Training in the correct use of mechanical splicing equipment is critical to ensure safety and productivity, according to Benjamin Sibanda, general manager of Mato Products

“Tested and proven the world over, the Mato Belt Fastening System is a reliable and cost effective solution for conveyor belt fastening, especially in the underground coal mining industry,” Sibanda says. “A key advantage of the Mato system is its ability to efficiently splice any textile conveyor belt, with thicknesses from 5 mm up to 20 mm, using the same lacing system with the appropriately-sized clip for that belt.”

Mato Products, which is part of the Multotec Group of companies, provides training to all its customers – at no charge – to keep their operations safe, efficient and up to date with technological improvements.

“We urge customers to make full use of our training service,” Sibanda says, “as the incorrect use of Mato equipment by untrained personnel can result in poor performance of the splice, as well as serious injury to personnel.”

Initial training is provided to new customers whenever a lacing system is delivered and follow-up training, either on surface or underground, is also available. This is provided by Mato’s qualified training and service specialists.

“Our training specialists have many years of experience in the use of the Mato lacing system, as well as in the repair of all Mato lacing equipment. In addition, our facilitators are certified by the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA),” he says. “We also provide theoretical and practical training at our facility which includes a tour of our clip manufacturing facility and workshops.”

The training covers the safe and correct method of using the equipment, as well as the procedures to be followed when installing a clip splice; a technology offering a fast and durable alternative to hot and cold splicing.

“On completing our training session, the operator will be familiar with the lacing head, lacing bed, wire rope winch, conveyor belt clamp, conveyor belt cutter, conveyor belt skiver, lacing pins, wave master kit and clips,” he says. “They will then be issued with a Certificate of Attendance, which will be valid for two years. We recommend that follow-up training is done before that period has expired.”

The training equips the operators to deal with all four of the Mato belt fastener sizes that are used in the South African mining industry, which have low profiles to allow improved cleaner interaction as well as reduced wear and noise on pulleys and idlers.

It also covers the three different types of fasteners - the Mato U30 series, with a stainless steel plate and spring steel staple material for the strongest possible connection and longest service life; the Mato S30 series, for medium strength belts in coal mining, quarries, cement plants and other industrial applications and the Mato E30 system, manufactured from special steel for a strong connection and good service life.