- Ensure all belt and chain drives are fitted with secure fixed or interlocked guards
- Isolate and lock off the drive before any maintenance or adjustment work
- Inspect belts and chains regularly for wear, tension, and alignment
- Replace worn or damaged belts, chains, and sprockets promptly
- Report any missing, damaged, or poorly fitted guards immediately
- Tie back long hair and remove loose clothing before working near drives
- Follow the permit to work procedure for maintenance on guarded machinery
- Confirm the guard is securely refitted and interlocks function after maintenance
- Train all operatives on the hazards of rotating machinery before they work nearby
- Keep the area around belt and chain drives clean and free from obstructions
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- DON'T operate machinery with belt or chain drive guards removed
- DON'T reach into or past guards to adjust running belts or chains
- DON'T wear loose clothing, dangling jewellery, or unsecured gloves near drives
- DON'T attempt to re-tension or align drives while the machine is running
- DON'T defeat or bypass interlocked guards for any reason
- DON'T restart machinery after maintenance until guards are fully refitted
- DON'T ignore unusual noises, vibrations, or smells from belt or chain drives
- DON'T allow untrained personnel to carry out drive maintenance tasks
- DON'T assume isolation is in place — verify it personally before starting work
- DON'T use cable ties or improvised fixings to hold guards in position
See also: MEICA Safety Awareness | LOTO Awareness
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