Service Contractors: Results Come Down to Training

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High-volume belt conveyor systems are among the most hazardous pieces of equipment in any bulk handling operation. To control labor costs and improve safety, operators often enter servicing agreements with outside contractors to perform routine maintenance or to retrofit new equipment during a shutdown.

Although outside contractors may be experienced, they often lack the proper training and specific knowledge needed to offer adequate servicing and installation of modern equipment designs. Moreover, this gap in expertise might limit what recommendations to common problems they offer, causing them to default to antiquated equipment or debunked solutions.

As the global leader in belt conveyor accessories and material flow technology, Martin Engineering technicians are often invited to offer solutions to serious conveyor issues.   Upon inspection, the technicians often find the equipment was simply, (1) not installed properly, (2) not adequately maintained (improper intervals, over-tensioned, etc.) and/or, (3) inappropriately specified to match the application requirements. All these issues can be addressed through proper training.

That’s why Martin Engineering ensures its team of Martin Service Technicians (MSTs) are up to date on the latest techniques and bulk handling technologies by conducting regular, intensive weeklong 28-hour training sessions. The goal of the training is to ensure Martin’s customers experience maximum efficiency and productivity in their bulk handling systems and are provided with the highest standard of service that complies with safe workplace best practices at every step.

To improve project outcomes for every visit, service technicians should:

• Walk the Belt™ to identify safety issues and obstacles to system efficiency;
• Carry the correct certifications to provide the service safely;
• Have the training required to properly complete maintenance and installation tasks;
• Observe workplace safety best practices for every project including lockout/tagout/tryout and assistance-required procedures;
• Possess the knowledge and experience to identify/offer economical solutions; and
• Provide a Walk the Belt™ report with photos tracking the project and any recommendations.

Training Resources

Martin Engineering has long been recognized as having the most comprehensive onsite and on-line conveyor training programs in the world. The training textbooks, Foundations, The Practical Resource for Cleaner, Safer, More Productive Dust & Material Control and Foundations for Conveyor Safety, written by established industry experts, have become standard in several vocational programs with 22,000 copies currently in circulation worldwide. The company also has the largest free online archive of training resources in the Foundations Learning Center presented by knowledgeable and engaging trainers.

For more information, visit https://www.martin-eng.com.