As a result of near misses caused by tanker gasket failures, a working party was assembled at this depot to analyse bitumen handling.
One problem lay in the fact that intake points are located next to the main traffic route that customers use to access the asphalt plant load-out facility. This was addressed by installing fixed barriers to enable traffic to be diverted via an alternative route during the discharge process. This diversion route is detailed on an information sheet issued to customers on arrival.
The close proximity of the emergency shower to the discharge connection point was addressed by fixing a steel fender with 60-degree deflectors to either side of the discharge point to catch any bitumen spills as a result of failed gaskets.
The intake points, previously obscured from view of the plant operator, can now be monitored using a fixed camera.
Other developments include training for all personnel in receiving bitumen and the issuing of procedures for safe delivery of bitumen to all delivery drivers.
A distance splash guard is shown on the left of the photo. |
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Tanker gasket failures
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