30/04/2020

We are reminding businesses to ensure safe systems of work are in place when using and maintaining crushing plant following a fatal injury when attempting to clear a metal tramp blockage in a cone crusher located in a quarry.

SafeWork SA is reminding businesses to ensure safe systems of work are in place when using and maintaining crushing plant.

In April 2020, a worker received fatal injuries when attempting to clear a metal tramp blockage in a cone crusher located in a quarry. The crusher was not in operation at the time of the incident.

Safety issues

  • Persons entering into a cone crusher, below the mantle, to undertake any work should be prohibited.
  • Metal tramp blockages in cone crushers create large amounts of stored energy and extreme caution should be taken when they occur.
  • Use of oxy cutting, thermic lance or other hot work methods should not be used to clear metal tramp blockages in cone crushers.
  • Metal tramp blockages in cone crushers can cause internal damage to the crusher, which may create other safety issues.
Example of a ElJay rollercone crusher
Example of a ElJay rollercone crusher

Risk control measures

To avoid potential risk to workers’ health and safety, businesses need to:

  • consider & utilise engineering controls to minimise the risk of metal tramp blockages occurring
  • develop and implement a safe system of work for the use and maintenance of cone crushers.
  • develop and implement isolation and lock-out procedures for when maintenance, repairs and fault finding is being carried out on plant
  • develop and implement a safe system of work for the clearing of metal tramp blockages in cone crushers
  • use cone crushers in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions
  • ensure cone crushers have the appropriate safety devices installed, such as interlocks and emergency stops and that each are tested prior to use
  • ensure all nip and trapping points are guarded, in place and secured prior to use of the plant
  • ensure pre start checks are documented and undertaken in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
  • ensure all repairs/maintenance are undertaken by competent persons in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
  • ensure workers wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for task being undertaken.

Further information

Plant