Safety is a significant concern in the mining industry. With the increasing business activities in mining, injuries related to mining have also risen. Mining accidents can be caused by various factors such as fires, floods, explosions, poorly designed mining equipment, or human error. However, around 30% of these injuries are attributed to inadequate maintenance of mining equipment. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain existing equipment, carry out regular scheduled maintenance, and adhere to safety programs and procedures.
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Maintenance is the only way to enhance equipment performance. Furthermore, if not properly maintained in a timely manner, equipment can deteriorate. Here are 9 tips to improve the safety of mining equipment.
- Clean Equipment Properly Dirty equipment is more prone to rapid deterioration, posing a risk of production halts and safety issues. Therefore, mining machinery should be thoroughly cleaned regularly using appropriate equipment and products.
- Educate and Train Workers Properly The mining industry utilizes highly specialized equipment that requires specific skills and knowledge to operate and maintain effectively. Therefore, workers need to be trained and educated on how to use and maintain mining equipment properly.
- Address Wear and Tear Promptly Large and complex machines commonly exhibit a certain level of wear and tear even during regular use. However, the fact that these occurrences are routine does not justify overlooking them. Timely resolution of minor issues during regular maintenance of mining equipment can extend the machine’s lifespan and enhance productivity. Additionally, it can contribute to a reduction in mining-related injuries resulting from equipment malfunctions.
- Always Keep the Machine Properly Lubricated Proper lubrication is crucial if you want equipment to function effectively. Insufficient lubrication can lead to components not moving as intended and may damage the equipment. On the other hand, excessive lubrication can result in oil pooling and lead to energy loss. That’s why workers should be knowledgeable about how and how often to lubricate machines to prevent damage and other issues.
- Refer to the Instruction Manual Mining equipment is complex and highly specialized, with operations and maintenance that are not easily managed. That’s why workers should always refer to the instruction manual to ensure proper usage at all times. Especially concerning maintenance, the instruction manual provides guidance on how often preventive checks should be conducted and what actions need to be taken.
- Always Wear Safety Equipment Due to the hazardous nature of the mining industry, wearing the appropriate safety equipment is imperative. Employers need to ensure that all workers adhere to the rules regarding the use of mining safety equipment. Common safety gear includes protective clothing, safety shoes, safety glasses, respirators, gloves, and hard hats.
- Enhance Visibility on the Site Visibility is crucial, particularly for underground mining operations, as it significantly impacts both productivity and safety. Therefore, companies must ensure proper lighting on the site and verify that all lights on vehicles and mining machinery are fully functional.
- Keep Electrical Safety in Mind Mining equipment powered by electricity can pose additional hazards that may not occur with purely mechanical equipment. Especially in damp conditions, the risk of electrical shock increases, particularly if the equipment is not well-maintained.
- Document Your Safety Procedures and Implement Maintenance Strategies Everyone in the company should have a consistent understanding of equipment safety and its maintenance strategies. Therefore, it is crucial to document these procedures so that all employees can access this information when needed.
