| Safety improvements to bitumen plant |
Description
Aggregate Industries undertook a complete overhaul of the bitumen delivery system and associated safety measures at their Carnforth plant. The changes made and new systems introduced have significantly reduced the potential for accidents. The measures taken include:
Warning lights advising when a tanker is discharging so an alternate route can be followed keeping pedestrians away from the danger zone.
Emergency shower activation warning in the mixing cabin
Splash guard fitted to inlet flanges
High level alarm activation in the mixing cabin
Highly visible flange cover fitted to avoid discharging into the wrong line
Ground pump system fitted
Valve safety system electrically fitted to ensure that only one tank can be filled at once.
New comprehensive sign put in place to improve communication to tanker drivers
New procedure, SSoW and risk assessment drawn up.
Independent high level kettle alarm fitted to avoid overfilling the bitumen kettle.
Trace heating maintenance system adopted to avoid the potential for blocked lines
Non-removable keys fitted to valve controls
Benefits
No accidental entry into the danger zone by pedestrians
Staff are aware the instant a high level alarm or emergency shower is activated.
No more compressed air deliveries
Tanker drivers have greater clarity on delivery points and safety procedures
Reduced chance of a kettle overfill
Reduced chance of blockages due to failed trace heating
Eliminated risk of an overspill when more than one tank is being filled. |