Australasian Mining Review
Issue link: http://ebook.aprs.com.au/i/37922
157 Changing fl uid power industry requires quality training The hydraulic industry involves people coming into contact with potentially dangerous scenarios on a daily basis, with 3.5% of all workplace deaths being related to fl uid power. severe body injuries from contact with fluid under pressure. S High pressure fluid or oil in hydraulic systems is lethal if a fluid line connection point is opened or hose failure occurs. In the past decade, the fluid power industry has experienced a high level of change with the fast progression of technology and modern applications. Also, new guidelines of MDG41 for fluid power safety are coming in to NSW and will shortly be adopted by other states as the most current guideline for their personnel. The risk of fl uid injection injury is increasing as machinery and equipment with high pressure hydraulic and lubrication systems becomes more common - more functions are being automated on machines, tighter hose compartment designs, and increased maintenance and hose wrapping requirements. These changes within industry have resulted in difficulties for traditional fluid power training organisations in staying current regarding industry practices, component knowledge and qualified resources. This gap in training, combined with the growing problem of many experienced hydraulic experts retiring or approaching retirement age, has resulted in a skills shortage in the fl uid power industry. With technology being widely available, training organisations are now moving forward in methods of delivery including seminars and online learning however, there is still a need for the conventional method of face to face delivery. Regardless of delivery method, all fl uid power training needs to have a level of industry currency within the training environment. ome past injuries and fatalities on work sites were all about intensification of pressure being misunderstood by maintenance personnel. These incidences relate to fluid injection and As young engineers move through their trade courses there is very little content when it comes to fluid power within these apprenticeships, unless the individual has an interest in this specific field and completes extra courses to be a specialist in fluid power, generally after hours. With the potential safety risks involved, the fluid power industry should command the same level of training available to other trade industries such as electricity and possibly have an individual strand of training within the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF). To promote further dialogue relating to the education of fluid power technicians a discussion group, Fluid Power Education Australia, has been formed on linkedin.com. The group is open to any fluid power industry professional with an interest in educational requirements and standards. by Custom Fluid Power www.custom.com.au [Hydraulics in Mining] _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ issue 2.2