Abstract

Through meetings with users, a team of researchers determined the hazards associated with the operation and maintenance of sidewalk salt spreaders that have caused the death of municipal workers. Since there is no specific safety standard for these machines, the researchers modified an existing machine in order to draw up a book of specifications for the safe design of the internal functions of the hopper. Procedures inside the hopper when the rolling choppers and distributors are in operation present the greatest hazards. To eliminate or reduce these risks, the specification recommends built-in prevention methods and complementary protection methods. Among the prevention measures proposed are modifying the slope of the base of the hopper and the size of the sifting grid opening, as well as installing an emptying device to facilitate the flow and evacuation of material. Also, the openings of the protective grid must be designed so as to prevent access to the rollers. To eliminate any hazards associated with accessing the inside of the hopper, a locking system with hydraulic distributors is recommended.