| Replacing top edge protection |
DESCRIPTION
Developed by the workforce, a new procedure has been introduced to replace crest top edge protection after blasting. It makes the task much safer and eliminates many of the associated risks.
The distance of the standoff from the crest is assessed based on information contained in the post blast inspection and must be a minimum of five metres. The standoff is marked by a trained, competent person using weighted traffic cones adapted to take a flag. The flag is set at eye level of the FEL driver. A painted hatched line may be used as a back up.
On approaching the standoff line, the FEL bucket is kept low to the ground with the material bucket tipped into position rather than placed on the ground and pushed forward (which could cause additional pressure on the crest and dislodge some ground). This also ensures the bucket does not obscure the line of site. Scalpings are used since they stand up better and provide higher edge protection. More can be added using the same process if the required height is not met.
Where there is evidence of break back or any other fault at the crest, the area can be further demarked to preserve the five metre rule to the unprotected face.
SEE additional pdf for images
BENEFITS
• Safer process for the FEL driver
• Allows adequate and defined top edge protection to be installed
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