| Removable platform for working on a radial conveyor |
Description
Working on the head drum of the radial conveyor at Boroughbridge Readymix Plant was difficult. The only way to service the drum was to fill the bins and use them as a working platform. The platform created was unstable and required the use of either a safety harness or the creation of temporary barriers around the platform each time maintenance was required. Working on the head drum was hindered by poor accessibility.
To overcome this problem, a new central working platform was created using a combination of both permanent and removable grids and barriers. The design was developed by an internal team and the plant’s local maintenance contractor, RMS Concrete Plant Specialists.
The solution included walkway grids which were fitted over the centre bin, the sand hopper, with two removable middle sections ensuring the hopper could still be filled with sand. A locked entrance gate, access ladder and hand rails were fabricated around the rear half of the hopper and removable hand rails were used for the front half.
When the head of the radial conveyor requires maintenance, the conveyor is positioned in the middle of the sand hopper and isolated to prevent either the conveyor or radial drive from starting. Competent persons, using safety harnesses with fixed lanyards, access the new grid via the gate. They install the two removable middle sections of the grid, which are stored on the permanent grid, to create a solid floor. The removable handrails are then fitted, creating a safe, stable and secure working platform with good working room around the head drum. Once the work has been completed, the system is reversed.
Benefits
A safe and more efficient working environment for the maintenance work on the head of the radial conveyor has been created, minimising the risks of a fall from height.
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