Mining machine inspections

NSW Department of Primary Industries mine safety officers are inspecting machinery on all mining titles in Lightning Ridge to ensure miners comply with guarding requirements. 

Warnings were issued to opal miners and claim holders that by July 25 all moving parts on mining machinery must be guarded.

“There have been many accidents where opal miners become entangled in revolving drive lines and this has resulted in the amputation of fingers and other serious injuries,” said Alan Coutts, DPI Deputy Director General Mineral Resources

“These drive lines include belts and pulleys, chains and sprockets, hoist winding gear and drive shafts”.

Occupational Health and Safety Legislation along with current mining legislation requires people in control of mining leases to identify and then reduce the risk of hazards.

“It is heartening to see that there have been many who have ensured those working around machinery are not put at risk by fitting guards”

“However, some have ignored the Department’s warning and failed to guard their hoists, drills, blowers, agitators and other equipment.

Department officers have now issued a number of Prohibition and Improvement Notices under the OH&S Act 2000 to those who have not guarded their machinery.

The effect of a Prohibition Notice is that the machinery cannot be used until the holder has advised the Department’s Lightning Ridge office in writing that they have complied with the notice.

Inspections will continue over the coming months and severe penalties will apply to anyone who fails the heed Notices.

Mine Safety Officers at Lightning Ridge are available to answer questions regarding guarding of the machinery used in opal mining.