THE Queensland Department of Mines and Energy (DME) has issued a safety alert following an incident where a mine worker struck an overhead powerline.
According to the alert, a mine worker climbed into the basket boom lift to take photographs.
The mine worker operated the boom lift to gain elevation and came into direct contact with one phase of a two phase 11000 volt overhead powerline, according to inspector of mines Neville Atkinson.
“The mine worker sustained burns to the right shoulder and both hands at the time of the incident,” Atkinson said.
“The mine worker who came into direct contact with the powerline was extremely fortunate to survive this incident,” he said.
According to the alert, those involved in rescuing the mine worker, while taking note of the powerlines and initially not approaching, were also fortunate to not become secondary victims as the power was not isolated prior to touching lift controls.
Atkinson recommends that mines ensure procedures are in place for operating vehicles and machinery in vicinity of overhead powerlines, and operators of vehicles and machinery are trained in these procedures.
The alert recommends that mines review emergency procedures to ensure accidental contact with powerlines is considered.
Key Contact:
Neville Atkinson
Mine Inspector
neville.atkinson@dme.qld.gov.au
www.dme.qld.gov.au