Energy sources on a typical belt conveyor
Every machine is different: check your model's nameplate, wiring and the manufacturer's manual. This is where most belt conveyors get their energy and how it is usually isolated.
| Energy | Typical magnitude | Isolating device | How to control it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical | 208–480 V 3-phase drive motor and controls | Conveyor disconnect (motor disconnect or MCC bucket) | Switch OFF and lock and tag the disconnect that feeds this conveyor's drive. |
| Stored mechanical (motion, springs, tension) | Belt tension and take-up; coasting rollers | Take-up adjustment | Wait for complete stop. Release belt tension only if the task requires it, following the manufacturer's manual. |
| Gravity (raised or suspended parts) | Inclined sections and product on the belt | Belt clamp or block | Remove product from inclined sections, or clamp the belt so it cannot run back. |
| Pneumatic (compressed air) | Pneumatic diverters, stops or belt trackers (if present) | Lockable air shut-off / dump valve | Close and lock the air valve and bleed the circuit (remove if not present). |
Shutting it down
- Stop the conveyor with its normal STOP control and stop upstream and downstream equipment that feeds it.
- Identify the correct disconnect: many lines have several conveyors on separate drives.
Releasing stored energy
- Clear product from inclined sections or clamp the belt.
- Bleed pneumatic devices and check gauges read zero.
Verifying isolation
- Press START at every control station for this conveyor: the belt must not move. Return controls to OFF.
Things people miss
- An emergency stop or pull cord is not an energy isolating device and must not replace lockout.
Turn this into your written procedure
Add your company, the machine ID, the voltage and where each disconnect and valve is. You get a machine-specific procedure that follows the structure of 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4), with an approval block and printable DANGER tags.
Start with the belt conveyor templateQuestions
Does a belt conveyor need its own lockout procedure?
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4) requires documented procedures for the control of hazardous energy. A procedure is not required only when all eight conditions of the exception in (c)(4)(i) are met, for example a single energy source that can be readily identified and isolated. Most machines with more than one energy source need a written, machine-specific procedure.
Is unplugging enough?
For cord-and-plug equipment, the lockout standard does not apply when the equipment is unplugged and the plug is under the exclusive control of the employee doing the work (1910.147(a)(2)(iii)(A)). If the plug can be out of sight or reach, use a plug lockout cover with a personal lock.
Is the interlocked guard enough?
No. Guard interlocks and emergency stops are not energy isolating devices and do not replace lockout during servicing, cleaning or clearing jams.
General information, not legal advice. Verify every energy source on the actual machine and have the procedure approved by a qualified person.