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Hazards associated with an ore processing Plant

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Hazards associated with an ore processing Plant
An ore processing plant presents numerous safety hazards throughout its various stages of operation, including haulage, primary stockpiles, crushing, screening, conveyors, surge piles, washing plants, electricity, plant maintenance, and general mining hazards. These risks encompass vehicle accidents, falling materials, machinery-related injuries, electrical dangers, chemical exposure, and more. To ensure worker and environmental safety, it's imperative to implement safety measures like training, protective gear, inspections, maintenance, regulatory compliance, and routine risk assessments.

Here are some specific hazards associated with each of the components you mentioned:

    • Haulage: Hazards associated with haulage in an ore processing plant can include collisions, rollovers, and equipment malfunctions that can result in worker injuries and fatalities. There is also a risk of dust inhalation and exposure to hazardous chemicals during the transportation of ore.

    • Primary Stockpile: Workers can be exposed to hazards such as falling material, dust inhalation, and equipment malfunctions when working around primary stockpiles.

    • Crushing: Crushing equipment can be dangerous if proper safety protocols are not followed. Hazards can include getting caught in the equipment, exposure to flying debris and dust, and electrical hazards.

    • Screening: Hazards associated with screening include exposure to noise, dust, and flying debris. There is also a risk of equipment malfunctions that can cause injuries to workers.

    • Conveyors: Workers can be exposed to hazards such as entanglement, pinch points, and caught-in hazards when working around conveyors. There is also a risk of falls from elevated conveyor systems.

    • Surge Piles and Bins: Workers can be at risk of falling from elevated surge piles and bins. There is also a risk of equipment malfunctions that can cause material to spill and cause injuries to workers.

    • Washing Plant and Ponds: Hazards associated with a washing plant and ponds include exposure to hazardous chemicals, slip and fall hazards, and drowning hazards.

    • Electricity: Workers can be at risk of electrical shock and burns when working with electrical equipment in an ore processing plant.

    • Plant Maintenance: Hazards associated with plant maintenance can include exposure to hazardous chemicals, pinch points, caught-in hazards, and electrical hazards.

    • General Hazards: Other general hazards associated with an ore processing plant can include exposure to extreme temperatures, hazardous gases, and physical strains from heavy lifting and repetitive task

    • Haulage

Traffic between extraction faces and the primary plant in an ore processing operation can involve several hazards that require proper identification and management. Here are some additional details and considerations:

    • Haul road design and construction: The design and construction of haul roads should be matched to the mobile plant used. The carrying capacity, width, gradient, and camber of the road should be appropriate to the equipment being used. This can help to prevent accidents and reduce wear and tear on the equipment.

    • Windrows: Windrows, or barriers, should be constructed where vehicles could accidentally leave the roadway. These can help prevent accidents by providing a physical barrier that can prevent vehicles from leaving the road.

    • Signs: Signs displaying speed limits, right of way, one-way systems, and any other special information or warnings should be posted up and maintained in good condition. This can help to ensure that drivers are aware of any potential hazards or safety measures that they need to be aware of.

    • Driver training and authorization: Drivers should be authorized in writing to operate each machine type after they have been trained and demonstrated their competence. This should include a clear understanding of all safety features, emergency procedures, and safe operating practices.

Overall, the management of traffic in an ore processing plant should be designed and implemented with safety as the top priority. By properly identifying and managing potential hazards, and ensuring that drivers are adequately trained and authorized, the risk of accidents and injuries can be significantly reduced.

  • Primary Stockpiles

Primary stockpiles can be hazardous areas in an ore processing plant, and accidents involving live stockpiles are unfortunately all too common. Here are some additional details and considerations:

    • Safe tipping areas: The limits of safe tipping areas can change as material is loaded out, and operating rules and procedures must fully account for this. This can include establishing safe zones around the stockpile and ensuring that operators are aware of the limits of these zones.

    • Visibility and communication: Good visibility and clear communication between operators is vital when working around primary stockpiles. This can help to ensure that operators are aware of each other's movements and can coordinate their actions accordingly.

