| Safer sampling of material |
Description
The technical department is required to take daily samples from the materials delivered, to ensure that the standards in the quality plan are met.
Loads are delivered on various vehicles and a sample is required from each. The technician obtains a sample either by leaning into the ground hopper immediately after a delivery, using a bucket to scoop out material; or by placing a bucket in the flow of material being discharged from the body of the vehicle. The technician has to be available at the exact time of the delivery, often involving the suspension of other duties.
A risk assessment review highlighted the need to eliminate this practice. A means of sampling from a safe position and without the technician being present immediately after a delivery, was required.
The solution consisted of a 600mm length of box section; this length ensured the supply of the correct quantity of material required for testing. A hole was cut into the angled side of the ground hopper and the sampling chute attachment welded in place. At the bottom of the box section chute, a small manual clamshell door operating system was used to allow the technician to discharge the sample material into his bucket safely.
The technician can now retrieve the material by placing a bucket on a fixed stand below the discharge chute. The clam door is operated by removing a spring loaded safety catch allowing the material to fall directly into the bucket. The technician can retrieve the sample at his convenience.
Benefits
1.Eliminate risk of a person falling into the hopper whilst sampling
2.Eliminate dust exposure to the person taking a sample as product is tipped
3.Manual handling improvements
4.Operator is clear of the vehicle removing the risk of being hit by the vehicle/tailgate
5.A sample can be taken at any time.
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Before
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After
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