A recent incident involving a hand-held bolter being used in an underground coal mine in New South Wales has sparked warnings from the state’s Resources Regulator.
The incident occurred when an underground mine worker was bolting mesh to the strata. As the operator was working, the drill steel got caught in the mesh, causing the bolter to kick.
Generally, bolting machines attach mesh to control strata in underground mines, but the maintenance of these bolts can can see miners working up close and personal.
The force from the kick pushed the worker over the pan line onto an armoured face conveyor, where he suffered a fractured rib and bruising to the lower back.
An investigation from the Resources Regulator found the height from floor to roof meant the bolter was at near full extension with only the tip of the bolt penetrating the roof before getting caught on mesh.
This caused the bolt to bend and push the handle into the operator’s chest with enough force to push him onto the conveyor.
The NSW Resources Regulator said there are many safety elements in a situation like this that need to be taken into consideration to prevent such incidents from happening.
“Operators of hand-held bolters need to understand the hazards associated with such equipment, in particular the amount of torque generated when the power to the drill steel is increased,” the Regulator said.
“Operators should apply lower force when the drill steel is fully exposed and slowly increase speed according to the penetrative depth of the drill steel.
“Operators should also be mindful of the extra risk when bolting around mesh in which the drill steel can be caught.”
Subscribe to Safe to Work to get the safety news that matters to the Australian mining industry.