Why have a preventive maintenance program?
When compared to the constant lubrication problems associated with chain drives, or the mechanical problems and prohibitive costs associated with gear drives, belts are the most cost-effective, reliable means of power transmission. However, optimum belt drive performance requires proper maintenance. The potential for long service life is built into every belt. When coupled with a regularly scheduled maintenance program, belt drives will run trouble-free for a long time.
“A belt drive should have adequate guarding”
“The power should be turned off and controls locked before inspecting”
“Carefully inspect all belts, if it looks bad, it probably is!”
Important to your business
An effective preventive maintenance program saves time and money. Inspecting and replacing belts and faulty drive components before they fail will reduce costly downtime and production delays.
What is a good belt maintenance program?
A comprehensive, effective program of preventive
maintenance consists of several elements:
• Maintaining a safe working environment.
• Regularly scheduled belt drive inspections.
• Proper belt installation procedures.
• Belt drive performance evaluations.
• Belt product knowledge.
• Belt storage and handling.
• Troubleshooting.
SAFETY
Maintaining A Safe Working Environment
It is common sense to establish a safe working environment in and around belt drives. The following precautions will make belt drive inspection and maintenance easier and safer.
“Power should be shut off and controls locked before inspecting”
Maintain Safe Access to Drives
Always maintain safe access to the belt drives. Keep area the around drives free of clutter, debris, and other obstructions. Floors should be clean and free of oil and debris to insure good footing and balance while working on machinery.
“Don’t clutter area around belt drive”
Wear Proper Clothing
Never wear loose or bulky clothes, such as neckties, exposed shirt tails, loose sleeves, or loose lab coats around belt drives. Remove jewellery and tie up or restrain long hair. Wear gloves while inspecting sheaves or sprockets to avoid cuts by nicks, burrs or sharply worn pulley edges. Wear safety glasses to avoid eye injuries. Do not be foolish! Wear proper clothing. Always wear proper personal protective equipment, including gloves, eye & ear protection, steel toe shoes, and a hard hat.
Drive Guards
Always keep drives properly guarded. Every belt has to be protected by a guard when in operation.
A Properly Guarded Belt Drive
A professionally designed guard has the following features:
• Completely encloses drive.
• Grills or vents for good ventilation.
• Accessible inspection door or panels.
• Can be replaced if damaged.
• Where necessary, you should protect the drive from weather, debris, and damage.
Follow these precautions to make your preventive maintenance easier.
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