    • Coordinated management: The whole process of working around primary stockpiles requires constant coordinated management. This can include regular safety inspections, hazard identification and risk assessment, and ongoing training and supervision of operators.

    • Light vehicles and pedestrians: Light vehicles and pedestrians in the area can further increase the risk of accidents around primary stockpiles. Appropriate separation restrictions, such as physical barriers or designated walkways, should be established and maintained to ensure the safety of all workers in the area.

Overall, the safe management of primary stockpiles in an ore processing plant requires ongoing attention and care. By establishing clear operating rules and procedures, maintaining good visibility and communication, and ensuring appropriate separation of light vehicles and pedestrians, the risk of accidents and injuries can be minimized.

Primary Hoppers

Primary hoppers can also be hazardous areas in an ore processing plant, and there are several important considerations to keep in mind when working with them. Here are some additional details and considerations:

    • Robust construction and stable location: Primary hoppers must be robustly constructed and located on firm ground to ensure stability. This can help to prevent accidents and ensure that the hopper can withstand the weight of the materials being loaded into it.

    • Effective stop block: An effective stop block should be installed to prevent feed vehicles from accidentally entering the hopper. The stop block should be maintained regularly to ensure its effectiveness and prevent spillage.

    • Clear signal operating system: A clear signal operating system should be in place to prevent tipping when this could create a hazard. This can help to ensure that operators are aware of the status of the hopper and can prevent accidents from occurring.

    • Spillage elimination: Spillage over the sides of hoppers should be eliminated by extensions to the hoppers and centralised walled vehicle approach ramps and guide systems. This can help to ensure that the materials are loaded into the hopper safely and efficiently.

    • Well-matched vehicles: Vehicles should be well matched to the hopper capacity. This can help to prevent overloading and ensure that the materials are loaded into the hopper safely.

    • Observation point: If an observation point is required, a suitable platform equipped with standard guardrails should be installed. This can help to ensure that operators have a clear view of the hopper and can monitor the loading process effectively.

  • Overall, the safe management of primary hoppers in an ore processing plant requires careful attention to detail and ongoing maintenance. By ensuring robust construction and stability, installing effective stop blocks and signal operating systems, eliminating spillage, using well-matched vehicles, and providing suitable observation points, the risk of accidents and injuries can be minimized.

Crushing Plant Hazards

Crushing plants can be hazardous environments due to the presence of various risk factors. Here are some hazards associated with crushing plants:

    • Blockages: Material blockages can cause significant downtime and can also result in damage to the crushing plant. Blockages can occur in different parts of the crushing plant, including the feed hopper, the crusher itself, and the discharge conveyor. Material blockages can be caused by oversize material, bridging of material, or equipment failure.

    • Dangerous moving parts: Crushing plants are made up of various moving parts, including crushers, conveyor belts, and screens. These moving parts can be hazardous if not properly guarded. Operators and maintenance workers can be exposed to hazards such as entanglement, nip points, and crush injuries.

    • Objects being ejected from crushers: Crushers can eject material unexpectedly, causing injury or death to personnel. Objects can be ejected from the crusher due to equipment failure, operator error, or maintenance issues.

    • Maintenance tasks: Maintenance tasks are essential for the safe and efficient operation of crushing plants. However, maintenance activities can be hazardous if not properly planned and executed. Maintenance activities that involve the use of heavy tools and equipment can pose a risk of injury to personnel.

To manage these hazards, it is important to implement effective risk management strategies, including the following:

    • Conducting regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards and implementing appropriate controls.

    • Providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to personnel working in and around the crushing plant.

    • Ensuring that all moving parts are properly guarded and that access to hazardous areas is restricted.

    • Providing adequate training to personnel on the safe operation and maintenance of the crushing plant.

    • Implementing an effective maintenance program that includes regular inspections, servicing, and repairs.

By implementing these measures, the hazards associated with crushing plants can be effectively managed, and personnel can be kept safe while operating and maintaining these essential pieces of equipment.

