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The conveyor belt is the bloodstream of your production line. You have to choose the right belt, since this part is moving for hours on end, day after day. Using the correct, compatible belt also guarantees a long lifetime of use.

Here are things you should look for when selecting the right conveyor belt:

1. Check for the operating tension

The conveyor belt is where your product, or parts of it, will move and be transported in different areas along the plant. Its tension must be set at an appropriate level, and it must be able to handle the load of the product for long durations. It needs proper calibration before any use. Also, take note of the following concerns:

• If the power load has increased, check if the belt has been too worn down with use.
• If the product load has increased, the conveyor may need to be upgraded
• If the product weight has increased, check to see if the conveyor belt is catching on anything, such as pulleys, idlers or frames.

 Check the flow of the belt and the process

Checking the flow entails making sure that the belt is appropriate for the conveyor width. It should smoothly transition through the loading zones, drums, and pulleys where items must go. If you find that the belt doesn’t fit those secondary items, take into account that it is easier to replace the accessories rather than the belt itself.

You also need to know how far the conveyor will have to travel. By understanding the movement’s distance, you can adjust the conveyor belt by adjusting its length or tension.

3. Always be on the lookout for wear and tear

Without the conveyor belt, production will come to a halt. It’s always good to be vigilant about the wear and tear as it will be running for hours without end. Can it still manage the load? Is it wearing down? Is the cover still intact? Consider that you may need to replace the belt once again to ensure smooth, faultless production.

The right tools for the job and the right parts for the right machine ensure problem-free production in manufacturing plants and factories. Learn more about finding those perfect fits by visiting KC Supply.

One aspect of work-safety protection that doesn’t get discussed often is railcar fall protection. For industries that make use of railcars or tankers, this part of the safety procedures and protocols need a great deal of focus and attention to detail. 

It’s a complicated process: it’s not about height, as most railcars don’t go higher than 15 feet, and it’s not about crowding either, as most rail yards are significantly less populated than manufacturing floors. However, falls can still happen, with workers who work on the surface of these cars being most at risk.

What the Regulations Say

While there are already OSHA regulations in place for fall protection and prevention for workers with duties and tasks at anywhere over four feet, railcar fall protection requires more attention. There will be 15 feet of height between the employee and the ground when they are working on the surface of the railcar.

According to current OSHA standards, current fall protection doesn’t specifically address the fall hazards, but mere personal protection equipment standards will not be enough to ensure employee safety. It’s acceptable only if the employee is working on top of a stock inside or against a building, where you can install fall protection.

Best Practices for Railcar Fall Protection

In accordance to regulation 1926.501(b), which is one of the guidelines for fall protection, “each employee on a walking/working surface of 6 feet or more above the lower levels shall be protected from falling by a guardrail system, safety net system, or personal fall arrest system.” In short, should there be an area where an employee must be working on top of a railcar, there must be an appropriate guardrail or netting system ready there for them when they are working.

It’s best to seek out a company that will be able to give you the right netting or guardrail system that can adequately protect employees from harm while working up on railcars, tankers, and other systems. Head to KC Supply and learn more about jobsite safety and equipment.

Fall is coming closer with each passing day, as summer days draw long, and farmers have begun to prepare for harvest safety. The process of gathering produce in time for the fall harvest in full swing requires the full cooperation of all the employees and farm workers. There is a risk for trouble arising unexpectedly, no matter how excellent the preparations may be, so farmers are being issued reminders by numerous organizations to keep any untoward incidents at bay.

Here are some safety tips for a successful harvest:

• Thoroughly inspect farm equipment. Regular upkeep and maintenance must be performed on all the equipment that will be put to use during the fall harvest season. Even then, workers must carefully inspect every harvest equipment. Safety is important during all procedures, and equipment malfunction can lead to accidents towards one or more farmhands.
• Stay hydrated. The heat remains as the days grow long. Record-high temperatures are being recorded throughout the country, with no signs of change even as the fall season approaches. Staying hydrated will keep farmhands and employees focused in spite of the blistering heat, keeping them alert and on the lookout as the harvest process goes on.
• Have a plan for grain bin safety. Grain bins need to be one of the biggest concerns during harvest. Safety procedures around grain bins need to be put into place, and it’s important to check if the farm or the local fire department are making use of grain rescue tubes, such as the ones provided by KC Supply, which cuts down rescue times during incidents of employees and personnel getting trapped in grain silos and towers.
• Provide proper training for all workers. Workers, both young and old, need to be adequately prepared for all contingencies. Young workers need to be carefully assessed if they are both physically and mentally capable of the work. Reteach proper harvest safety for veteran workers. Ensure everyone knows proper lifting practices and road safety during the harvest period.

