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Something Smells wrong: are Lives being put at Risk by Conveyor Belt Manufacturers

Written by David, L. edited by mhd on 23. Jul. 2019

A chemical Cocktail

So exactly what are the potentially dangerous materials used in modern-day conveyor belts? Nylon, polyester and steel cords are most commonly used to form the ‘carcass’ of the belt. These materials are contained within the belt and are not seen as posing a risk in their own right. Apart from PVC covered belts, which are mostly used for underground mining, rubber is most commonly used to cover and protect the carcass. Although rubber in its natural form (NR) presents little or no risk, the fact is that most of the rubber used in conveyor belting is synthetic.

Synthetic rubber contains hundreds of different components.
Synthetic rubber contains hundreds of different components.

The simple reason for this is that modern-day conveyor belts have to deal with a multitude of different demands including abrasion, heat, oil, ozone, fire, Sulphur and much more; much of which natural rubber usually cannot adequately cope with. Consequently, there are literally hundreds of different components that are needed to create rubber compounds that, once vulcanized, are able to meet the specific physical performance and safety requirements.

The manufacture of synthetic rubber involves several chemical compounds that are toxic to man. The principal chemicals used in the manufacture of synthetic rubber are (1) butadiene, which is also known as methyl allene, (2) styrene, also known as vinyl benzene and (3) acrylonitrile, or acrylonitryl-vinyl cyanide. In addition to these chemicals, polymerization catalysts such as hydrogen peroxide, sodium perborate, ammonium persulfate or organic peroxides or peracids, modifying agents, anti-degradants, anti-ozonants (to protect against ozone and UV exposure) are also used.

It is worth bearing in mind at this stage that the use of chemicals in the rubber compounds used for manufacturing conveyor belts is both essential and unavoidable. One such example is N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole sulfenamide (CBS), which is fully allowed within the regulation. However, the big issue is whether manufacturers are continuing to use prohibited chemicals and/or are failing to apply the maximum usage levels restrictions specified within European REACH regulations.

Smelling the Difference

Are manufacturers complying with REACH regulations.
Are manufacturers complying with REACH regulations.

One of the most contentious issues involving conveyor belt manufacture is the use of short-chain chlorinated paraffin’s (SCCP’s). REACH regulations stipulate that SCCP’s should either not be used at all or at least only used on a very restricted basis because of their category 2 carcinogenic classifications. They also pose a threat to the environment, which is why they are also subject to the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation in the European Union (EU).

SCCP’s are most commonly used in Asia where their use effectively remains unregulated. Their presence can usually be identified by the unpleasant smell of the rubber. According to rubber compound experts, good quality rubber usually has very little smell whereas low quality belts containing questionable levels of hazardous chemicals such as SCCP’s often produce a highly pungent aroma. In other words, you can literally smell the difference!

An Offer you can’t refuse?

The influence of raw material costs on the selling price is highly significant. Although there can never be a fixed formula due to the wide variety of individual belt specifications, a general ‘rule of thumb’ is that raw materials represent some to 75% of the cost of producing a conveyor belt. Thanks to the high level of automation, the labour cost element is very low.

When faced with a price that looks “too good to refuse”, it is therefore perfectly reasonable to conclude that raw materials of questionable quality have been used. The pressure to keep costs to an absolute minimum has increasingly led to the use of sub-standard raw materials and recycled rubber that can often be of very dubious origin. Within recycled rubber there is, almost inevitably, a higher risk that potentially harmful chemical substances are present.

Working safe

Masks prevent inhalation of dust particles.
Masks prevent inhalation of dust particles.

The application of basic safety precautions for those working with conveyor belts is a must. Firstly, it is advisable to wear gloves when handling belts. A mask should always be worn by anyone involved in actions that may cause rubber dust to be produced (such as grinding during the preparation of splice joints for example) to prevent inhalation of dust particles. Washing your hands thoroughly before eating, drinking or smoking is also very important.

A clear and present Danger

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Although Brussels can often be accused of over-zealous regulation, the use of potentially harmful chemicals and materials is without doubt a clear and present danger. It is not my intention to scaremonger but it is nevertheless vitally important that users of rubber conveyor belts make themselves aware of potential hazards.

My concluding advice is therefore to make REACH compliance a pre-requisite when choosing what conveyor belts to buy. Always ask for written confirmation from the belt manufacturer or supplier that the product they are buying has been produced in compliance with REACH EC 1907/2006 regulations.

You can find more information on REACH regulations by visiting: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/reach/reach_intro.htm

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