Stored energy assassin is a winner in Australia

Coal and Allied (Rio Tinto Coal Australia) has developed a clever, yet simple solution for reducing injuries to maintenance staff. The Grease Pressure Release Gun, or ‘Stored Energy Assassin’, has won Australia’s BOC National Award for Safety and Health Innovation for 2006. According to the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA), this year’s eight award recipients are indicative of high levels of innovation in the minerals sector, the commitment to health and safety, and the capacity for highly skilled people to take the lead.

The Coal and Allied innovation is a simple handheld tool which detects stored energy in lubrication equipment. Developed following a serious injury on site, it allows maintenance personnel to undertake lubrication tasks with safety.

Coal and Allied was presented with the award at a minerals industry dinner held in conjunction with the Chamber of Minerals and Energy Western Australia’s (CMEWA) Occupational Health and Safety Conference at the Sheraton Perth Hotel, Western Australia. The 2006 BOC National Safety and Health Innovation Awards ensure that excellence and innovation at individual sites are recognized and that best practice, in terms of safety and health policy, systems and practice, is identified and promoted.

In introducing the awards, the MCA’s Director of Safety and Health, Rob Rawson congratulated all finalists and recipients, and emphasized that recognition of excellence and innovation was critical to achieving the minerals industry’s goal of zero fatalities and preventing workplace injuries and diseases. “The ‘Stored Energy Assassin’ represents the essence of the Innovation Awards - recognition of risk, simple and effective solutions and teamwork,” he said. The judges considered the standard of innovation year was of high calibre, demonstrating the commitment within the industry to strive for continuous improvement in safety and health performance.

Highly Commended

Dragline Tub High Voltage Plug – BMA Blackwater

This innovation has eliminated the need to access the dragline tub (confined space) to change out high voltage trailing cables. The final design is a simple rolling mechanism that allows the plug connection to be unlatched with a special tool and then rolled out of the tub on rails.

The Cutting Edge – Alcoa World Alumina Australia – WA Mining

This innovation has redesigned the cutting edges on Caterpillar 637 & 657 scrapers. The modified cutting edges and redesigned bolts allow the employees to replace the edges without the previous risks of strains/sprains, heavy equipment and ergonomic issues. This is a simple and effective solution with a large potential for adoption throughout the Australian minerals industry and beyond.

Commended:

Heavy Equipment Radiator Cap Removal Tool – BMA Norwich Park

This innovation has resulted in an inexpensive, simple and effective tool that has eliminated the risks associated with opening a radiator cap on heavy machinery while it is under pressure or of a high temperature.

Low-wall Management System – Thiess/Xstrata – Mt Owen Mine

This innovation was recognised for the effectiveness of a strategic plan developed to address the management of an active low-wall failure, while maintaining mining operations with no risk to persons and equipment.

Acknowledgment:

Drill Bit Gauging Tool – Beaconsfield JV

This innovation was acknowledged for the significant reduction of risk associated with drill bits and grinding wheels while ensuring accurate and effective gauging of drill bits.

The VAST Project – Argyle Diamond Mines

This project was acknowledged for its innovative implementation of technology to adapt existing work instructions and procedures into video format that demonstrates clearly to existing and new employees, the ‘Argyle’ standards of competence.

Elimination and Reduction of Risks Associated with Drill Core Processing – Ballarat Goldfields

This innovation was acknowledged for the rigorous design process undertaken in the construction of a new drill core shed. This is an example for all industries on how to undertake an effective design process and achieve outstanding results.