Chess designs an automatic belt cutter for Fenner Dunlop

WORKPLACE SAFETY 

All businesses should strive to constantly improve their safety processes to ensure their employees remain unharmed at all times within the workplace. In today’s business environment it is essential for an organisation to regularly review its occupational health and safety policies and redesign its approach where necessary to optimise personnel safety. 

Chess Engineering was engaged by Fenner Dunlop Conveyor Belting Australia to develop an automatic online production solution that would improve safety for its employees and help meet its aim of zero lost time injury (LTI). 

Fenner Dunlop, an experienced worldwide conveyor belt manufacturer, applies a PVC coating and curing process to the belt before finalising its products. The final stage in the production process involves cutting the belt to length with a knife, a manual process which can be dangerous for employees. 

“The client came to us looking for an automatic engineered solution that would deliver 100% safety. We also have proven concept and design skills and an ability to manage a safety improvement project just like this,” says Chris Peal, Key Account Manager, Chess Engineering. Manual handling and the need for improved safety were the client’s main concerns as the belts are thick and heavy -weighing up to 13 tonnes which increases the likelihood of operator accidents. 

Chess designed a number of solutions using 3D drawings and worked with the client to achieve a positive end result. The final solution was the development of an automatic, online belt cutting process removing any manual handling processes. 

“Our solution has delivered an improved, user-friendly belt cutting process that will ensure a safe working environment for employees,” says Chris. 

The newly developed engineered unit is bolted onto the cutter, a button is pressed and the belt is then automatically cut to the correct length along with sample pieces for archiving. Pinch rollers were developed to feed the belt, therefore requiring no manual handling. 

The common goal for Chess and Fenner Dunlop is “that at the end of the day we should all remember that the real reason for workplace safety is not work at all. It is all about people and the things outside of work which mean everything to us.” 

Workplace safety is a common business goal for us both,” says Chris. 

For further information please contact Chris Peal on 0418 467 181 or c.peal@chessindustries.com.au.