Crusher Blockages

Crusher blockages can be a significant safety hazard in crushing plants. Clearing blocked jaw crushers is a task that should only be carried out by trained and competent personnel, as it can be extremely hazardous. Here are some causes of crusher blockages and some rules and safety measures that can be implemented to prevent them:

    • Oversize feed material: Oversize material in the feed can cause blockages in the jaw crusher. This can be prevented by ensuring that the rock is properly sized before it is fed into the crusher.

    • Poor fragmentation: If the rock is not properly fragmented at the face, it can lead to oversize material that can cause blockages in the crusher.

    • Crusher feeder control: Vigilant control of the crusher feeder is essential to prevent oversize material from reaching the crusher and causing blockages.

To prevent crusher blockages, the following rules and safety measures should be implemented:

    • Remotely controlled methods: Remotely controlled methods are recommended for clearing blocked jaw crushers to minimize the risk of injury to personnel.

    • Risk assessment: A comprehensive risk assessment should be carried out before any manual clearing methods are used. This will help to identify the risks associated with the task and allow appropriate control measures to be put in place.

    • Rules and safe operating procedures: Rules and safe operating procedures should be established for each task, and operators should be properly trained before being authorized to do this work.

    • Personal protective equipment: Personnel should be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect them from the hazards associated with crusher blockages.

By implementing these measures, the risks associated with crusher blockages can be effectively managed, and personnel can be kept safe while operating and maintaining these essential pieces of equipment.

Clearing Crusher Blockages

Clearing crusher blockages can be a dangerous task and requires proper tools and precautions. Here are some guidelines on how to safely clear a crusher blockage:

    • Steel wedges: The use of steel wedges to free blocked jaw crushers can be very hazardous. Wedges can be ejected from the crushing chamber with considerable force and movement of the material in the chamber can also suddenly drag them down. Unstable material that could fall causing injury must be cleared away or made safe. Only mild steel wedges are suitable, and bucket teeth should never be used in crushers.

    • Quick-release handle: If wedging is done by hand, the tool must have a quick, easy-release handle.

    • Hooks: Hooks should not be used in a running crusher unless remotely controlled.

    • Spalling: Before spalling to break up large rocks, inspect the hammer and other equipment to be used and ensure it is in safe working order. Use eye, face, and hand protection, and if necessary, arm and leg protection as well.

    • Remote-controlled hydraulic equipment: Clearing blockages in large jaw crushers by remote-controlled hydraulic equipment is recommended, but note that this may introduce other hazards, such as flying rock chips from impact hammers.

    • Personal protective equipment: Appropriate personal protective equipment must be used, including fall protection if necessary. The operator should select a bar that is a suitable length for the job and be positioned so as not to lose balance.

By following these guidelines and taking the necessary precautions, the risks associated with clearing crusher blockages can be minimized, and personnel can be kept safe.

Crusher Maintenance

Crusher maintenance can be a hazardous task and requires proper procedures and safety measures to be taken. Here are some guidelines on how to safely perform crusher maintenance:

    • Manufacturers’ instructions and safety warnings: Maintenance procedures must take account of manufacturers’ instructions and safety warnings.

    • Specially designed platform: When performing maintenance inside large jaw crushers, a specially designed platform may be inserted into the jaws to prevent movement and provide a secure place to work from.

    • Lifting: Before lifting, ensure the lifting device is suitable for the job and the load is securely attached, with all personnel clear of the danger area.

    • Placement: Following placement, ensure that the load will not accidentally fall or shift before detaching the lifting device.

    • Personal protective equipment: Appropriate personal protective equipment must be used, including fall protection if necessary.

    • Lockout/tagout: Before any maintenance work is started, the crusher must be completely shut down and locked out/tagged out to prevent accidental startup.

    • Training: All personnel involved in crusher maintenance must be properly trained in safe operating procedures, including the proper use of tools and equipment.

    • Inspection: Regular inspections should be performed to identify any potential hazards or maintenance issues before they become a problem.

By following these guidelines and taking the necessary precautions, the risks associated with crusher maintenance can be minimized, and personnel can be kept safe.

