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What Are the Different Types of Conveyor Belt Training?

Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari

Conveyor systems are common in factories and warehouses because they can transport goods quickly and easily. Conveyor belt training is necessary both for the people who will operate the system and for the belt itself, which means that two general types of training exist: training for operators and training for the system. Conveyor belt training for employees generally focuses on safe operation of the system, though in other cases employees may be trained to conduct maintenance and repair to the system. The system itself needs to be trained as well; this basically means the belt must be adjusted in such a way that it does not run off track.

Conveyor belt training in this sense is usually done by adjusting various movable pulleys that guide and tension the belt. If the belt is not tensioned properly, it is more likely to become damaged or move off track. If other adjustment pulleys are not properly tensioned, the belt may begin to creep to one side or the other. Most belts are directional, meaning the system is designed to work in a particular direction; when slack is found in the system, or when the belt is found to be off track, a trained professional can determine which pulleys to adjust in order to address the problem. This process is known as conveyor belt training.

Conveyor belt training usually focuses on safe operation of the system.
Conveyor belt training usually focuses on safe operation of the system.

Of course, routine maintenance can often prevent damage to the belt, so conveyor belt training sometimes involves simply cleaning various parts of the system. If materials build up in one particular area, the belt will be likely to get knocked off-course, so a maintenance worker will need to clean that specific area. Build-up may be indicative of a larger problem as well; belts that are already off track may begin to wear, and the rubberized coating can flake off and build up in a particular area.

A conveyor belt system itself needs to be "trained," meaning the belt must be adjusted in such a way that it does not run off track.
A conveyor belt system itself needs to be "trained," meaning the belt must be adjusted in such a way that it does not run off track.

Conveyor belt training for workers is necessary for every employee. Anyone who operates a conveyor system will need to go through safety training, which usually involves learning how to handle accidents and how to shut down the machine quickly. More advanced employees may take part in conveyor belt training that focuses on repair and maintenance of the system. This training is more in-depth and a person who completes training is likely to undergo an apprenticeship in order to gain practical experience in the field. Mechanics may work for a specific manufacturer, or they may work for an independent repair company.

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    • Conveyor belt training usually focuses on safe operation of the system.
      By: branex
      Conveyor belt training usually focuses on safe operation of the system.
    • A conveyor belt system itself needs to be "trained," meaning the belt must be adjusted in such a way that it does not run off track.
      By: onizu3d
      A conveyor belt system itself needs to be "trained," meaning the belt must be adjusted in such a way that it does not run off track.
    • Conveyor machine maintenance is one area of conveyor belt training.
      By: Dreef
      Conveyor machine maintenance is one area of conveyor belt training.