Crusher and Conveyor Safety Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]

Crusher and conveyor systems are among the leading sources of serious injury and fatality in surface mining operations, requiring rigorous pre-shift and periodic inspections under MSHA 30 CFR Part 56. Federal regulations mandate that all moving machine parts be guarded and that conveyor systems include emergency stop devices accessible throughout the length of the belt. This checklist helps Mine Safety Managers and Shift Foremen systematically verify mechanical integrity, guarding compliance, lo

  • Industry: Mining
  • Frequency: Daily
  • Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
  • Role: Shift Foreman
  • Total Items: 37
  • Compliance: MSHA 30 CFR Part 56.14107 - Moving Machine Parts, MSHA 30 CFR Part 56.14105 - Inspection and Maintenance, MSHA 30 CFR Part 56.12016 - Lockout/Tagout Procedures, MSHA 30 CFR Part 56.14201 - Conveyor Emergency Stops, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 - Control of Hazardous Energy

Pre-Operation Lockout / Tagout Verification

Verify all energy isolation and lockout/tagout procedures are in place before inspection or maintenance begins.

  • Is an approved written lockout/tagout procedure posted and accessible at the crusher and conveyor control points?
  • Have all energy sources (electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, gravitational) been properly identified and isolated prior to maintenance activities?
  • Are personal locks and tags assigned to each authorized employee performing maintenance on the equipment?
  • Has a zero-energy state been verified (e.g., attempted start-up, bleed-down of stored pressure) before work began?
  • Are lockout/tagout training records current for all workers assigned to crusher and conveyor maintenance tasks?

Crusher Mechanical Integrity

Inspect crusher components for structural soundness, wear, and operational readiness.

  • Are crusher liners, mantles, and concaves within acceptable wear tolerances as specified by the manufacturer?
  • Are all crusher feed hoppers and chutes free of bridged or lodged material that could cause unexpected release?
  • Is the crusher drive system (belts, couplings, flywheels) properly guarded with MSHA-compliant guards?
  • Are lubrication systems functioning correctly with oil levels and pressures within manufacturer specifications?
  • Is there visible structural cracking, excessive vibration, or unusual noise noted during crusher operation?
  • Please document any crusher defects, abnormal conditions, or maintenance actions taken.

Conveyor Belt and Structure Integrity

Evaluate belt condition, idler rolls, structure, and alignment along the conveyor system.

  • Is the conveyor belt free of rips, tears, fraying, or exposed carcass that could lead to belt failure?
  • Are all idler rolls and return rolls rotating freely without seized bearings or missing components?
  • Is the belt properly tracked and centered on all idlers, with no edge contact on stringers or structure?
  • Are conveyor take-up and tensioning systems within proper adjustment range and free of excessive slack?
  • Is the conveyor structure (stringers, supports, walkways) free of corrosion, damage, or missing components?
  • Photograph the belt condition at head pulley, tail pulley, and any identified wear areas.

Conveyor Safety and Emergency Devices

Verify that all required safety devices along the conveyor are functional and accessible.

  • Are emergency stop pull-cords or push buttons installed at intervals not exceeding 100 feet along the entire conveyor length?
  • Have all emergency stop devices been tested and confirmed to immediately halt the conveyor when activated?
  • Are belt misalignment switches installed and operational at critical points along the conveyor?
  • Is the conveyor zero-speed or belt slip switch functional and properly set for the conveyor operating speed?
  • Are all nip points at drive pulleys, tail pulleys, and snub pulleys guarded per MSHA requirements?

Walkways, Access, and PPE Compliance

Inspect pedestrian access, housekeeping, and personal protective equipment compliance around crusher and conveyor areas.

  • Are all workers in the crusher and conveyor area wearing high-visibility vests meeting ANSI/ISEA 107 Class 2 or higher requirements?
  • Are designated walkways and crossovers maintained clear of debris, spillage, and trip hazards?
  • Are safety signs and barricades in place at all crusher pinch-point and conveyor nip-point hazard areas?
  • Is adequate lighting provided in crusher and conveyor areas to allow safe inspection and operation?
  • Are workers wearing required hearing protection in areas where noise levels exceed 90 dBA?

Fire Prevention and Housekeeping

Assess fire hazard controls including material buildup, lubrication leaks, and fire suppression equipment.

  • Is the area beneath and around conveyors free of accumulated material, coal fines, or combustible dust buildup?
  • Are hydraulic and lubrication lines free of leaks that could create fire or slip hazards?
  • Are properly rated fire extinguishers mounted and accessible within 50 feet of crusher and conveyor drive heads?
  • Are belt scrapers and cleaners properly adjusted to prevent material carryback and buildup on return side?
  • Have any belt friction events, unusual heat sources, or smoke incidents occurred during the previous shift?

Corrective Actions and Inspector Sign-Off

Record deficiencies identified during inspection, corrective actions taken or planned, and formal inspector certification.

  • Were any deficiencies or unsafe conditions identified during this inspection?
  • Please describe all deficiencies found, corrective actions taken, and any equipment placed out of service.
  • Were any equipment items tagged out of service pending repairs during this inspection?
  • Has this completed inspection record been retained on site and made available for review by MSHA inspectors?
  • Provide any additional comments, observations, or recommended follow-up actions for this inspection.

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Why Use This Crusher and Conveyor Safety Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This crusher and conveyor safety inspection checklist [free pdf] helps mining teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for shift foreman professionals, this checklist covers 37 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: daily.

Ensures compliance with MSHA 30 CFR Part 56.14107 - Moving Machine Parts, MSHA 30 CFR Part 56.14105 - Inspection and Maintenance, MSHA 30 CFR Part 56.12016 - Lockout/Tagout Procedures, MSHA 30 CFR Part 56.14201 - Conveyor Emergency Stops, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 - Control of Hazardous Energy. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Crusher and Conveyor Safety Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 37 inspection items across 7 sections: Pre-Operation Lockout / Tagout Verification, Crusher Mechanical Integrity, Conveyor Belt and Structure Integrity, Conveyor Safety and Emergency Devices, Walkways, Access, and PPE Compliance, Fire Prevention and Housekeeping, Corrective Actions and Inspector Sign-Off. It is designed for mining operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed daily. Each completion takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

Who should use this Crusher and Conveyor Safety Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Shift Foreman professionals in the mining industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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