These are just some of the important reminders for farms when it comes to the fall harvest season. Safety must remain the number one priority for everyone during this important time for farms everywhere. Discover more important safety tips as well as more information on the need for grain safety tubes by visiting KC Supply.

Believing in the use of a grain rescue tube addresses the issue of grain-storage related accidents.

Grain bin emergencies and incidents have risen through the past few years, and the tide is steadily turning towards the growing realization that there needs to be a grain rescue tube at hand in every fire department. Here’s why.

The Rise of Grain Bin Safety

As grain storage systems have advanced, the efforts and steps taken by both companies and authorities for grain rescue have also begun to ramp up. Nationwide’s National Grain Bin Safety Week is one such effort that aims to remind companies and suppliers all over the country that grain bin safety is essential for the welfare of all employees that work daily around one.

KC Supply’s Modern Safety Methods

Joining in Nationwide’s effort to better promote grain bin safety, KC Supply has stepped up to become one of the best-known suppliers of grain rescue tubes. Designed with modular styles, steps, and locking panels, the tubes provided by KC Supply greatly cut down the time it takes to rescue workers who are trapped in grain storage bins or tower dryers. The efficiency of the tubes combined with their increased durability is a modern advancement in grain rescue.

“(The tubes) slide easily through most grains,” says President Scott Moseley. The company ensures that its tubes will ultimately cut down response time as well as the need for extra insertion tubes.

Speed and Safety are Top Priorities

According to Fire Chief Johnny Craft of the Hugo Fire Department in Kinston, North Carolina, the department’s interest in the KC Supply grain tubes began during an ongoing emergency with trapped personnel in a grain bin. It had taken hours to remove the victim from the situation, and in his search for more efficient and less hazardous methods, he came upon the grain rescue tubes by KC Supply. Using the tube, the extraction of trapped personnel went down to 45-90 minutes, as opposed to hours in the previous methods.

KC Supply has proven its commitment to grain bin safety and continues to deliver grain bin rescue tubes to fire departments to make grain rescue missions more efficient. Head over to KC Supply and discover other safety means and methods we endorse.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have ramped up this year’s OSHA Summer Safety campaigns. With the onset of summer, the risks and dangers of working in triple-degree weather have risen with the thermometer. Heat can be one of the biggest risks to any outdoor or indoor working environment. Without the proper precautionary measures, workers can be at risk for heat stress, exhaustion, or even heat stroke. Hence, OSHA is placing emphasis on the dangers of hot weather to the workplaces.

The Experts Weigh In

According to acting Assistant Secretary of Labor Jordan Barab, the extreme temperatures of the summer weather won’t just be uncomfortable; the conditions can also be life-threatening. OSHA Summer Safety has made it a point to issue bulletins and reminders to both employers and workers across the country about the proper safety measures to be taken when working in the summer weather.

OSHA reminds the workforce that high temperature, humidity, the lack of a sufficient supply of water, and physical stress can lead to a variety of health risks. This includes irrational behavior, loss of consciousness, confusion, and heatstroke.

OSHA Summer Safety Measures

OSHA has then ensured that their bulletins on Protecting Workers from the Effects of Heat as well as Working Outdoors in Warm Climates are properly disseminated among the workforce. Individual states’ Department of Health has reminded to take proper measures to protect their workers from extreme heat. Some great measures to combat heat stress include:

• Avoiding drinks with caffeine, alcohol, or excessive sugar, which can cause workers to become dehydrated.
• Providing workers with at least two to four cups of water every hour. Hydration is the key.
• Limitations on outdoor work during the high-temperature points of noon and early afternoon. If possible, schedule frequent breaks in an air-conditioned area. It’s important to pace workers at high-heat moments.
• Recommending colored and loose-fitting clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. It’s an excellent way to avoid sunburns.