Preventing Steel and explosives into Crusher

Preventing explosives and steel from entering crushers with the feed material is crucial to maintaining a safe and efficient crushing operation. Here are some precautions that can be taken:

    • Efficient blasting practices: Blasting should be carried out using efficient practices, such as appropriate drilling patterns and hole diameters, to minimize the production of oversize material.

    • Post-blast assessment: After blasting, a thorough assessment of the muck pile should be carried out to identify any oversized or dangerous material.

    • Vigilant observation: Personnel should be trained to observe the muck pile for any steel or explosives and to report any potential hazards immediately.

    • Magnets or metal detectors: Magnets or metal detectors can be installed at the entry point of the crusher to detect and remove any steel or other ferrous materials from the feed material.

    • Warning or stop device: A warning or stop device can be coupled to the magnet or metal detector to alert personnel and stop the crusher if steel or other dangerous materials are detected.

    • Protection barrier: In high-risk situations, the operator station may need a protection barrier to protect personnel from flying debris.

By taking these precautions, the risk of explosives or steel entering crushers can be minimized, helping to maintain a safe and efficient crushing operation.

Hazards associated with Screening Plant

Screening equipment poses several hazards that need to be considered to ensure worker safety. Some of the hazards associated with screening equipment include:

    • Pinch and Crush Hazards: Workers can be at risk of pinch and crush injuries from the moving parts of screening equipment such as drive mechanisms, rotating flywheels, and shafts. These moving parts must be guarded to prevent accidental contact, which can result in serious injuries such as amputations and fractures.

    • Entanglement Hazards: Workers' clothing, hair, or jewelry can get entangled in the moving parts of the screening equipment, which can result in severe injuries such as lacerations, fractures, or dislocations.

    • Electrical Hazards: Screening equipment is powered by electricity, and any electrical component that is not maintained or repaired can pose an electrical hazard to workers. Electrocution can result in serious injuries or death.

    • Falls: Workers may have to access elevated screens, and lack of secure platforms or access methods can result in falls that can cause severe injuries.

To establish safe procedures for screen repair and maintenance tasks, it is important to:

    • Ensure that all accessible moving parts are fully guarded to prevent accidental injury. Guard design should make it impossible for people to reach the hazard, from all sides.

    • Provide reliable access methods, such as secure platforms or ladders, for elevated screens.

    • Train workers on the hazards associated with screen repair and maintenance tasks and establish safe work procedures.

    • Regularly inspect and maintain screening plant equipment to prevent hazards from developing.

By following these safety procedures, the risk of injury or death from screen repair and maintenance tasks in a screening plant can be greatly reduced.

Conveyor hazards:

    • Conveyor Hazards: The hazards associated with conveyors can be classified into several categories, including:

    • Mechanical hazards: These hazards can occur due to the moving parts of the conveyor, such as the belt, rollers, and pulleys. These moving parts can trap or crush workers, causing serious injuries or even fatalities.

    • Electrical hazards: These hazards can occur due to the presence of high-voltage electrical equipment, such as motors, control panels, and switches. Workers can be electrocuted or suffer from electrical burns or shocks.

    • Fire hazards: These hazards can occur due to the accumulation of combustible materials on the conveyor or from sparks generated by the equipment. A conveyor fire can quickly spread and cause significant damage and injuries.

    • Conveyor Guards: Physical guarding is an important measure to prevent accidents and injuries associated with conveyors. Guards can be installed around moving parts to prevent workers from coming into contact with them. Common types of guards include fixed guards, interlocking guards, and barrier guards.

    • Conveyor Training: Safe operating rules and procedures, backed up by good training and supervision, are also essential for conveyor safety. Workers should be trained on how to operate the conveyor safely, how to identify potential hazards, and how to respond in case of an emergency. Workers should also be trained on how to properly use personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses, hard hats, and gloves.

    • Emergency Stopping: Conveyor systems should have emergency stopping devices, such as pull cords or emergency stop buttons, located at strategic points along the conveyor. These devices should be easily accessible and workers should be trained on how to use them.

    • Start-up: During start-up, workers should be clear of the conveyor and any potential hazards. Start-up procedures should be clearly documented and workers should be trained on how to start-up the conveyor safely.

