor is operating.
(3.3) Subsections (3.1) and (3.2) do not apply if the position or construction of the conveyor provides equivalent protection that renders the pinch points inaccessible.
(4) Guards shall be provided beneath a conveyor:
(a) that passes over a worker; or
(b) from which falling materials or parts may endanger a worker.
(5) A conveyor in an underground mine shall have:
(a) devices that guard against excessive slip between the belt and the driving pulley; and
(b) a fire suppression system at the driven end unless fire retardant belting is used or the conveyor is continually attended by a worker.
(6) A conveyor shall be stopped and the prime mover de-energized, locked, and tagged out when the conveyor is undergoing repairs, adjustments, or maintenance unless:
(a) it is necessary to run the conveyor during such work; and
(b) effective precautions are taken to prevent injury to a worker from moving parts. Section 196.1(1)(2).
For more information:
- Conveyor Emergency Stopping System. Section 196.1(1)(2).
- Part I Safety Regulations for Premises, Machine Guarding. Section 13, 33.
Further details on the Reg. 854: Mines And Mining Plants and Reg. 851: Industrial Establishments can be found at ontario.ca and ontario.ca/laws.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act – Section 12 and Occupational Health and Safety Act General Regulations – Part 30 Sections 30.4, 30.9, 30.16 to 30.19 in PEI mandates that conveyor systems be guarded to prevent access to hazardous areas. Employers must ensure emergency stop devices are functional and accessible and conduct regular inspections. Worker training on safe operation and hazard identification is also required.
Employer duties
Employers have a duty to take every reasonable precaution to protect the occupational health and safety of persons at or near the workplace. This duty includes ensuring that workers are made familiar with the proper use of all safety features or devices, equipment, and clothing required for their protection. [OHS Act, S. 12(1)(a)(b)(e)].
Part 30 — Mechanical Safety
Starting Machinery
(1) The employer shall ensure that operational controls on machinery are:
(a) located and protected in such a manner as to prevent unintentional activation;
(b) suitably identified so as to indicate the nature of each control mechanism.
(2) Where a pedal is used to operate a clutch or belt shifter, the employer shall ensure that it is so guarded that it cannot be struck accidentally so as to activate the machine.
(3) The employer shall ensure that each pair of active and idler pulleys is equipped with a permanent belt shifter provided with a mechanical means of preventing the belt from creeping from the idler to the active pulley.
(4) The employer shall ensure that:
(a) where moving machine parts may endanger workers when the machine is started and there is not a clear view of the machine or parts from the control panel or operator’s station, as alarm system is installed; and
(b) the alarm system gives an effective warning before start-up of the machine so that workers are made aware of the imminent start-up.
(5) Before starting machinery, a worker shall ensure that neither he nor any other worker is endangered by its starting.
(6) While operating machinery, a worker shall ensure that neither he nor any other worker is endangered by its operation. Section 30.4(1) to (6).
Conveyors
(1) The employer shall ensure that a conveyer is so constructed and installed that:
(a) sufficient clearance is provided between the material transported and fixed or moving object;
(b) hazardous shearing points between moving and stationary parts are avoided;
(c) no conveyer can feed onto a stopped conveyer.
(2) The employer shall ensure that a power driven conveyer to which a worker has access is provided with emergency stop devices at:
(a) loading and unloading stations;
(b) drive and take up sections; and
(c) other convenient places along the run of the conveyer Section 30.16.
For more information:
- Section 30.9.
- Section 30.17.
- Section 30.18.
- Section 30.19.
Further details on the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Occupational Health and Safety Act General Regulations can be found at princeedwardisland.ca and PEI.ca.
Regulation Respecting Occupational Health and Safety in Mines – Division VIII Sections 371 to 374 in Québec specifies that employers are responsible for maintaining the conveyor systems, inspecting them regularly, and training workers on safe usage and potential hazards.
DIVISION VIII VARIOUS INSTALLATIONS
Conveyors
It is prohibited to climb on a conveyor or to hold oneself on the structure supporting it unless the controls of the motor are padlocked in the open position. Section 371.
It is prohibited to clean or inspect a component of a moving conveyor unless the process used does not require any handling that may cause a worker to come into contact with a moving element. Section 372.
Every conveyor shall:
(1) have head, return, drive and tension rollers that are protected by a device extending at least 0.9 m (3 ft) beyond each recessed point;
(2) be equipped with a device that prevents any object or materials from falling, where the conveyor is installed above a place where workers move about;
(3) be equipped with a footwalk and guardrail where it is installed more than 2 m (6.5 ft) above ground level or floor level, except where the conveyor can be accessed by means of an elevating platform or other mechanical means that complies with section 401;
(4) be equipped with a protective rail on the sides alongside which the workers move about;
(5) be equipped, where the workers may access the conveyor while it is in operation, with an emergency shut-down device along its full length between the head pulley and the return pulley; release of the shut-down device shall not restart the conveyor;
(6) be equipped, where it is self-starting or remote starting or is partially invisible from the operator’s controls and has accessible movable parts, with a lighting device or an auditory device that signals the conveyor’s start-up to the workers;
(7) in the case of a bucket conveyor, be surrounded by an unbroken protective barrier reaching the full height of the conveyor and have doors or panels for maintenance work, inspections or repairs; the opening of one of those doors or panels shall automatically stop the conveyor. Section 373.
For more information:
- Prescriptions of Conveyor Use in Mines. Section 374.
