SAFETY
Managing all the risks When it comes to disruptions to a bulk handling system, there are many that are outside of an organisation’s control. Spencer Wakelam, an independent Security consultant, explains how planning for only maintenance related disruptions can leave operations exposed. Bulk handling sites are by definition hazardous environments.
CONDITION MONITORING PLAYS a vital role in preventing catastrophic machine failure, but it is just one of several elements that contribute to the overall resilience of a bulk handling operation. The Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Recovery (PPRR) model is a widely recognised and applied method in risk management. However, to plan only for maintenance-related disruptions, rather than take an allhazards approach, is to leave operations exposed to a wide range of risks. Enterprise Risk Management and Supply Chain Security can mitigate the
risks presented by indirect geopolitical, economic, and logistic issues that are often beyond the control of the organisation. But what of the direct threat posed by a determined or malicious human actor? It is noteworthy that multiple categories of risk event can originate from a security breach. One of the key security threats currently facing the mining and resources, freight and bulk handling industries in Australia is that of Issue Motivated Groups (IMGs) such as Frontline Action on Coal (FLAC), Extinction Rebellion (XR) and Blockade Australia, to name but a few.
24 І Australian Bulk Handling Review: January/February 2022
Since 2014, activists have conducted non-violent direct action at bulk handling facilities at Whitehaven and Port of Newcastle in New South Wales, several Queensland coal terminals, and the mine and its associated rail construction project in Carmichael. Protests have involved scaling machinery and disabling conveyor systems by locking-on and activating emergency stop buttons. In two weeks alone in November 2021, two activists lockedon to conveyors at both Hay Point and Abbot Point, and protesters conducted more than twenty separate actions targeting the Port of Newcastle and the
