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Worker experiences serious burns

A worker was using an angle grinder to cut the top section off a 1000L plastic intermediate bulk container (IBC) when chemical vapours ignited, causing serious burns. The safety incident occurred at the processing plant of Northparkes mine on 4 April 2023.

The NSW Resources Regulator has commenced an investigation to determine the cause and circumstances of the incident. Contract workers were undertaking maintenance work at the mine’s processing plant as part of a planned shutdown.

To facilitate the removal of waste product from the processing plant, workers obtained what they believed to be empty IBCs from a nearby storage area and cut the top portion off the container so they could be used as waste bins.

A forklift operator retrieved a 1000L plastic IBC, which was supported by an external aluminium cage-like frame, from a nearby storage area and placed it an open area outside the processing plant. It had not been cut and appeared to be empty.

The IBC bore a label indicating the product that had been stored in it was Fisherchem C503, a caustic alkali liquid used as a flotation reagent.

The product is classified as dangerous goods and is a hazardous chemical in accordance with the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). The products label contained GHS pictograms indicating that the product was an environmental and corrosive hazard.

A crane operator involved in the maintenance work obtained an angle grinder and began cutting the top of the IBC.

A short time later, workers in the area reported hearing a rush of air and a loud bang and observed the worker laying on the ground several metres from the IBC.

The angle grinder the worker had been using was also on the ground a short distance away.

The worker was pulling at his shirt, which was smouldering. Several nearby workers removed the worker’s shirt and requested assistance. Responders saw the worker had suffered burns to his arms and face and rendered first aid before the worker was transported to hospital for specialist burns treatment.

Following the incident, safety recommendations for mine operators and contractors include:

• the implementation of a hot work permit system requiring all potential hazards associated with cutting containers and drums to be identified and controlled

• identification and control of all risks (including physical or chemical reaction) in relation to the use, handling and storage of hazardous chemicals, having regard to the products safety data sheets

• ensuring that containers previously used for the handling and storage of hazardous chemicals are appropriately cleaned and are free of such chemicals (including residues and vapours) when they cease being used for that purpose.

In particular, workers must:

• refer to and consider product safety data sheets when undertaking tasks involving the use, handling or storage of hazardous chemicals, including the repurposing of chemical storage containers

• be aware that liquids and vapours not classified as flammable may ignite upon contact with a heat source

• ensure they comply with mine operators’ hot work procedures, hazard identification and risk management processes, and inform supervisors whenever hazardous conditions are encountered or task procedures have changed from those originally planned.

SC23 HAND-PORTABLE TETRA RADIO

Sepura has introduced the SC23, a robust TETRA hand-portable radio with a reduced keypad and streamlined feature set of core functionality, providing an ideal option for pool or temporary users who do not need extended functionality to perform their roles. The SC23 boasts essential safety features such as enhanced audio, easy-to-locate emergency buttons, water porting technology and dust protection. The streamlined capability, including a smaller keypad and grayscale screen, means the device is well-suited for operators in industries such as mining, utilities, transport, and airport baggage handling who may not always require advanced features. Available in both UHF and VHF frequency bands, the SC23 range provides coverage across expansive outdoor environments and complex built-up environments, whether over or underground. Additional safety features include protection and reassurance for lone or remote workers and provides user location and status updates, through highly sensitive GNSS positioning, including compatibility with GPS.

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The Wisdom 6a Miners Cap Lamp Shines The Way

The Wisdom 6A cordless LED cap lamp from Perfect Image is a water-resistant, USB-rechargeable unit that has a nickel-adjustable bracket and is powered by two Panasonic 3.5-volt Li-ion batteries.

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The Wisdom 6A is distributed by Perfect Image, which is continually expanding its product range and, by directly importing its product line, can meet the needs of small and large customers.

• pii.net.au/

SAFETY-FIRST APPROACH DRIVES REMOTE DOZER SOLUTION

For WesTrac, Rio Tinto and Caterpillar, this tele-remote dozing system (TDS) at Rio Tinto’s iron ore operations in Western Australia is wholly focused on operator safety.

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• westrac.com.au

Making Mining Safe With The Boltec M Battery

Epiroc is leading the charge towards sustainable mining with the Boltec M, a fully mechanised bolting rig with battery driveline. Capable of handling most bolt types between 1.5–3.5m, including friction, inflatable, mechanically anchored and rebar bolts, the Boltec M is among the most advanced and productive fully mechanised rock bolting machine in its size class.

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• epiroc.com/en-au