| Cement kiln tower safety improvements |
Description
Hanson UK has introduced a series of measures which have greatly improved the safety of contractors when they are cleaning inside the kiln tower at Ketton Cement Works.
The kiln tower is one of the most potentially hazardous areas in the works with very hot gases and material moving through large cyclones and ducts. The tower requires regular internal cleaning using high pressure water jetting. The entry system previously relied on warning beacons along the kiln and tags being handed in to the control room. As part of the site’s continuous safety improvements the Ketton team reviewed the entire process and made the following changes:
• A new tower entry system which automatically prevents access during water jetting and reduces the number of potential entry points. It also informs the kiln controller who is on the tower.
• Provided training on the hazards and protocols of entry for those entering the tower area.
• A new design for the ports used by water jetting operators to allow safe use whilst wearing the required PPE.
• A written scheme of inspection and auditing.
In addition, all work carried out on the tower has to be permitted by the controller before it starts.
Benefits
• Prevents jetting taking place whilst people not involved are still on the tower
• No LTIs on the tower and no near misses since the system was introduced
• Safer working environment and jetting contractors are not distracted by other personnel.
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