Overall, conveyor safety is a critical issue in many industries, and implementing physical guarding, safe operating procedures, and proper training can help prevent accidents and injuries associated with conveyors.

Conveyor Guards

Hazards associated with conveyors and the need for guards to prevent accidents and injuries. Here are some additional points to consider:

  • Guards should be designed to effectively prevent contact with all moving parts that are accessible or could become accessible. This includes nip points on head and tail pulleys, tensioning devices, idler rollers, and exposed rotating shafts.

  • The risk of serious injury at troughing rollers is normally low, but guards should be fitted where the belt is held down against the rollers by anti-spillage skirts. In heavy-duty installations, the weight of the belt alone may be sufficient to cause dangerous nip points on the idler rollers.

  • Spillage is a common issue with conveyors and can pose a hazard during clean-up. Good plant design should provide space for machine clearance and clean-up using high-pressure water. Workers should be trained on how to safely handle spillage and clean-up.

  • Emergency stop mechanisms should be located along the accessible length of the conveyor and workers should be trained on how to use them in case of an emergency.

  • Nip points on drive-belt pulleys can amputate fingers and all accessible belt and chain drives should be completely enclosed, including from the back. Guards should be designed to be strong enough for their purpose and should not be placed where someone could stand on them.

  • When designing removable guards, it is important to consider the manual handling issues and provide workers with appropriate tools and equipment to safely remove and re-install guards.

Overall, conveyor safety is a critical issue and guards are an important measure to prevent accidents and injuries associated with conveyors. Proper design, installation, and maintenance of guards can help ensure worker safety and prevent accidents.

Operator Training

Additional training points to consider when training operators around conveyor belts include:

    • Proper attire: Operators should wear appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with or around conveyors. Loose clothing or jewelry should not be worn, and hair should be tied back.

    • Proper use of equipment: Operators should be trained on the correct use of tools and equipment when working on conveyors, including lockout/tagout procedures, belt splicing techniques, and proper use of guards and safety devices.

    • Hazard awareness: Operators should be trained to recognize potential hazards around conveyors, such as pinch points, falling objects, and electrical hazards.

    • Emergency procedures: Operators should be trained on the proper response to emergencies involving conveyors, including how to shut off power, use fire extinguishers, and provide first aid.

    • Regular maintenance: Operators should be trained on the importance of regular maintenance and inspections of conveyors, including checking for worn or damaged components, proper lubrication, and cleaning.

By providing thorough training on these topics and regularly reinforcing the importance of safety around conveyors, operators can work more safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

Emergency Stopping and Start up of conveyors

Additional points to consider for emergency stopping and start-up procedures around conveyors include:

Emergency Stopping:

    • Regular testing: Emergency stopping systems should be tested regularly to ensure they are in good working order and can quickly shut down the conveyor if necessary.

    • Clear communication: Operators should be trained on how to communicate effectively during an emergency, including using clear and concise language and following established protocols for alerting others to the situation.

    • Lockout/tagout: In some situations, it may be necessary to perform lockout/tagout procedures to ensure the conveyor cannot be started up again until the emergency has been addressed and the system has been cleared.

  • Start-up:

    • Clear communication: Before starting up the conveyor, operators should ensure that all personnel are clear of the area and that there are no obstructions or hazards that could interfere with the operation.

    • Warning systems: In situations where the operator may not have a clear view of the entire area, warning systems such as lights or audible alarms can be used to alert personnel to the start-up sequence.

    • Start-up checks: Before starting the conveyor, operators should perform a visual inspection of the system to ensure that all components are in good working order and that there are no obstructions or other issues that could cause problems during operation.

By implementing these procedures and providing thorough training for operators, the risk of accidents and injuries around conveyors can be greatly reduced.

Surge Piles and Bins

Additional points to consider for controlling hazards around surge piles and bins include:

    • Clear marking: The boundaries of surge piles and bins should be clearly marked with warning signs and barriers to prevent unauthorized access. These should be easily visible and positioned in a way that clearly defines the hazard area.

    • Proper training: Only trained and competent personnel should be allowed to work in these areas, with specific training on the hazards associated with working around surge piles and bins.

