Raising concerns around the growing number of electric shock incidents in the mining industry, the NSW Resources Regulator is advising operators to keep on top of safe practices.
Earlier this month a worker at an underground metals mine suffered an electric shock when his finger made contact with the plug of a welder while he was fault-finding in a boilermaker bay.
The welder was unplugged during testing, indicating a possible fault within the equipment.
Following on from that incident, the regulator said it is concerned about the increase in similar cases currently being reported across the industry.
The regulator is reminding mine operators that they must ensure equipment is fit-for-purpose and maintained in a state without risk to workers, with regular maintenance and inspection systems in place.
In a safety bulletin issued by the body in 2020, it lists several recommendations for the industry that are applicable even today.
“Mine operators, and other (persons conducting a business or undertaking), should review their electrical engineering control plans to ensure that risk controls for electric shock are appropriate for the activities at the mine,” the report states.
“This should include a review of how effectively the risk controls are being implemented. Reference should be made to the electrical engineering control plan code of practice, which provides guidance in respect to these matters.”
This review, according to the regulator, should cover energy isolation procedures, including suitable verification checks for sources of stored energy and back feeds from other equipment, and identification of fit-for-purpose equipment.
It should also include maintenance practices to ensure risk controls designed into the equipment continue to perform in the intended manner, and procedures for procurement to ensure that only equipment that meets the mine’s standards are accepted and used on site.
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