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Field hoppers are a common method for transferring excavated material from the dig to the processing plant. Where they are fed by excavators the edge protection requirements surrounding their use are minimal however, if they are fed by wheeled loading shovels a ramp for access is usually required and with it edge protection.
The installation of edge protection is difficult being controlled by;
- Its position in relation to the hopper
- Its position in relation to the field conveyor the hopper is feeding
- The height/length of the ramp and therefore the size of the edge protection itself and the angle of settlement of the building material being used
- The size of the wheeled loading shovel
- Safe access and egress of the loading shovel on/off the ramp
The above is compounded by;
- The frequency of movement of the feed hopper
- Weather degrading the edge protection and the need to maintain it.
Generally, there is a compromise with the installation or lack of maintenance of the edge protection which exposes the driver and machine to the risk of overturn.
Please additional pdf to see the solution that was developed and see images below