    • Lockout/tagout: Before entering the draw zone of a surge pile or bin, all feeders should be locked out to prevent unintentional activation or movement.

    • Fall protection: To prevent falls from the top of the pile or bin, workers should use proper fall protection equipment, such as body harnesses attached to a secure anchor point above.

    • Clear communication: Workers entering the draw zone of a surge pile or bin should maintain clear communication with a second person stationed at the anchor point. This person should maintain rope tension and direct the work to ensure that the worker remains safe and does not become hung-up in the draw zone.

By following these procedures and providing thorough training for personnel, the risk of accidents and fatalities around surge piles and bins can be greatly reduced.

Reclaim tunnels

Additional points to consider for controlling hazards in reclaim tunnels include:

    • Confined space training: All workers who enter reclaim tunnels should be trained on the hazards associated with working in confined spaces, including poor air quality, low light, and entrapment hazards.

    • Proper ventilation: To maintain good air quality in the tunnel, a proper ventilation system should be installed and regularly maintained. This may include exhaust fans, air circulation systems, and air quality monitoring equipment.

    • Emergency stop systems: Reliable emergency stop systems should be installed to quickly shut down equipment in the event of a malfunction or emergency situation.

    • Guarding: Guards should be installed on all dangerous moving parts of equipment in the tunnel, with designs that take into account the restricted space available.

    • Entry procedures: Entry into the tunnel should be strictly controlled and subject to a permit system that complies with relevant confined space standards. This should include clear procedures for testing and monitoring air quality, as well as protocols for responding to emergency situations.

    • Unauthorised entry control: To prevent unauthorised entry into the tunnel, physical barriers such as locks and gates should be installed and regularly inspected to ensure their effectiveness.

By implementing these procedures and providing thorough training for personnel, the risk of accidents and fatalities in reclaim tunnels can be greatly reduced.

Washing plants and ponds

Additional points to consider for controlling hazards in washing plants and ponds include:

    • Guarding: All moving machine parts in washing plants should be properly guarded to prevent contact with workers. This includes trommels, screw classifiers, pumps, and other machinery.

    • Skid-resistant surfaces: Walkways in washing plants may require skid-resistant surfaces to prevent slips and falls, and warning signs should be posted in areas where slippery surfaces are possible.

    • Fencing: Deep ponds should be fenced off to prevent accidental falls or drowning. Warning signs should also be posted to alert workers to the potential hazard.

    • Barriers: In areas where vehicle traffic moves adjacent to deep ponds, barriers such as windrows should be installed to prevent accidental entry into the water.

    • Regular inspections: Regular inspections should be conducted to assess the stability of embankments in areas where erosion could weaken them and create a potential hazard.

By implementing these procedures and providing thorough training for personnel, the risk of accidents and fatalities in washing plants and ponds can be greatly reduced.

Electricity

Additional points to consider for controlling hazards related to electricity include:

    • Qualified electricians: Only qualified electricians should perform electrical work. Operators should make regular visual checks to ensure equipment is safe and cables are properly supported and protected.

    • Cable marking: Overhead and underground cables should be marked on a plan, and visible markings should be used to prevent contact with machines.

    • Safe distance: A safe distance should be maintained between live overhead electric lines and any part of mobile plant machinery.

    • Fire protection: Faulty electrical equipment can cause fires, so suitable fire extinguishing capabilities should be readily available.

    • Electrical installation rooms: Electrical installation rooms must be kept dry, clear of combustible materials, and not used for general storage.

    • Isolating transformers: Work with electrical hand tools should be done using isolating transformers or earth leakage protection.

By implementing these procedures and providing thorough training for personnel, the risk of electrical accidents and fires can be greatly reduced.

Plant Maintenance

Clear and effective isolation and lockout procedures are important to prevent accidental start-up of machinery during maintenance. It is also important to follow the recommended maintenance procedures from manufacturers to ensure that machinery is properly maintained and in good working order. Special protective equipment should be used during welding and gas cutting, and gas bottles should always be restrained and appropriate fire precautions should be in place. Employees should be instructed on how to lift and carry heavy loads correctly to prevent manual handling injuries.

