In the heart of Mount Thorley Warkworth, one of Australia’s bustling coal mining hubs, a threat was lurking. The massive conveyor systems—vital arteries transporting tons of material daily—are potential hazards for the workers who navigate their perimeters.
Globally, these industrial behemoths are infamous for their risks, with countless injuries and fatalities linked to them. At Mount Thorley, supervisors and superintendents had identified their jump conveyor as being a risk to crew safety when moving on the walkway. Yancoal, the mining titan overseeing the site, consulted experts right away.
De-risking Sites with AdaptaPanel
After consulting with crews on site, SafeSmart Access experts identified the key areas for improvement and solutions that could de-risk the dangers on site. AdaptaPanel was proposed as the perfect edge protection solution for temporary and semi-permanent use.
AdaptaPanel offered critical edge protection against falls into conveyor systems around the site. What sets it apart is its adaptability; the system features a locking and unlocking mechanism that not only allows for rapid installation but also makes removal straightforward during essential maintenance shutdowns.
This means minimal downtime and maximum safety—a win-win in the high-stakes world of mining.
Proposing Solutions & Delivering High Standards
However, integrating this system wasn’t without its challenges. The existing infrastructure at Mount Thorley required the AdaptaPanels to undergo design modifications. Accommodating the conveyor’s stringers was no small feat, but the adaptability of the system provided intuitive solutions.
The proposed design was a seamless integration of welded tabs and holes for bolting to the upright posts connected to the conveyor stringer. Using this design and methodology allowed the panel system to comply with AS/NZS 1657 and AS/NZS 1657:2018, while accommodating maintenance by unbolting the panels during shutdowns.
Finished off with a warning-coloured yellow, the posts and panels were delivered to the site with a short lead time.
Conveyor Dangers Mitigated
Yancoal’s initiative transcended mere regulatory compliance; it was a decisive move to champion the highest safety standards in the mining sector. By customising the AdaptaPanel system to fit their specific site needs, they proved that safety and maintenance access don’t have to be mutually exclusive. The tailored solution ensured that the workforce remained protected without hindering essential operational procedures.
Collaboration was the cornerstone of this achievement. Yancoal and SafeSmart forged a strong partnership, bringing together the expertise of superintendents, project supervisors, and mechanical engineers. This united effort culminated in an edge protection system that marks a significant advancement in site safety for the crews working directly “at the coal face.”
Edge Protection for Bulk Material Conveyors
It’s a well-known fact across mining sites that conveyors pose significant risks to personnel—yet alarmingly, many systems arrive unprotected when purchased or installed. For bulk material handling processors and plants, this presents an unacceptable hazard.
Yancoal’s proactive approach not only mitigates these dangers but also sets a new industry benchmark. Now, companies are aware that a top-tier safety solution is readily available, reinforcing that prioritising worker safety is both possible and imperative in the pursuit of operational excellence.
Get in touch with our mining and industrial experts for the right edge protection solution on your site.
