Appropriate guarding for soiled dishes conveyor systems in kitchens

For large scale food preparation areas and kitchens, a conveyor system can be the most effective way to remove soiled dishes and transport them for cleaning. As washers will be removing items from the conveyors to wash them, it is very important to have guarding to prevent injuries. 

Here are some factors to keep in mind when planning your conveyor systems.

Peak loading

Most kitchens will have peaks of loading including food preparation, food serving and then post service cleanup. The design load may vary a lot, so it can be a good idea to take some extensive time and motion studies that allow you to plan a system with enough load. If the conveyor overloads during peak periods, this can create a lot more work for staff, so it's important to ensure that it can take a load that is even higher than your current estimates to allow growth.

Warmth and moisture

In order for the guarding to provide a good fit in both low operation/dry condition as well as during the hottest and wettest periods of the kitchen service, you need to choose a guarding and belt material that does not react much to the changes in the environment while having a good wear profile. This is often achieved with materials made of rubber and composites. A professional belt system and guarding company can help you to develop materials that work well together in warm and moist environments as well as dry environments. 

Grip and slip

In order for the dishes and cutlery to be safely transported, the belt needs to have a lot of grip, as crockery can easily break when it comes in contact with crockery and kitchen equipment. At the same time, for the belt to effectively have guarding and efficient operation, it needs to have a lot of slip and minimal friction on the belt edges and in guarded sections. This is often achieved by having belts with different regions and zones across the face of the belt. 

Kitchen conveyor systems can dramatically improve the productivity of an industrial kitchen and reduce the workload for the kitchen staff. In order for the conveyor to be safe for staff, it must be properly designed and engineered with a guarding system which allows for the environmental challenges. A belt conveyor specialist firm can help you to select a system that will enhance the operation of your kitchen.