SAFETY
mining sector.
So, while great inroads are being made in
terms of legislation and policy making, there is a
long journey between legislation and ‘boots on
the ground’ worker safety. "Global Mine Design
always has an eye for the practical application
of safe, economic, and productive mine design,
and part of that comes from seeing the
implementation of safety practices across
multiple mining jurisdictions around the world."
Grainger offers a wide range of safety
equipment. It provides useful notes that, while
specific to underground, are widely applicable
throughout the industry.
According to the US Department of Labor,
Mining Health and Safety Administration
(MHSA), 70% of mine accidents in the US are
related to using heavy machinery and other
equipment at the work site. Among the top ten
most cited causal factors contributing to
accidents in 2012 were: lack of safety training;
hazard communication; machine guarding;
lockout/tag out precautions; and electrical wiring.
As Grainger states, “modern equipment, more
automated mining techniques, and better mine
engineering have significantly reduced some of
these safety risks, leading global mine
operators to incorporate rigorous safety
procedures and health and safety standards,
while taking a proactive approach to worker
education and training.
“While improvements have been made and
much more is known about the dangers and the
risks, it makes sense to periodically evaluate
your safety strategy to ensure you’re doing all
you can to provide the safest, most up-to-date
work environment possible. While the list below
may seem obvious, it never hurts to revisit your
safety program. Here’s a checklist of reminders
to consider when re-evaluating your safety
program for an underground mine.
“For general tunnelling operations, the MHSA
requires a minimum illumination intensity of 5
foot-candles, although 10 foot-candles must be
provided for shaft heading during drilling,
mucking and scaling. Check all lamps regularly.
“Check all signage to make sure it’s highly
visible and legible.
“Make sure all telephones and other
signalling devices are fully operational at all
times. These devices can be critical in the event
of an unexpected incident or accident.
“Routine equipment checks and maintenance
programs ensure that equipment and vehicles
used in the mine or on the site are performing
properly and reliably, and do not pose any
dangers to their operators or workers nearby.
“Where ladders and scaffolds are needed,
make sure you have the proper harnesses, belts
and other safeguards to prevent falling.
“Air quality sensors and alarms should be in
top working order and able to detect irregular
levels of CO and other potentially toxic fumes,
vapours and gases. Make sure you have a
regularly scheduled maintenance and testing
plan for this equipment.
“Mine operators must know the location of
every worker at every moment of each shift.
Double-check your worker identification and
check-in/check-out system.
“Periodic disaster evacuation drills and
testing emergency communication and
signalling systems prepare workers on what to
do if there’s an emergency. Emergency gear,
such as HAZMAT suits and breathing apparatus
should be available for first responders and
rescue teams.
“Experienced miners know what gear they
need to prevent or at least minimise injuries on
the job. For newcomers, however, it’s important
to include information on selecting Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) in their training.
Manufacturers of PPE have made significant
improvements in the materials they use. Take a
look at what you’re using for PPE. It might be
time for change.
“Today’s glove manufacturers have made
significant improvements in glove designs, using
lighter-weight and more breathable fabrics.
Some if these materials even offer better cut
and puncture resistance. Take a look at the
gloves your workers are using. There may be
better options available.
“Today’s work boots are higher to prevent
ankle rollover. Specially insulated boots can
protect feet in both extreme cold and heat. Sole
platforms are now wider and thicker to provide
surer footing and better balance.
“In addition to LED-lighted hard hats, many
miners require safety glasses. Today’s eyewear
designs include improved scratch abrasion and
fog resistance.
“Mine blasting and excessive noise generated
by diesel-powered equipment can
cause lasting damage to miners’
hearing. Hearing protection in the
form of earplugs and coverings
can be used, depending on the
ambient decibel levels in work
areas.
“To be successful, safety best
practices in any organisation must
be deeply ingrained into the
corporate culture and supported
from top management on down
through the ranks. Safety is truly
everybody’s job. This is especially
important in mining where safety
awareness and consistency are
essential in helping to prevent accidents,
injuries and fatalities.
“Mine managers and individual miners need
to adhere strictly to operational safety
procedures. Employers need to provide the right
tools and training to every employee to protect
the life, health and safety of the workforce, as
well as to protect valuable worksites and assets.
As leading mining organisations already know,
creating a safe working environment means a
more productive and profitable mining
operation. It also leads to higher levels of
worker morale and job satisfaction, which in
turn improves employee retention. Taking a
holistic view toward improving worker safety
education and safe work practices is a sound
business investment that pays dividends for
long-term success.”
Where are they?
In Australia, NLT’s N-Connex received a 2017
Good Design ® Selection in the Product Design
Category. The jury commented: “High-end
design for a rugged, no-fuss utility product. It is
clear that a professional design team worked on
every aspect of this product. The end result is a
professionally executed product that does what
it has to do with elegance and simplicity.”
N-Connex (gigabit version) uses an NLT
supplied mil-spec two-core pre-terminated fibre
for the high speed network backbone. N-Connex
can also work with other fibre combinations.
Access to the network is provided by N- Connex
Bolt Access Points and/or PoE ports on the core
Distribution module. The system is fully 802.11
compatible; therefore any WiFi or Ethernet client
can function over N- Connex.
N-Connex is an IP67 rated modular solution
that simplifies installation and maintenance
while allowing easy expansion of the network
and solutions offered. While a range of modules
to suit most requirements is offered, the
proprietary IP67 enclosures easily support new
functions and solutions, or new modules.
N-Connex, being fully compatible with
industry 802.3 and 802.11 standards
supports all
N-Connex
modules are simply
clipped to the customised frame and connected
via a Cat5 cable to the main Distribution
module, as all devices support Power over
Ethernet (PoE) connectivity
OCTOBER 2017 | International Mining