Good Practice

DESCRIPTION

When designing a new batching plant Stanto Bonna Concrete made the safety of employees operating and maintaining the plant a top priority. To achieve this, they ensured that during the initial planning phase all the potential risks associated with the plant were reviewed. The hierarchy of control was considered for each risk and an appropriate solution agreed and built into the design. The controls were designed to be an integral part of the plant. It took into consideration:

• The need to access ‘danger zones’ on the plant to perform certain actions and the need to ensure sufficient safeguards were in place and being used.
• Minimising the potential of a fall from height when working on elevated platforms. Moving between different levels was also considered
• Designing out vertical ladders. All access is by stairs with landings, vertical ladders are not permitted
• A maintenance platform for bucket skips. This incorporates safety gates to secure the platform and wash out chute whilst personnel are working on it. The safety gates have position indication switches that prevent the bucket being moved whilst they are closed unless in a maintenance setting
• RAPID mixers - Access lids are provided around the mixer for easy access to the interior of the mixer for cleaning and maintenance. Hydraulic struts aid opening and hold the lids open. An inspection hatch is provided in the mixer casing, with hinged lids and wire mesh inside. This provides visual inspection of the mix consistency whilst preventing access.
• RAPID batching plant platforms allows for maximum access for maintenance and cleaning, on 4 levels, maintenance; mixer; weigh hopper; and aggregate rotary conveyor; access to all levels is by stairs.
• Mixer and bucket skip access is controlled by a Castell interlock system with controls to ensure effective isolation.

Whilst the implementation of the control measures increased the final cost of the project by approximately 10%, they have significantly reduced the potential risks that operators will be exposed to.

BENEFITS

• A safer environment for all
• Less chance of accidents and incidents and their associated costs
• A more efficient plant
• Reduced downtime when completing maintenance tasks
• Enhanced company reputation
• Enhanced morale of employees
• Reinforced safety culture of company