Conveyor systems are continuing to get larger, longer and faster, which is why safety training is becoming increasingly important, as it reduces the occurrence of events resulting from unwise actions around a conveyor that could have catastrophic consequences, says bulk materials handling engineering firm Martin Engineering.

Martin Engineering marketing strategist Fran de Klerk tells Mining Weekly that, to meet this need, the company has expanded its Foundations training programme to accommodate the development of new production belt conveyors.

“As the trend of downsizing mining operations continues, many customers are finding that the training we provide has become an essential component of their continuing education programmes,” she says.

Martin Engineering offers three customisable seminars, and the training is available to suit individuals who have different levels of experience and responsibility, from junior members of staff to senior engineers, says De Klerk, adding that attendees gain a better understanding of conveyor belt safety and performance.

“It was decided in 2013 that the Foundations programme would be presented as a fully accredited workshop to all Martin Engineering facilities worldwide,” says trainer Robbie Walton, adding that all Foundations trainers have completed Martin Engineering’s Train the Trainer programme, and have been certified in Neponset, Illinois, in the US, where the company’s head office is located.

He adds that the trainers have several years of hands-on experience regarding conveyor belt systems. “These industry experts keep the programmes lively and interesting, while giving attendees a new outlook on conveyor belt operations.”

De Klerk highlights that the Foundations workshop series has been teaching bulk materials handling personnel for nearly 20 years how to safely operate and maintain clean conveyor belts.

“All programmes in the series offer customers the opportunity to localise and customise their training to address site-specific problems and conditions,” she says.

Walton tells Mining Weekly that feedback on the programme has been positive. Clients have reported a general improvement in employees’ attitudes towards their work and, in general, morale at the workplace. “Clients say their plant conditions have also improved significantly and that material losses have been reduced.”

Martin Engineering’s clients hail from a variety of sectors, including collieries, power utilities, cement factories and aggregate miners, as well as steel and alloy processors.

Walton adds that the company is having the training programmes accredited by the sector and education training authority for the manufacturing, engineering and related services sector, Merseta.

Training Levels
Level 1 of the Foundations training programme, the Basic Training Workshop, is an introduction to conveyor belts, including their components and safety standards.

“This level is designed for newly hired employees or for those who have little experience of conveyor belts,” says De Klerk, adding that the illustrated format of the course material is also appropriate for non-English speakers and illiterate candidates.

Level 2 comprises an Operations and Maintenance seminar, which includes an in-depth look at methods to improve the safety, performance and payback of conveyor belts by controlling fugitive material and improving system efficiency. This level is targeted at personnel who are responsible for operating and maintaining conveyor belt systems.

Level 3 is an advanced seminar to improve conveyor belt systems. It demonstrates how Martin Engineering’s solutions reduce fugitive material, enhance production and extend component life. “This advanced seminar is developed for engineers and managers who are responsible for the design and administration of conveyor belt systems,” says De Klerk.

Online Training
Martin Engineering has made the Operations and Maintenance seminar available as an online course to add to its range of Foundations training programmes.

Topics covered in the online course include materials handling basics, conveyor safety, belt alignment, belt cleaning, transfer point improvement, belts and splices, leading-edge technologies and dust management. “After studying these topics, staff . . . will improve their safety knowledge and increase performance and profitability,” notes De Klerk.

The online course comprises nine modules, with Internet-based quizzes. “This course is designed to suit companies and personnel that cannot afford to take time off from work to attend a full-day seminar,” says De Klerk.

“As with the live seminars, the online training draws material from Martin Engineering’s reference book, Foundations 4th Edition: The Practical Resource for Cleaner, Safer, More Productive Dust & Material Control,” she adds.

De Klerk maintains that Martin Engineering is suited to providing this kind of training, as the company is a leader in making bulk materials handling cleaner, safer and more productive.

The company supplies flow aids and conveyors worldwide to a variety of bulk materials handling applications, including coal, cement, clinker, rocks, aggregate, biomass, grain, pharmaceuticals and food products.