Underground bolting rig injuries prompt mine safety investigation
17 March, 2016Almost 100 injuries have been recorded since 2009 due to roof bolting in underground mines. A report authorised by NSW Mine Safety on this safety issue is now available.
Pronal SMARTSHORE shoring system
12 February, 2016The Pronal SMARTSHORE is an inflatable shoring system designed for use during trenching or excavation works to provide safety to workers from possible burial from trench cave-ins.
Confined space can be a death trap in the waiting
01 February, 2016 by Capital Safety Group (Australia)Not all employers and operators understand what constitutes a 'confined space', nor the dangers associated with working in such environments. The following article has been written to provide an overview of confined space operations in layman's terms and should not be seen as a substitute for taking correct professional advice — nor for certificated training.
Minimising the risk of fire in confined spaces
01 June, 2015 by John Lynch, General Manager, Business Support Services, WormaldConfined spaces are some of the most dangerous environments to work in. The risk of entrapment coupled with lack of oxygen, potential exposure to hazardous material or poisonous gases can often make undertaking a rescue challenging.
Fall protection and confined space - what you need to know
28 January, 2014This paper outlines what you need to know about confined working spaces and the equipment needed to help with potential risk scenarios.
Dust: an explosive risk
19 July, 2013To many, dust can seem harmless but Graeme Cooper, Managing Director of Tecpro Australia (the company recently won the 2012 Australian Bulk Handling Review Award for Dust Control, Technology, Application or Practice in partnership with the University of Wollongong), comments on the reason why mitigating the risk of dust explosion is so important.
Confined space entry - a few words from a wise supervisor
17 June, 2013 by Mike Platek*Globally, there are a wide range of laws concerning work in confined spaces with generally the same intent, which is to protect workers when they enter such spaces. They lay out training guidelines and entry procedures and, in most cases, explain the hazards associated with entry. Where the information falls short is the experiences of the people that actually enter the spaces to do the work and the supervisors that oversee it. On-the-job training is a valuable asset that needs to be shared more often.
RIS Syncron construction and mining workplace safety compliance audit service
28 August, 2012Height and confined space workplace safety provider RIS has launched a ‘one-stop shop’ construction and mining workplace safety compliance audit service, called Syncron, which will indemnify individual construction companies and mine operators against prosecution for noncompliance irregularities emanating as part of its service offering.
Respiratory protection against exposure to diesel particulate
01 August, 2012On 12 June 2012, the International Agency for Research for Cancer (IARC), which is part of the World Health Organisation (WHO), changed its classification of diesel exhaust from Class 2A (probably carcinogenic to humans) to Class 1 (carcinogenic to humans).
Inadequate security involving explosives at mine sites
30 April, 2012The Department of Mines and Petroleum, Government of Western Australia, has issued a safety alert following two recent incidents where explosive items were left unaccounted for in underground elevated work platforms and charge baskets at mine sites. The explosives were only discovered some time later, after the equipment returned to the surface. In one case, welding work was carried out on the machinery in very close proximity to the explosives (boosters and a detonator) before they were discovered.
Working safely in confined spaces
12 April, 2012 by Tony Jones*Working within confined spaces poses many risks to health and safety. Each year, many people are seriously injured or killed due to adverse conditions in confined spaces. Although it is not always possible to prevent these incidents, employers have a duty to minimise the health and safety risks associated with working in confined spaces.
MSA SmartArm-mk2 portable modular arm
10 August, 2011 byThe SmartArm-mk2 portable modular arm can be used by those managing and wishing to comply with safe work practices when conducting work or repairs in confined spaces.
Fanquip purging fans
03 June, 2010 byThe Fanquip purging fans are designed to expel gases typically found in confined spaces where toxic and carcinogenic gases can be present.
Confined space safety failings cost a life and $500,000 for tank cleaning company
07 January, 2010WorkSafe Victoria has warned companies and workers of the dangers of working in confined spaces following the conviction and $500,000 fine served on a tank cleaning company after the death of one of its workers.
Educating OHS students about confined spaces
11 November, 2009Protector Alsafe and Victoria University (VU) collaborated to provide an opportunity for a group of Diploma of OHS students to have a ‘hands-on’ approach in the investigation of a mock confined space incident.
