For all the good they do, conveyors also come with noisy parts. Here’s how to reduce the decibels.

For decades, one of the most efficient methods for moving materials from point A to point B has been conveyors—and that’s not changing any time soon. Conveyor systems are the workhorse in warehousing, manufacturing, agriculture, mining and other industries. And in the years since that became true, conveyors have evolved into faster, smoother, more efficient machines. But one factor has remained, and that’s the reality that conveyors are noisy.

This has improved, however, with the onset of modern bearings, sprockets and rollers, and with the addition of personal protective equipment (PPE) for employees. This progress is essential because, in the early days of conveyor use, employees often sacrificed their hearing for their jobs. In some cases, workers suffered serious injury because they couldn’t hear nearby activity, such as an approaching forklift.

Despite advancements in equipment and workplace environments, OSHA has established standards employers must follow to reduce the potential safety hazards posed by noisy conveyors. Even in the best of situations, a large warehouse with a mile of conveyors can be extremely noisy. It’s essential, that you find the various ways to dampen that noise.

One noise dampening method is to work with your OEM, integrator, or component manufacturer to make equipment improvements. Of the three, a component manufacturer is likely the best bet for finding noise-dampening solutions like switching out the material of your roller shafts, or coating the rollers with an alternate material, like urethane. This can reduce noise levels, by as much as 20 to 30 decibels, which can make a measurable difference.

Another way to diminish noise levels from conveyors is to have a components partner do a thorough assessment of your systems to determine what’s making the most noise. Bins making contact with the rollers might be an issue, for instance, so adding sleeves may help. Alternatively, loose parts or missing shields may expose roller components to more dirt and dust, which can increase noise levels.

Wear and tear can be another contributing factor. When your OEM or component partner assesses the situation, they may find parts showing excessive wear which can lead to increased friction and noise levels. Replacing these worn components with new, higher-quality parts can significantly reduce conveyor noise and improve overall performance. Quality parts make a substantial difference in minimizing friction and extending equipment longevity. In addition to addressing the noise source and reducing decibel levels, ensure all employees are equipped with the proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Ask your equipment partners for their recommendations on the best PPE to accompany their equipment for the best outcomes.

Conveyors are one of the most useful pieces of equipment in the industrial world, but without the right approach, they can also be a safety hazard. Take the steps needed to protect your workers.

To learn more about MHI’s Conveyor and Sortation Solutions Industry Group: www.mhi.org/css

For more articles and podcasts about Conveyors and Sortation:

Keeping Safety at the Forefront with Conveyor Equipment

Losing the Cabin

Understanding the Motors in Your Equipment

Combining Sortation with Robots

Using Simulation and Digital Twins to Increase Productivity and Quality and Reduce Cost

Keep Your Conveyor and Sortation Systems Running Efficiently by Leveraging the Data Available from Sensors

Purchasing Conveyors With Sustainability In Mind

Using Conveyors for Loading and Unloading Trucks & Containers

Podcast: CSS – HOW TO AUTOMATE FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN’T AUTOMATED

Reconfigurable Conveyors For The Win