THE DEPARTMENT of Mines and Energy has issued an official safety warning following an incident wherein a suspended load fell causing the amputation of all the toes on a worker’s foot.
The worker was conducting maintenance on a cone crusher, two lifting lugs were welded onto the mantle, and lifting chains attached. The mantle was lifted out of thecrusher using a crane and placed on the ground. The supervisor then attached a lifting chain to one of the lugs and, using a crane, lifted the mantle on its edge so he could inspect the seat for signs of wear. After he had inspected the mantle seat, the lug suddenly snapped off and the mantle fell. The 360kg mantle struck his left foot behind the protective steel cap of his boot.
The Department recommends that prior to welding lifting lugs to steel components, a specific procedure should be developed which at least addresses the required competency of the welder to weld that type of steel and a safe working load rating of the lifting lug(s).
Additionally, an operator should be aware of the dimensions and type of steel to be used for the lug(s) and there should be a liner surface and weld preparation.
The authority claims the location of the lug(s) on the load to maximise lifting stability and minimise stress on the welds, dimensions and locations of weld fillets and the type of welding rods to be used should be assessed. There should also be an inspection and testing procedure to verify each lifting lug's strength prior to use.
The Department urges people to stand clear of suspended loads. If inspection of the load is required then the load should be resting on stable supports before the inspection is carried out.
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