OSHA Summer Safety has made great strides in keeping both employers and employees informed about the risks of high heat. By taking careful consideration of these precautions, employees and workers can stay protected against the dangerous risks of extreme heat.

To see more vital reminders and precautions to be taken in the workplace, head to KCSupply.com and see how safety in the workplace can be taken even further.

#1 – Nationwide announces 2019 Grain Bin Rescue Tube recipients

https://www.agdaily.com/news/nationwide-grain-bin-rescue/?utm_source=FbMain&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=

#2  Tips on working safely in hot weather

https://www.osha.gov/news/newsreleases/trade/06222009

https://blog.societyinsurance.com/10-safety-tips-for-working-in-hot-weather/

https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/working-safely-in-the-heat

#3 Grain Rescue Tube Article – Why we Believe    (See Attached)

#4 Harvest Safety Tips

https://www.stewartseeds.com/en-us/agronomy-library/harvest-safety-tips.html

https://www.farmprogress.com/safety/8-steps-ensure-safe-harvest

https://www.agprofessional.com/article/make-safety-your-no-1-priority-harvest

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Grain bin safety and the usage of grain bin rescue tubes are concepts that do not often get the necessary precautions they need. Five years ago, there had been 38 documented entrapments in grain bins. In 2017 alone, there were 23-grain entrapment cases as well as nine falls into or from grain storage units. There were even cases of asphyxiations due to toxic surroundings and insufficient oxygen levels.

Numerous things can go wrong when working with grain storage, and that is precisely why Nationwide began the annual Grain Bin Safety Week.

Grain Bin Safety from Nationwide

Nationwide collaborates annually with the biggest industry leaders in agriculture, numerous professionals, and safety experts. KC Supply, which has its own line of grain bin rescue tube varieties, is one of the partners of Nationwide, committed to ensuring the health and safety of agricultural professionals across the country. Together, they launched Grain Bin Safety Week. The event highlights the possible risks and dangers of working around grain storage and the importance of proper safety practices around them.

In conjunction with Grain Bin Safety Week, Nationwide launched the Nominate Your Fire Department Contest which allows farmers and grain handlers from 26 states to nominate their local fire department. Selected fire departments will receive a grain bin rescue tube for their use, as well as all the proper training necessary to use it. This allows the fire department to be fully prepared in case of any more cases and incidents regarding grain bin storage and the workers around it.

This Year’s Winners

For 2019, 34 fire departments have won their own rescue tubes as well as training to receive it. Fire departments from New Jersey to Pennsylvania won the tubes.

Both Nationwide and KC Supply wholeheartedly congratulate the winners and are urging farmers and handlers all over the industry to continue promoting proper grain bin safety procedures.

To learn more about grain bin safety and other necessary equipment, head to KCSupply.com and find further valuable information.

Safety compliance should be one of the top priorities of any major manufacturing plant or production line, and that goes all the way down to the very basic: Safety signs. While it may seem trivial, particularly to larger safety concerns that may be on the production floor, overall factory and plant safety starts with this basic component. 

Why are these signs so important?

Workers in factories and plants throughout the world go to work every day in high-risk environments and production floors. While they likely have been given the necessary precautions, warnings, and other necessary alerts before coming onto the floor, they may not fully understand the risks or where these dangerous zones are. There might be areas or rooms on the production floor that don’t appear at all risky but actually prove dangerous for the unwitting.

It’s mandatory, according to law, to make sure there are clear, delineated safety signs or markings that indicate if an area is hazardous, and if certain products or items need special handling. On-the-job safety is always a major concern for companies that value their workers, and with the recent years’ improvement on safety for workers, there are now standards that companies nationwide must adhere to.

Examples of vital signages

During the work day, throughout the work area, there must be clear signs that keep employees, workers, supervisors, and guests—virtually anyone who steps into the factory floor—aware of what to do and what to be cautious about. These are mandatory by law.