Lifting with Machinery. Cranes must have a current certificate of inspection and be operated by authorized operators who have been trained in procedures that include manufacturer’s instructions and site-specific factors. Ensure lifting tackle is certified and tagged with the safe working load and that loads are always within the rated lifting capacity. The tackle and other attachments should be inspected regularly for wear and damage When signalling is required, one person should be designated should carry it out and to ensure no person is ever under, or at risk of harm from a suspended load.

In addition, plant maintenance should include regular inspections of walkways, stairs, and platforms to ensure they are kept in good repair and free of hazards, such as slippery surfaces, tripping hazards, or broken railings. Fall protection equipment, such as harnesses and safety nets, should be used when working at height, and appropriate personal protective equipment, such as hard hats, gloves, and safety glasses, should be provided and used.

Regular training and refresher courses should be provided for employees to ensure they are aware of the hazards associated with plant maintenance and equipped with the knowledge and skills to carry out their work safely. This can include training in lockout/tagout procedures, safe use of tools and equipment, proper lifting techniques, and emergency response procedures.

Hazards Noise

In addition, employers should also consider measures to reduce noise levels at the source, such as using quieter equipment or modifying machinery. Engineering controls such as enclosures, barriers, and mufflers can also be used to reduce noise exposure. Administrative controls such as job rotation and limiting exposure time can also be implemented to reduce the risk of noise-related hearing loss. Regular hearing checks should also be conducted to monitor workers' hearing abilities and detect any early signs of hearing loss.

Hazards: Dust

To control dust hazards in crushing and screening plants, several measures can be taken:

    • Water suppression systems can be installed to reduce airborne dust. This may involve the use of sprays or misters to wet the material as it is being crushed or screened.

    • Enclosing equipment or processes that generate dust, and providing local exhaust ventilation to capture and remove the dust at the source.

    • Using dust masks or respirators as a last resort when other control measures are not feasible or do not sufficiently reduce dust levels.

    • Regular cleaning of work areas and equipment to minimize dust accumulation.

    • Monitoring and measuring dust levels to ensure that they are within safe limits.

    • Providing adequate training and information to employees on the hazards of dust exposure and the proper use of personal protective equipment.

    • Regular medical surveillance of workers to detect any early signs of lung disease.

Vibration Hazards

In addition to designing structures to minimize vibration, it is important to maintain and inspect equipment regularly to identify and address any potential sources of excessive vibration. Vibration-dampening materials, such as rubber mounts or shock absorbers, can also be used to reduce the transmission of vibration to the body. Proper training and instruction should also be provided to workers on how to operate vibrating machinery safely and to recognize symptoms of vibration-related health problems.

Falling Objects

Additionally, tools and equipment should be stored properly to prevent them from falling and causing injury. Overhead protection such as canopies or nets can be installed in areas where there is a risk of falling objects. Workers should also be trained to keep a safe distance from overhead work and to use caution when working below elevated areas or equipment. Regular inspections of equipment and structures should be conducted to identify and address potential hazards related to falling objects.

Flying Rock Chips

Additionally, regular maintenance and inspection of equipment can help to prevent flying rock chips from occurring. All operators should be trained to identify potential hazards and take appropriate actions to prevent them. Any damaged or worn components that could potentially cause rock chips should be replaced immediately. Finally, appropriate signage should be displayed to warn workers and visitors of the potential hazard and to remind them to wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

Falling Hazards

Additional notes on fall hazards:

  • Workers should be trained on the proper use of fall protection equipment, including harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points.

  • Personal fall arrest systems should be used when working at heights of 6 feet or more above the ground or other working surfaces.

  • Fall protection equipment should be regularly inspected, and any defects should be repaired or replaced immediately.

  • Elevated work platforms should be checked for stability before use, and workers should be trained on the safe operation of these platforms.

  • Workers should be aware of the location of emergency equipment, such as rescue hooks and ladders, in case of a fall.

  • Any spills or debris on walkways and landings should be cleaned up promptly to prevent slips and falls.

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