The general requirement applicable to all conveyor systems is the AS/NZS 4024.3610 standard. It should be used in conjunction with other standards in the series depending on the type of conveyor used. For example, a bulk material handling conveyor will need to comply with both the AS4024.3610 and AS4024.3611 standards for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of the conveyor system.
The principles and requirements of the AS 4024.1 series of standards is utilised to protect operators and other people from harm relating to health and safety by eliminating or minimising the lifecycle risks associated with conveyor systems.
Conveyors that are installed above or underground and their necessary controls against the hazards to the operators and others within the plant are covered by this standard. General safety required for large and small conveyors and conveyor systems is also covered.
So what are the differences between the superseded AS4024.1755 and the current AS4024.3610? We have listed 6,
- Risk Management concepts are included
- Specific hazards relating to conveyors are discussed
- Guarding requirements are updated
- The standard is harmonised with the AS4024 series of Standards
- Lifecycle management of conveyors is included, and:
- Electrical requirements and conveyors risk controls are updated
Determining Safety
When accessing safety critical functions such as the emergency stop, interlocking, bearing temperature probes or protective stop controls, it’s important that risk management practices are applied to determine the required risk reduction level. This includes determination of safety categories or performance levels for all conveyor systems.
The AS4024.1501 standard will apply for the safety category (CAT) while performance levels (PL) fall under AS 4024.1503 for functional safety. Control operated systems, which remotely isolate conveyor drives shall also be designed in accordance with either the required category or performance level according to these standards.
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