Guideline Management Crushing and Screening Feb10 1
Guideline Management Crushing and Screening Feb10 1
Guideline Management Crushing and Screening Feb10 1
CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT..........................................................................................................3
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
MinEx would like to thank those who have contributed to the development and review of this
guideline. Special acknowledgement is given to Department of Labour (Workplace), Mines
and General Workplace Inspectorate, who have allowed their original material to be used as
the basis of this publication.
1.0 HAULAGE
A. Traffic between extraction faces and the primary plant involves several hazards
that require identification and management in accordance with relevant standards,
codes of practice and guidelines. Haul roads must be designed and built to match
the mobile plant used and with particular reference to carrying capacity, width,
gradient and camber. Windrows should be constructed where vehicles could
accidentally leave the roadway.
B. Signs displaying speed limit, right of way, one-way systems and any other special
information or warnings, should be posted up and maintained in good condition.
Drivers should be authorised in writing to operate each machine type after they
have been trained and demonstrated their competence, including a clear
understanding of all safety features.
C. Refer to “Guideline for Safe Operation of Mobile Plant in Surface Mines and
Quarries.”
A. Live stockpile accident are all too common. The limits of safe tipping areas change
as material is loaded out, and operating rules and procedures must fully account
for this. Good visibility and clear communication between operators is vital and
whole process requires constant coordinated management. Light vehicles and
pedestrians in the area will further increase accident risk and appropriate
separation restrictions along with good visibility are essential.
B. Refer to Guideline for the Safe Working of Stockpiles and Dumps in Surface Mines
and Quarries.
4.0 CRUSHING
A. The hazards involved with blockages, dangerous moving parts, objects being
ejected from crushers and maintenance tasks all need careful management.
and to provide a secure place to work from. Before lifting ensure the device is
suitable for the job, and the load is securely attached with all personnel clear of the
danger area. Following placement make sure the load will not accidentally fall or
shift before detaching the lifting device.
5.0 SCREENING
A. All accessible moving parts such as drive mechanisms, rotating flywheels, shafts
and counterweights must be fully guarded to prevent accidental injury. Guard
design should make it impossible for people to reach the hazard, including from
the sides and rear. Identify hazards involved with screen repair and maintenance
tasks and establish safe procedures. Where screens are elevated and lack secure
platforms, a reliable access method must be provided.
6.0 CONVEYORS
A. Belt conveyors are widely used for moving large tonnages of bulk material though
various production processes. Often they are tremendously powerful and this high
energy level means that accidental contact with moving parts can be disastrous.
They are one of the most common single causes of serious injury accidents in New
Zealand quarries. Operational safety falls into two main categories:
a. Physical guarding.
b. Safe operating rules and procedures - backed up by good training and
supervision.
6.4 Start-up.
A. The procedure should include a arrangement to ensure all persons are clear
before start-up. If the operator is unable to see the whole area, devices that give
clear recognizable warnings may be needed.
9.0 ELECTRICITY
A. Electrical work can only be done by qualified electricians but operators should
make regular visual checks to ensure that equipment is in a safe condition and that
cables remain properly supported and well protected. Overhead and underground
cables should be marked on a plan and precautions taken to avoid contact with
machines e.g. visible markings. New Zealand Electrical Code of Practice (NZECP
34:2001) refers to electrical safe distances and requires the distance between any
live overhead electric line and any part of a mobile plant (or load carried) to be “at
least 4 metres”, unless the operator has received written consent from the line
owner. If mobile plant is to be used in the proximity of overhead electric lines a
warning notice should be conspicuously posted in the cab in view of the operator.
B. Fires are often caused by faulty electrical equipment and suitable fire extinguishing
capability should be readily available. Electrical installation rooms must be kept dry
and clear of combustible materials and must not be used for general storage.
Isolating transformers or earth leakage protection should be used for work with
electrical hand tools.
high-risk situations. Refer to “Guidelines for use of Gas Cutting and Welding
equipment in Surface Mines and Quarries.”
C. Manual handling can result in serious harm and the hazard is often overlooked.
Employees should be taught how to lift and carry correctly and instructed not to
attempt to lift heavy or bulky loads on their own. Storage areas must be designed
and maintained to minimize the need for people to bend awkwardly when lifting
heavy items. Refer to “Approved Code of Practice for Code for Manual Handling”
D. 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.
E. Refer to “Approved Code of Practice for Cranes” and “Approved Code of Practice
for Load-lifting rigging”
11.2 Dust
A. Dust is another widespread significant hazard in crushing and screening plants.
Airborne rock dust can cause serious lung disease, as well as giving rise to
visibility and environmental problems. Lung diseases are caused by very fine
particles known as respirable dust that penetrate deep into the lung.
B. Elimination and isolation of harmful dust by engineering and administrative controls
should be the first priority and only where there is no practicable solution should
respiratory protection masks become the method of minimizing harm.
C. Refer to “Guidelines for Dust Control in Mines, Quarries and Tunnels” for more
information.
11.3 Vibration
A. Vibration may cause dangerous situations to develop in the form of broken welds
and loose bolts but the vibration itself can also be a serious health hazard. Noise
and vibration are usually connected so where there is loud noise there is likely to
be a vibration hazard as well. Unexpected or excessive vibration may be an
indication of an instability problem, particularly on a portable plant. Long-term
contact with hand held vibrating machines such as percussion rock-drills can
cause circulation damage, usually to the fingers. With continued exposure some
permanent loss of feeling in the fingers may develop.
B. Plant operators exposed to intense long-term vibration are at risk of developing
chronic back pain and other complaints due to whole-body vibration. Vibration is
generally transmitted to the body from crushing and screening plant surfaces
through the feet or through seats. The structure of operating areas should be
designed to minimize vibration.