Further details on the Regulation Respecting Occupational Health and Safety in Mines can be found at gouv.qc.ca.
The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations – Part 9 Section 9‑6 and The Mines Regulations, 2018 – Part 15 Sections 15-14, 15-35 to 15-39, in Saskatchewan require conveyor systems to have guards and emergency stop devices to protect workers. Employers must conduct regular inspections, ensure proper maintenance, and provide training on safe operation and emergency protocols for conveyor systems.
Part 9 – Safeguards, Storage, Warning Signs, and Signals
Elevated conveyors
If an elevated conveyor crosses over a place where a worker may pass or work, an employer, contractor or owner shall ensure that suitable precautions are taken to prevent materials on the conveyor from falling on the worker. Part 9 Section 9-6 of Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.
Conveyor General requirements
(1) An employer or contractor shall ensure that no worker: (a) rides on a conveyor belt; or (b) except as provided in subsection (2), crosses a belt conveyor that has not been locked out.
(2) A worker may cross a belt conveyor on a walkway that:
(a) has guardrails; and
(b) is:
(i) at least 600 millimetres wide if the walkway was installed before July 1, 1997; or
(ii) at least 900 millimetres wide if the walkway was installed on or after July 1, 1997.
(3) If a worker may be at risk from being caught in a pinch point at the head, tail, drive, or tension pulleys of a belt conveyor, an employer or contractor shall ensure that:
(a) the pinch point is protected by an effective safeguard; and
(b) the safeguard extends at least 1 metre beyond the pinch point.
(4) An employer or contractor shall ensure that a belt conveyor is equipped with a belt-slip detection device designed to stop the drive motor in the case of belt blockage or belt slippage if the belt conveyor is:
(a) used underground; or
(b) installed in a building and is more than 15 metres long.
(5) If an elevated conveyor crosses over a place where a worker may pass or work, an employer or contractor shall ensure that suitable precautions are taken to prevent materials on the conveyor from falling on the worker. Section 15-35.
Start-up warning device required
(1) An employer or contractor shall ensure that a belt conveyor is equipped with an effective start-up warning device:
(a) if a conveyor is started by remote control; or
(b) if any portion of the conveyor is not visible to the worker starting the conveyor.
(2) The start-up warning device mentioned in subsection (1) must:
(a) subject to clause 15-38(2)(b), be located at suitable intervals along a conveyor; and
(b) have a mechanism that provides a 10-second delay between the sounding of the warning and the start-up of the conveyor. Section 15-36.
Pull cords
Subject to section 15-38, an employer or contractor shall ensure that:
(a) the belt conveyor is equipped with controls that must be reset manually after an emergency stop and before the conveyor can be restarted;
(b) every accessible section of the belt conveyor is equipped with a pull cord or other device approved by the chief mines inspector that is capable of stopping the conveyor in the case of an emergency; and
(c) the pull cord mentioned in clause (b):
(i) reaches from the head pulley to the tail pulley; and
(ii) is located to maximize its effective use. Section 15-37.
For more information:
- Part 15 – Haulage mobile conveyor brakes underground. Section 15-14.
- Temporary extensible belt conveyor. Section 15-38.
- Conveyor belts used underground at a mine. Section 15-39.
Further details on the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and The Mines Regulations, 2018 can be found at saskatchewan.ca and Sask.ca.
In Yukon, the Workplace Health and Safety Regulations – Part 7 Sections 7.13(1) to (10) state that employers must safeguard conveyors with appropriate guards and emergency stop devices. Regular maintenance, inspections, and worker training on conveyor safety and emergency procedures are required to ensure compliance and workplace safety.
Machinery And Machinery Guarding for Conveyors – Part 17
Standards
(1) Conveyors shall meet the requirements of ANSI Standard B20.1-2000, Safety Standards for Conveyors and Related Equipment, or other similar standard acceptable to the board.
(2) Openings in mesh and grid guards shall meet the requirements of Appendix A of CSA Standard Z432-04, Safeguarding of Machinery, or other similar standard acceptable to the board.
Sideboards
(3) A conveyor shall have guards or sideboards to prevent material from falling in areas occupied by workers if the falling material poses a hazard.
Removing safety devices
(4) A worker shall not walk in or on a conveyor, or remove a guard or safety device, unless the conveyor has been de-energized and locked out.
Emergency stops
(5) A conveyor shall have an emergency stopping system, unless guarding prevents access to the conveyor and possible contact with the moving parts.
(6) A conveyor emergency stopping system as required in subsection (5) shall be designed and installed so the system:
(a) activates if a worker falls onto the conveyor, or if a fallen worker on the conveyor moves an arm or leg off to one side of the conveyor,
(b) activates by the pull of the wire or cord in any direction or by a slack cable condition if a pull wire or cord is used as an emergency stopping device, and
(c) reactivates only after the controls have been manually reset after an emergency stopping.
Restarting
(7) Conveyors shall only be restarted after an emergency stop if the conveyor has been inspected to determine that it can be operated safely.
Screw type
(8) The moving part of a screw type conveyor shall be properly guarded to prevent worker contact and the guard secured in place with fasteners that require tools to remove.
Elevated conveyors
(9) Elevated conveyors shall have walkways with guardrails over them if workers must walk across them.
Start-up warning
(10) Each time a conveyor is started, an audible warning alarm shall sound prior to movement of the conveyor.
Further details on the Workplace Health and Safety Regulations can be found at wcb.yk.ca.
