| Manual handling during an asphalt plant mesh change |
The asphalt plant has seven screen meshes which cause manual handling issues when they need to be changed. Changing the screen meshes on the vibrating screen deck was the main concern. The hazards occurred when the screen had to be carried up steep steps and down a narrow walkway.
The company decided to expand the top walkway, using a large open area around the screen level. A team of engineers was tasked with designing a working platform and load bearing beams to enable the lifting of the screen meshes up to the top of the plant using an electric hoist or a manual pulling block.
This has significantly reduced any manual handling whilst undertaking this task and has reduced time spent changing the screens. It has also helped the company store larger spares securely and closer to the area where they would be needed. |