In its September company newsletter, NewScene, the company highlighted a new policy it was issuing for vibration-related health issues.
“This is the first time we have issues a policy of this type for everyone affected. I am satisfied that we are on the right track,” said Deep Mines safety engineer, Paul Fenner.
The company said that UK health and safety research suggests that over a million workers are exposed to potentially harmful levels of hand-arm vibration (HAVS).
“UK Coal has progressively improved the range of tools and equipment which have the potential to cause harm,” according to NewScene.
One example is a new hands-free cable bolter system installed at Stillingfleet colliery. Bolter operators have switched from conventional hand-held bolters to the Exchem super turbo for setting 6m cable bolts.
“The big bonus point is that with no worries about exposure to vibration through the hands, officials can maximise the amount of time men spend with that machine,” NewScene said.
The risk of HAVS has been highlighted throughout UK Coal’s operations, while vibration levels on higher risk tools have been reduced.
The company said collieries were paying attention to the way jobs were done with tools used in repetitive cycles, such as roof bolters and side borers. The usage times will be measured. Workers who have used vibrating equipment will be made aware of the potential risks from hand-arm vibration, the initial symptoms and advice on reducing risk.
In Australia rotary compressed air drill rigs were the main tools used until the late 1980’s. Hydraulically powered drill rigs, mounted on continuous miners or other mobile equipment are now the industry standard, though hand-held rigs are still used for certain applications. This has meant that the risk of HAVS is much lower in Australian underground coal mines.
An Australian study concluded in 2001 by Coal Services at NSW open-cut and underground mines examined the effects of whole-body vibration in mining vehicles. These findings were published in a booklet “Bad Vibrations”. Further information in Australia can be obtained from Barbara McPhee, bmcphee@ozemail.com.au
