The New South Wales safety watchdog has released a number of recommendations aimed at reducing electric shocks in the mining industry following a rise in incidents.
In the five-months from January, the NSW Resources Regulator was notified 15 electric shock incidents – a “substantial increase” on the previous 12 months, according to the body.
Rise in overall incidents is also accompanied by an increase in apprentices suffering electric shocks.
Within the mining sector, metals operations reported the highest rate of incidents with 47 percent of shocks occurring on those sites, followed closely by coal operations which accounted for 40 percent of electric incidents.
To help push incidents back down, the regulator is urging mine operators and persons conducting a business or undertaking to re-evaluate their electrical engineering control plans. This includes ensuring current safeguards are appropriately matched to the tasks being performed, with an emphasis on real-world application and ongoing verification.
Key areas of focus should include energy isolation protocols, selection of fit-for-purpose equipment, and regular maintenance to uphold safety ratings – particularly in challenging environments like wet or humid worksites.
Operators are also being urged to favour battery-powered or pneumatic tools over mains-powered alternatives and ensure that welding equipment includes appropriate hazard-reduction features.
The bulletin reinforces the need for appropriate levels of supervision, particularly for less experienced workers.
Supervisors overseeing electrical work must also have suitable qualifications, even when operating outside their primary trade.
Operators should also undertake procurement and equipment introduction processes to guarantee that only machinery and tools meeting the site’s electrical safety standards are approved for use.
Management of the broader work environment is also recommended, ensuring that activities in one area do not introduce new risks to others working nearby.
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