Safer Material Handling with Spiral Elevators

Moving material between levels can expose people to lifting, carrying, reaching and repeated tipping. Mechanising the transfer with a spiral elevator can reduce that exposure, but the machine must itself be designed, installed and used safely.

Safety is therefore a combination of the handling task removed and the risks controlled in the new system.

Reduce repetitive lifting

Where operators repeatedly raise containers or components to another process level, a vertical conveyor can remove much of the physical effort. It can also reduce pedestrian movements and the need to manoeuvre mobile handling equipment through production areas.

The improvement should be verified through a task-specific assessment. Infeed and discharge still need to be positioned at sensible working heights, and replenishment methods must not simply move the manual handling problem elsewhere.

Guard dangerous movement

Vibratory equipment contains moving parts and stored energy. Access to hazardous areas must be prevented or controlled using suitable fixed or interlocked guards, depending on the need for routine access. Openings at the inlet and outlet need particular attention because product must pass through without creating an easy route to danger.

Emergency stop devices are important, but they are not a substitute for guarding. Their position and function should follow the machine risk assessment and the design of the complete line.

Provide effective isolation

Cleaning, clearing obstructions and maintenance can place people closer to hazards than normal production. The installation needs a clearly defined method of isolating all relevant energy sources and preventing unexpected restart. Procedures, labels and training must match the equipment actually supplied.

In Great Britain, PUWER requires work equipment to be suitable, maintained in a safe condition and accompanied by appropriate protective measures and controls. It also emphasises information, instruction, training and safe maintenance. The precise legal and conformity requirements should be confirmed for the machine, location and date of supply.

Control product-related risks

The conveyed material may introduce hazards beyond the machinery itself. Dust, hot product, sharp components, chemicals and potential spillage all influence enclosure, extraction, contact materials and cleaning methods. Noise and vibration exposure also need to be considered in the installed environment.

For chemical or combustible products, a specialist assessment may be required. Product properties and hazardous-area classification must be declared early so that suitable equipment can be selected.

Plan safe access around the machine

A compact footprint should not lead to cramped maintenance conditions. Allow room to inspect motors, remove guards, clean contact surfaces and reach isolation devices. Platforms or access systems may be necessary at elevated discharge points.

The floor or supporting structure must be assessed for the machine’s static and dynamic loads. Anchoring, clearances and interaction with nearby equipment should be agreed before installation.

Safety continues after commissioning

Operators and maintenance personnel need practical training covering normal use, warning signs, permitted adjustments, isolation and fault response. Inspection and maintenance records help demonstrate that protective measures remain effective.

A spiral elevator can make material handling substantially safer by removing repetitive manual transfer. That benefit is strongest when the equipment is treated as part of a complete safe system of work from specification through to maintenance.

Ask Spiral Elevators Ltd about guarding, access and integration requirements during the earliest stage of your project.