Articles
On the road: fighting truck-driver fatigue with technology
Telematic devices (or onboard computers that are managed in the back office) enable transport companies to have a better view and a more real-time view of what is actually happening on the roads, not only from an operations point of view but also from a driver alertness and fatigue management point of view. [ + ]
Lifting system restores equilibrium in Christchurch
An Enerpac EVO synchronous lifting system has been deployed by Sync Lift Systems Ltd to safely raise, re-level and restore for occupancy an entire 2800 tonne three-storey building that sank up to 300 mm during the devastating Christchurch earthquake of 2011. [ + ]
Robot system for remote gas detection in technical facilities
Detection of gas leaks in industrial facilities can not only be dangerous and time-consuming, it is also susceptible to human error and interpretation. In order to provide a safer, more efficient and more reliable detection solution, RoboGasInspector was conceived. The innovative robot system for remote detection and localisation of gas leaks was developed by a range of German companies and institutes, and uses a FLIR GF320 optical gas imaging camera. [ + ]
Green Monster's testing, safety and certification tasks
The Green Monster pad eye testers - which perform load testing of pad eyes, eyebolts, D rings and other lift points of plant being lifted or lowered - incorporate Enerpac RCH hollow pull cylinders actuated by P142 hand pump and gauge combinations for durability, simplicity and safety in challenging environments. [ + ]
Cost of poor hydrocarbon process safety tops US$34 billion
The combined financial loss from the 100 largest accidents in the hydrocarbon industry has been estimated at over US$34 billion in a new publication by insurance provider Marsh. [ + ]
Workers comp needs real reform, not 'red tape' fiddling
Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s "biggest bonfire of regulation in our country's history" will allow some organisations to opt out of state compensation schemes and instead operate under the Commonwealth's scheme, Comcare. [ + ]
Conveyor belt maintenance in the mining industry
Creating efficient maintenance processes for conveyor belts is a necessity in the mining industry. Incorrect practice in material discharge and the overall housekeeping of the belt resulting in premature failing conveyor components, tracking issues, excessive belt wear and spillage - all result in a decrease in productivity. This troubleshooting article addresses these issues. [ + ]
Taking the hassle out of contractor management and training
The University of Wollongong (UOW) was recently looking to centralise its contractor Work Health & Safety information and provide an automated way to monitor contractor insurances and licences over its nine different campus locations. e3Learning was selected to implement the online contractor management solution.
[ + ]Automated packaging line improves efficiency
AMBOS Stockfeeds recently installed an automatic animal feed packaging system as part of a major upgrade to its facilities in Young, New South Wales.
[ + ]Mobile inspections in the workplace using Android-enabled devices
The commercial arena is now starting to benefit from Android-enabled smartphones and tablets which offer PDA-like functionality. [ + ]
Vending solution helps control inventory and increase productivity
3M Vending Solutions provides users with an effective method to dispense essential products on-site, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This form of controlled vending can also provide cost savings, increased productivity and process improvements. [ + ]
Driver safety in the construction industry
Q H & M Birt was contracted to work on the Queensland Curtis LNG Project (QCLNG). Vehicle safety and driver awareness were key considerations for the client on this job and Future Fleet recommended the MiX Telematics In-Vehicle Monitoring System (IVMS).
[ + ]So he is asked - Who is safe?
Functional Safety is a complex topic frequently pigeon-holed within the domain of safety experts and complex engineering processes. It’s a sad fact that many plant operators view Functional Safety as just another regulatory hurdle that costs money without direct gains in production. However, if Functional Safety is ignored, it has the potential to seriously impact, or even ruin a company. Conversely, if implemented well, it can result in significant productivity gains according to Schneider Electric Critical Controls Solutions Executive Sven Gröne. [ + ]
Hand vs machine - the dilemma for wrapping freight
A high percentage of businesses across the industry spectrum - including food, manufacturing, primary sector - continues to hand wrap palletised and skid-loaded goods, not realising the cost disadvantages it brings to the company. [ + ]
New research centre aimed at saving lives in the resources sector
The Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER) at the University of Newcastle will launch tomorrow a new Centre for Resources Health and Safety, a research centre aimed at saving lives in the high-risk resources sector. The new centre has been established through a new research partnership, worth $1 million over four years, between NIER and global healthcare provider Aspen Medical. [ + ]