The first example is the traffic signs. They may not be particularly obvious as safety signs, but traffic signs which indicate which way people, carts, or machinery may be moving will keep workers aware of whether or not they may be coming upon someone. Prohibition signs prevent people from smoking or eating in certain areas, or even prohibit them from being there without security equipment. Which brings us to security signs, which remind workers without clearance or the proper gear not to enter areas with dangerous materials or intense temperatures. Finally, there are the office signs, which let people know where to find the supervisors or offices, in case anything goes wrong.

All these signs may be simple, but they are important in keeping worker safety in the building. It starts from the very basic, after all. To learn more about safety practices and vital information in maintaining production efficiency, visit www.kcsupply.com and read more on the blogs.

Machines are what keep production going, and are the very beating heart of any production line, proving that plant maintenance should be one of the major concerns in a manufacturing plant. The machines that are tasked with creating products or items for a company are what keeps the entire enterprise going. If they are not carefully maintained or overseen on a day-to-day basis, there can be a huge chance for machine failure, with devastating results.

When purchasing a large production machine, the overall upkeep of this machine should be included in the considerations. Upgrades, costs, and most of all, maintenance need to be part of the plans. The upkeep of machines that are the essential part of the manufacturing processes, particularly large scale production, is tantamount to keeping everything running smoothly without a hitch.

What happens without plant maintenance?

Without a consistent plan of plant upkeep for all the production machines on the floor, there’s a chance that one of the vital technologies for production can fail. Sensitive sensors could stop working, limbs or machinery could drop–even just one device failure could mean a meltdown, causing thousands, or even millions of dollars lost in terms of sub-part production items, equipment repairs, and time lost. Time is always money in production. Each moment that one of the production machines, large scale or small, is down and unable to produce, means that profits are lost.

What could it cost a company?

Apart from the loss of the usage of a machine, a production line without proper plant maintenance would lose money from the products it would have been unable to complete. Losses are also incurred in the form of raw material or product that would not have been completed as a result of a faulty machine.

This is particularly important to remember for companies that manufacture or handle perishables or items that require a specific standard of quality control in order for a finished product to be sent out. Without regular upkeep, failures in the production line result in a product that doesn’t meet the standard. This could mean a sharp loss in stock, being unable to meet orders, and even bigger costs in fines if it puts the production at risk of health violations.

Ways to Avoid Losses

Draft up a regular plant maintenance plan that requires daily checks and upkeep of each machine on the production line. Consult with experts who will be able to give vital insight on ways to keep machines running, as well as important system upgrades that won’t just improve efficiency but also give the company the most production.

Learn more about large scale production and upkeep by consulting with the experts at KCSupply. Visit www.kcsupply.com to learn more.

Long-term grain storage has been the bane of every farmer’s life. If done improperly, this can render the precious harvest wasted. For this reason, it is important that you store your grains properly to avoid wastage.

As it turns out, the first step to this isn’t in the harvest itself, but on the grain bins. Here’s what you should do to ensure optimal long-term storage.

• Prepare your storage facilities – Make sure that your grain bin storage is clean and dry. You should also check under it and around it. Make sure there is no spot for insects to grow. Remember that if you battled insect infestation in the previous harvest, then you should fumigate your bin.
• Dry your grain to the right moisture content – Put only high-quality and mature corn into the bin storage so that it will keep better. Then, understand the right moisture content for your grains. You need to know the maximum allowable storage of your product, and you need to know the different temperatures that you should monitor throughout the year. You should never be complacent and set it at just say, 13% and leave it for a year. Also, make sure that you improve aeration by using a grain spreader. This ensures that the air will go through your harvest evenly and there would be minimal spoilage.
• Mind the temperature – The temperature for your grain storage is not the same during summer and during winter. For this reason, it pays to use a storage system that is combined with a good aeration system. This gives you full control of the temperature, so you can adjust it as you need.

The quality of your produce would depend on the quality of the grains that you put into the storage at the beginning, and how well you maintained it during the storage. In case you have any doubts, ask us at KC Supply to see if your storage system is enough to keep your grains free from spillage or wastage if you are considering long-term storage.