When compared to other industrial sectors, mining is one of the most dangerous when it comes to working with electric power.
Electrical safety in the mining environment poses unique challenges due to the extremely harsh conditions that workers operate within. Already this year there have been fifteen electric shock incidents notified to the NSW Resources Regulator in a five-month period which is a substantial increase on the previous 12 months. The trend has also seen an increase in apprentices suffering electric shocks.
The Regulator has published a safety bulletin and made several recommendations. Mine operators are being urged to assess their electrical engineering control plans to confirm the existing safeguards against electric shock are suitable for the specific tasks being carried out. This assessment should also include an evaluation of how well these risk controls are being applied.
Key focus areas for the review should include:
Energy isolation protocols
Ensuring they incorporate effective verification measures for potential energy sources and backfeeds, which may come from standby or emergency generators, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) or renewable energy systems.
Selection of suitable equipment
Which may involve using extra-low voltage devices for field applications, preferring battery-operated or pneumatic tools over mains-powered alternatives, especially in wet or humid conditions, ensuring welding units are equipped with appropriate hazard reduction features and have a safe open circuit voltage for the intended environment.
Ongoing equipment maintenance
To confirm built-in safety features remain effective. For example: maintaining correct ingress protection (IP) ratings to prevent exposure to dust and moisture.
Workforce competence and supervision
Making sure supervision levels match worker experience, with closer oversight for apprentices and trainees and that supervisors are adequately qualified, especially when supervising electrical work outside their own discipline.
Procurement and equipment introduction processes
To guarantee that only machinery and tools that meet the site’s electrical safety standards are approved for use.
Management of the broader work environment
Ensuring that activities in one area do not introduce new risks to others working nearby.
Electrical safety in the mining industry is a constantly changing landscape. New technologies are being introduced, consumption is increasing and with that comes consequent increases in power rating and complexity. If you think there is even the slightest risk from live electricity stop work immediately, isolate the area and report it.
