THE Mines Inspectorate has issued a safety alert after a fresh water supply was found to be contaminated at a processing plant.
According to the Department of Mines and Energy (DME), the fresh water system was connected to the final product line which resulted in water flowing back through the hose line and contaminating the fresh supply with process water and residual chemicals.
Although efforts had been made to change the fittings, the hose outlet had not been changed to a camlok and was not appropriately marked to determine whether it was fresh or process water.
The Inspectorate is urging all mines and process plants to review procedures for installation, upgrade and maintenance of water services where there is an interface between process and fresh water.
The DME also says mines should ensure any fresh water supply is clearly separated from processed resources.
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