Three tips for safe screen media changeouts

Downtime is inevitable. When you’re up against the clock and the pressure is on, accidents can happen.

The risks associated with screening maintenance include falls, back injuries and cuts. Rushed jobs where production is waiting on a screen media changeout can lead to distracted workers and, potentially, an accident. Implementing a regular preventive maintenance schedule can help to alleviate these risks. Sometimes, though, unplanned maintenance is necessary.

Breakdowns happen. In these cases, there are steps workers can take to reduce the risk in changeouts.

1. Always wear personal protection equipment

This may seem like an obvious one, but personal protective equipment is not something to take lightly.

A good example of this is hand safety. It can be tempting to forego wearing work gloves for convenience or increased dexterity when handling nuts and bolts, but the risk is never worth it. Sharp edges on the tail end of screens and at the hooks can cause cuts to workers’ hands, not only posing a danger to the individual, but further delaying the operation resuming production.

Some screen media manufacturers have designs that help reduce risk of injuries like this. Though this should never be thought of as a replacement for personal protective equipment, certain screen media types can help reduce the risk of injury.

2. Take enough time

This is probably the most effective way to prevent injuries, but often the hardest to accomplish – especially in a situation where production is waiting on a changeout.

In these scenarios, it’s important to remember that safety and attention to detail go hand in hand. Workers must take the time necessary to complete their work safely, constantly being aware of their surroundings and taking the extra steps to minimize risks.

For example, if a nut becomes jammed in an impact socket, workers should always disconnect the power source before trying to remove it. Though this can take a few extra seconds, it can prevent harmful accidents.

Workers should never change screens alone, ensuring there is always someone there to help should an individual get into a dangerous situation. Additionally, it’s important that workers are diligent about utilizing a proper lockdown procedure, as well as wearing safety harnesses if the vibrating screen is high off the ground.

While these steps may seem time-consuming in the moment, they can prevent serious and even life-threatening injuries.

3. Minimize trips up and down

Planning a job properly is extremely important to not only the job’s efficiency, but the crew’s safety.

Every trip up and down extends the process and exposes workers to more risk. Consider bringing a toolbox along with all the necessary tools, including extra bolts, washers and nuts. A good rule of thumb is if you need to replace five, bring 15. This ensures you will have what you need to finish the job, even if a few things are accidentally dropped.

These tips should help your crew minimize safety risks when changing out screen media, but they are just a starting point. Be sure every employee is well trained on proper safety procedures, and work closely with OEMs to keep workers safe when performing screen maintenance.

Serge Raymond is a product specialist at Major.