| Access ladders and wedge shaped platform for working within primary crusher jaws |
During a site access survey, the safety issues involved in working within the swing and fixed jaws of the crusher were highlighted. The way that work had been carried out in this area previously, involved climbing over the side and sliding down onto a 45 gallon drum, wedged into the jaws. The drum was used as a working platform to carry out repairs and maintenance. An assessment of the risks identified that this practice exposed workers to potential falls as well as slips and trips.
It was necessary to design a safe means of access and egress and a stable and safe working platform. Special access ladders and a wedge shaped working platform were created.
To eliminate any manual handling, lifting lugs were welded onto the platform to enable the equipment to be hoisted into position using the electric hoist above the primary crusher. Once in position, the ladders can be accessed from outside the jaws. Workers can climb into the crusher and maintain three points of contact at all times. When on the working platform, maintenance can be carried out safely and without the risk of falling.
The equipment has met with approval from the workforce and is working effectively when maintenance tasks are carried out within the primary crusher jaws. |