MINE SAFETY
Dropsafe Barrier consists of impact and heat-resistant panels , with a small honeycomb aperture . The solution attaches along the inside of the guardrailing of elevated walkways , stairways and access ways of permanent or temporary structures using a universal attaching system . In doing so , the Dropsafe Barrier is a safe barrier solution that prevents loose items slipping through cracks and falling from height , the company says .
Mike Rice , Dropsafe Commercial Director , said : “ After stringent rounds of internal and third-party testing , our ME Barrier is already being used to support safe operations both on- and off-shore . We knew from our conversations with customers that there was a gap in the market for a versatile drops ( dropped object ) prevention system optimised for temperate environments . Therefore , we have expanded our range to bring significant cost savings to markets with milder climates and temperature-controlled operations .”
He added : “ Safety is a core concern for businesses operating across a whole range of high-risk sectors . The ease of installation and low maintenance costs of the Dropsafe Barrier help to ensure HSE budgets are used effectively – as does the five-year service life .”
Lighting up
Because mine operators often work consecutive 12-hour shifts , at least part of their shifts tend to occur at night ; the time when operator fatigue can lead to serious consequences for both operators and the mine .
Phoenix Lighting is helping prevent serious accidents , the company ’ s Strategic Market Manager – OEM , Patrick Peczerski , says , through the deployment of a tailored lighting system .
“ As people age , their eyesight changes ,” he explains . “ Changes in the retina , pupil and lens simultaneously change the colour and intensity of light the eye recognises . Operators in their 50s will perceive light differently than operators in their 30s . The difference can be as staggering as putting on sunglasses at night !”
Against this backdrop , a “ one size fits all ” approach to lighting requires each operator ’ s body to “ compromise ”, which increases the likelihood of operator fatigue . Mines can combat fatigue by installing fixtures that can be adjusted to the operator ’ s preference ( or age ), according to Peczerski .
These same operators need to operate in rain , snow , fog or dust ; all of which come with atmospheric interference that affect the type of lighting needed to perform operations safely and efficiently .
“ Just as a car ’ s high beams worsen the appearance of fog when driving , high-intensity flood lights on mining equipment will produce a similar result ,” Peczerski says . “ Colour temperature and its corresponding wavelength can also improve or worsen productivity .”
Phoenix ’ s amber LEDs are used in situations where visibility is severely reduced by atmospheric conditions . Similarly , Phoenix ’ s fixtures can combine amber light with white light and specialised optics to create the best lighting “ formula ” in these harsh atmospheric conditions .
Too much and too little light affect how a mine operator remains alert and their performance .
Lighting that is too bright , especially when set
“ Just as a car ’ s high beams worsen the appearance of fog when driving , high-intensity flood lights on mining equipment will produce a similar result ,” Phoenix Lighting ’ s Patrick Peczerski says
in contrast with the dark of night , causes unnecessary strain on the eyes , according to Peczerski . Eyestrain can lead to disruptive side effects including blurry or double vision , muscle soreness and difficulty concentrating .
These side effects should not be downplayed as they can be detrimental to safety and productivity , Peczerski says . At best , these side effects will only marginally slow each cycle , but even a few seconds add up quickly , especially at a mine that operates 24 / 7 .
For these reasons , Phoenix designs and builds fixtures that evenly distribute smooth light that helps reduce eye fatigue at night , Peczerski says .
He concluded : “ Phoenix provides fixtures that are engineered to compensate for these contributing factors . Lighting packages with the ability to change colour temperature and brightness based on environment and preferences are helping operators reimagine how mining equipment is lit .
“ By incorporating these advancements into durable fixtures , Phoenix helps mine sites achieve safer operations and greater results . Mines around the world will continue to see great progress from Phoenix as lights are designed and built around safety and comfort .” IM
OCTOBER 2020 | International Mining