LHD Working at Height Platforms

Transcription

1 Replace with a photograph LHD Working at Height Platforms Paul Redelinghuys UG Maintenance Manager (Khutala Colliery) 15 April 2011 Slide 1

2 Background Working at heights in the UG Mining Industry has been one of the Critical Risks where our employees have suffered various accidents over the long history of UG mining. Various reports were noted during the SACEA Forums about accidents and a task team were put together to work on a feasible solution for the WAH challenge. Over the last 6-9 months Goedehoop and Khutala Colliery have embarked on a investigation phase to seek for solutions to address the WAH risks. Sharing of the progress and work done on the WAH solution. Slide 2

3 Problem Statement Khutala and other underground mining operations in the industry are presented with similar challenges, when addressing work conducted at heights in this unique environment. Historically this type of work has been done with ladders, scaffolds, and scissor lift platforms, but each of these methods still exposed our employees to a level of risk and possible injury. Over the years several different methods and equipment have been used. The goal has been to develop a safe method to allow employees to perform work at elevated heights. Slide 3

4 Solution A number of different options and devices are being used in the industry and the goal was to indentify machinery or equipment suitable for the required application. The solution that was found which not only addressed the risks, but also met with our other criteria, was a lifting platform with basket which attached to the front of the standard underground LHD. The LHD has a high level of manoeuvrability and together with this lifting platform, will allow working at heights tasks to be conducted safely anywhere in the underground environment. A modification that is done to the front of a LHD allows for the standard bucket to be removed and the lifting platform to be easily fitted, by means of a QDS (Quick Detachable System) with a modified mounting plate. The platform can be removed and the standard bucket or other attachments easily refitted as required. Slide 4

5 Lifting Platform with Basket Slide 5

6 Lifting Platform Specifications Specifications Certified lifting platform with basket design Dimensions - Floor 1900mm / 1950mm elevated sides 1200mm Carrying / load capacity of 500kg. Slide 6

7 PR Certification Slide 7

8 Main Risk Main Assessment RA Topics Topics The main risk assessment topics that indentified, when Performing working at height tasks with this type of equipment were : Persons being trapped or struck by the lifting basket. Nip points marked, driver training, 3m rule, stop valves in the lifting basket which active the LHD braking system. Persons walking under the lifting basket. Suspended chains below the carriage to deter entry below. Training and code of practice. Stored energy in the QDS hoses. Driver to activate the QDS pressure dump valve which is situated in the drivers cab, prior to un- coupling, pressure gauge in the drivers s cab to give visual indication of zero pressure. The incorrect installation of the QDS connecting hoses. All QDS pipes are different sizes, Coupling male female quick couplers additionally alternated male female Male,female staggered to avoid mis connection. Transporting people in the lifting basket. No person to be transported for more than 20 meters between lifts, 3 m rule, Machinery to have right of way, LHD to tram in first gear only. Persons falling from or out of the lifting basket. Elevated lifting basket sides, door hinged to open internal with safety catch. Slide 8

9 Functional Requirements requirements Functional requirements of the lifting platform : The unit needs to be manoeuvrable and easy to transport around in the underground mine environment. Of robust construction to cater for the conditions and nature of use, plus to protect the occupants working from within the device. An acceptable safe working load in order to elevate men and equipment. A stable work platform from which work or tasks can be preformed at a elevation up to 4 meters. Lifting platform to be easily attached and detached from the LHD. Minimize the risk of persons falling and entrapment between machines or conditions whilst WAH. Equipment adherence to the mines standards and protocols of working at heights Slide 9

10 Safety applications Features Safety Features Robust cage construction with elevated sides 1.2 meters high. Single entrance door with safety latch mechanism which opens in wards, preventing the door from being pushed open during operation. 500kg safe working load. Slide 10

11 Safety applications Features Safety applications Operation stop controls for both activating the LHD braking system and the height elevation. Once either of the stop controls are activated the LDH operator s controls are isolated except for the Basket down control. This function allows the LHD operator to safely lower the basket in case of an emergency. Two hydraulic stop valves situated on pillars 2 meters from the basket base, these height stop valves prevent depressing the basket against the roof, if activated they bypass the hydraulic oil from the lift cylinders, thus maintaining a safe zone for persons. Slide 11

12 Safety applications Features Safety applications Underneath the basket there is a no entry barrier consisting hanging chains 1.5 meters long, under the platform, the barrier is intended to deter persons from walking underneath the elevated basket. The basket hydraulic stop controls connect to the LHD system via 3 quick coupler attachments, each coupler is of a different size to prevent cross connection of circuitry. Slide 12

13 OEM Operational operational procedure Procedure Slide 13

14 Lifting Platform platform Demonstration demonstration Slide 14

15 Lifting Platform platform Demonstration demonstration Slide 15

16 Risks Conclusion and Learning's OEM in conjunction with the mine will need to conduct equipment training to ensure competency for both operators on the lifting platform and LHD operator. Development of a comprehensive, safe working procedure and risk assessments. Incorporate the lifting platform in to the existing WAH permit system. Development of a hydraulic bypass control system. This will be required if the platform is elevated and either the hydraulic or LHD engine fails. The platform will need to be manually lowered to allow person to disembark. (in progress) System to be put in place to ensure a minimum of an annual recertification by OEM of the lifting platform. Slide 16

17 Questions? Slide 17