Ensuring safety in mine electrical installations and maintenance is paramount, governed by stringent standards and protocols designed to protect personnel and maintain operational integrity. These measures encompass detailed inspection routines, specific maintenance procedures, and robust safety equipment.
Comprehensive inspections of electrical equipment, conducted by qualified personnel, are crucial. These inspections should prevent seasonal accidents and meticulously check main contact parts for good contact, signs of discoloration, or heat. Wires must be free of broken strands, and foreign objects absent.
Electrical equipment overhauls require strict adherence to safety protocols, including mandatory power outages before maintenance. The use of appropriate insulation safety equipment is fundamental to protect workers from electrical hazards, and mines must have established emergency procedures for incidents like electric shock or electrical fires (ZeusBTC, n.d.).
Mobile substations, providing flexible power, are designed with advanced safety features such as automatic shut-off and grounding systems to protect employees (Becker Mining, n.d.).
For conveyor systems, integral to mining, specific safety requirements are in place. Underground conveyor belts must comply with strict fire resistance requirements, such as MSHA Part 14, by incorporating special fire-retardant agents and modified rubber components (West River Conveyors, n.d.).
Idlers, which support the belt and its load, reduce friction and prevent misalignment, contributing to a safer working environment by minimizing belt slippage and material spills (Luff Industries, n.d.).
Appropriate belt speed selection is vital, with lower speeds recommended for large, abrasive, or fragile materials to prevent fragmentation and excessive wear (Sungda, n.d.).
Advanced control and automation systems, including process monitoring and IoT gateways for remote control further enhance safety and operational excellence (Eleetpro, n.d.).
Why is it important to inspect mine electrical equipment differently during winter or rainy seasons? Share your insights!
References:
Becker Mining. (n.d.). Portable Substation. (https://beckersmcusa.com/Portable-Substation)
Eleetpro. (n.d.). IPCC & PCC Panel. https://eleetpro.com/portfolio-items/ipcc-pcc-panel/
Luff Industries. (n.d.). Industrial Conveyor Idlers: Everything You Need to Know. https://luffindustries.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-industrial-conveyor-idlers/
Sungda. (n.d.). How to Choose the Right Conveyor Belt Speed?. https://www.sungda.com/index.php/how-to-choose-the-right-conveyor-belt-speed/
West River Conveyors. (n.d.). How to Choose a Conveyor Belt. https://www.westriverconveyors.com/blog/how-to-choose-a-conveyor-belt/
ZeusBTC. (n.d.). Mining farm electrical system and equipment operation and maintenance management. https://www.zeusbtc.com/articles/maintenance-and-operation/3411-mining-farm-electrical-system-and-equipment-operation-and-maintenance-management
