Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/351731
Keep Your Operation Clean and Tidy OPERAT G ood housekeeping is extremely important for aggregate operations, especially in this day and age. Not only does it make a good fi rst impression with customers and visitors, it improves overall safety for everyone who enters the operation. "Housekeeping is important because it plays into the safety end of things," says John Perkowski, plant foreman at Tilcon Connecticut's Southington Pit. "It comes into play both inside the buildings and outside around the vehicles. We make sure every area is clean so there are no tripping hazards and no obstructed views for vehicles coming in." According to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), good housekeeping means keeping work areas, passageways, store rooms, and service rooms clean and orderly. is includes keeping platforms and catwalks free of debris and other tripping or slipping hazards. It also means keeping roadways clear of obstructions. All of these housekeep- ing eff orts improve the looks of the operation and improve safety, but they can help an operation with inspections as well. "I frequently tell our operations guys that, if they can get through the opening conference with MSHA in- spectors without a citation, they're off to a good start," says Randall "Randy" Mucha, corporate director of safety and health at Lehigh Hanson. " at pre y much means the inspectors have come through the door and have gone through the paperwork. If the place looks good and the paperwork is in order, it sets the mood for the rest of the inspection." A clean and tidy operation goes a long way toward creating a good fi rst impression with the surrounding community. And a good fi rst impres- sion can result in a good lasting im- pression, which can positively impact future interactions with neighbors. "Part of our cleanup is on the roads coming into the operation, driving through the operation, going into the pit, coming up from the pit, and going up to the spoil pile," says George Grgu- ric, plant manager at Vulcan Materials' Fort Payne Quarry in Alabama. " e be er the roads look, the be er we feel, and the more the employees take ownership and pride in our operation. at's what we try to hang onto." For haul road housekeeping, MSHA recommends grading the roadway as level as possible to minimize the bouncing of mobile equipment, which can cause spillage, damage to the equipment, or injury to the operator. Keeping the roadway maintained and avoiding spillage by not overloading haulage equipment is also important. MSHA suggests that all miners be instructed to stop and clear debris from roadways, if it can be done safely. If not, the location should be reported to a supervisor or manager for cleanup. AGGREGATES MANAGER Hand tools are a necessity at aggregate operations, but are not always needed. When not in use, make sure all tools are stored in their proper place. The storage building should be neat and orderly. The fl oor should be clear of objects that can cause trips and falls. Mark where each tool hangs on the wall so that a quick glance will let you know if any tools are missing. 1 Appearance is important 4 Store everything in its proper place Make sure every part of your operation is clean and tidy, from the entrance to the processing plant to the scale house. Any customers or visitors who come in should be impressed with the appearance of the entire operation, as fi rst impressions are often lasting impres- sions. Once the operation is in good order, keep it that way through constant maintenance and cleanup.