Coal product sales manager Ben Hardman said the system was developed for hand and arm injury prevention, particularly at mines where flakes, roof stresses and other anomalies cause issues.

The deflectors, which are operated hydraulically, are fastened to the main beam of a bolter unit’s automated temporary roof supports.

“Once the ATRS has been positioned, operators deploy them using controls located near the roof support controls,” Hardman noted.

“When rock lands on the deflector, it is redirected away from the operator.”

He added that the deflectors’ load yield rating is 3000 pounds (1361kg).

Drilling on the machines is performed through holes that house square plates up to eight inches, but Fletcher says larger plates can be used by placing them on top of the deflector before drilling.

Before deploying and using outby rocker pad deflectors, Hardman said, mines should check the guidelines for their specific operation.

“Policies vary and some mines have made deployment part of the routine bolting cycle.”

He noted that all mines should remember an important point: the deflectors’ load rating does not raise an ATRS system’s overall yield, which in some cases can reach 45,000lb (20,412kg).

In addition, as the devices are lowered, operators should stand clear for safety, as there is always potential for rock to accumulate on the tops.

“This new system can help increase operator safety and reduce the nuisance injuries that can result from falling debris,” Hardman said, adding that the deflectors work on inside and outside-controlled bolters and can be retrofitted to many of Fletcher’s existing machines.