Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/85648
SAFETY WATCH Lock, Tag, and Block compiled by Therese Dunphy, Editor-in-Chief Make sure equipment is de-energized before performing maintenance tasks. From 2000 to 2008, there were 23 fatalities in metal/non- metal mines due to failure to follow proper lock out/tag out procedures. Among these accidents were miners being electrocuted while performing work on energized circuits, miners performing maintenance work on equipment when it was re-energized by someone else, miners performing maintenance on energized equipment, and miners work- ing in close proximity to unguarded, energized machinery. Also, 10 fatalities involved conveyors, five involved a miner directly contacting energized electric circuits, and four involved being caught or struck when performing mainte- nance on equipment other than conveyors while it was still energized. Consider the following recommendations for proper lock out and tag out. Best practices • Have proper authorizations/qualifications and training before performing electrical work. • Ensure that equipment is de-energized, locked out, and tagged before performing electrical work. • Be aware of the location of electrical equipment and components, including cables and power lines. • Use proper equipment, including gloves, when performing electrical work. • Check for proper grounding of power conductors where required. • Communicate unsafe conditions or electrical hazards to other miners and mine management. • Ensure electrical examinations are properly made and recorded. AM Information from this Safety Watch is from an actual accident and is provided by the Mine Safety and Health AGGREGATES MANAGER May 2012 The accident: On Oct. 29, 2001, a 36-year-old miner with five weeks of mining experience was fatally injured at a surface sand and gravel mine when he became entangled in a conveyor tension roller. The victim had been assigned to do miscellaneous clean up throughout the plant and became entangled while carrying out his duties. The bottom line: The accident occurred because the operator failed to establish safe operating procedures for cleaning and removing material from machinery. The accident occurred because the equipment had not been de-energized or blocked against motion prior to the performance of maintenance tasks. Administration. It is meant for general information purposes only. Sponsored by and share with your plant personnel Tear this out