Organise feeding and the surrounding area
An excavator or loader feeding the hopper introduces striking and trapping hazards alongside the crusher. The site must provide stability, visibility and separation between pedestrians, operating arcs and vehicle routes.
Material size and composition affect the likelihood of blockages. Oversized pieces, metal and accumulated fines can disrupt the process. Prevention starts with feed control within manufacturer limits. Operators should not be expected to solve problems caused by unsuitable loading while standing on an exposed crusher platform during normal production.
Keep dangerous parts enclosed
Jaws, flywheels, drives and conveyor rollers need suitable protection. Access arrangements should support inspection and maintenance without turning a platform into an exposed workstation during normal crushing operations.
After cleaning or maintenance, verify that guards have been replaced and the intended protective devices function correctly. A mobile installation does not justify removing barriers because space is limited. Noise, dust and possible silica exposure must also be assessed according to the material being processed and the actual working conditions.
A blockage can retain energy
A stopped crusher may contain compressed material and components capable of movement. In a case investigated by MSHA, a trapped object was ejected even though motive power had been locked out. Consequently, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) must address every relevant energy source, not merely the electrical supply.
A blockage requires competent personnel, supervision and a task-specific procedure. Do not inspect by leaning over the chamber or improvise striking or cutting methods. The method must also control the feeder, associated conveyors and possible movement of material held within the system.
Relocation and preparation for operation
Folding hopper sections and other movable components create hazards during setup and maintenance. A missing pin or support can leave a part unsecured even when it appears to be correctly positioned. Visual appearance alone is not an adequate check.
Pre-use inspection should verify the condition and position of these parts, together with access and stopping devices. Relocation requires renewed assessment of ground conditions, separation from other machines and emergency routes. Production should begin only when the complete installation is ready for that particular configuration.
