Safety Alert: Potentially dangerous mechanical components on opal mine handling hoists

January 23, 2018 Tara

On 4 November 2016, a heavy steel material handling hoist bucket fell down an opal mine shaft, hitting a worker at the bottom of the shaft. The worker suffered fatal injuries.

The investigation has identified a potential safety issue with the hydraulic system, in particular the single acting counter balance valve. This issue may extend to other Agfab Super Hoists as well as other hoists with a similar design.

The present design of the hoist’s hydraulic system, with only a single acting counter balance valve, creates a hazard to operators in the event of a winch cable over-spool scenario.

 

Download the full alert here.

 

 

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