Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 (Act No. 29 of 1996)

Regulations

Guideline for a Mandatory Code of Practice

Safe Use of Conveyor Belt Installations for the Transportation of Mineral, Material or Personnel

Part C: Format and Content of the Code of Practice

8. Aspects to be addressed in the Mandatory COP

8.1 Design

Purchase

8.1.1

In order to prevent persons from being injured as a result of a conveyor belt installation collapsing, catching fire, a belt breaking or misalignment of the conveyor belt due to incorrect design, the COP must set out the design criteria for the belt conveyor installation, covering at least the following:

•	Overall structural design;

•	Environmental conditions that could effect the integrity of the conveyor belt installation;

•	An appropriate drainage system along the conveyor belt installation to ensure efficient draining of water used for cleaning, dust suppression and prevent water seepage onto the conveyor belt installation;

•	Appropriate power supply and braking systems;

•	Conveyor belt extensions;

•	Materials of which the conveyor belt is made of in order to minimise the risk of igniting flammable gas or dust during installation or operation;

•	Materials of which the conveyor belt is made of in order to minimise the risk of any part of the conveyor belt catching fire; and

•	Adequate lightning protection.

8.1.2

In order to prevent persons from being injured while crossing over or under any conveyor belt installation by means of a bridge, the COP must cover at least the following:

•	Clearance requirements for persons and vehicles;

•	Handrails and kickboard requirements;

•	Prevention of slipping/sliding/falling;

•	Sufficient number of cross over walkways;

•	Method of access to walkway;

•	Illumination; and

•	Visibility (reflective paint tape etc).

8.1.3

In order to prevent persons from being injured due to inappropriate walkways while doing inspection, maintenance or repairs on the conveyor belt installation, the COP must cover at least the following:

•	Safe clearances along and around conveyor belt installations or adjacent thereto; and

•	Measures to prevent slipping, sliding and falling around and adjacent to conveyor belt installations.