Product safety alerts

The Department has been made aware of an issue relating to the sampling efficiency of specific SKC cyclones (Model 225-69 Cyclone Sampler with re-usable cassette for 25mm filters and Model 225-69-37 Cyclone Sampler with re-usable cassette for 37mm filters). On 20 August 2018 SKC Limited (SKC) issued advice that the design flow rate be amended for these devices to 3.0 litres per minute. This will result in sample collection that conforms to the BS EN481 respirable dust definition with the positive bias less than 10%.

On 28 August 2018, the State mining engineer issued a directive to WA mining operations, notifying sites of the issue and outlined recommended actions.

The main issue for cranes being used on mining sites is that operators equate flat ground with level ground, and do not de-rate their loads according to manufacturer’s instructions. A 20 mm height differential between the left and right side of the crane (1% side slope) can be sufficient for the de-rating requirement to apply.

Staying within this tolerance can be difficult to achieve in a concrete-floored warehouse, let alone on the ground on mining operations. The problem is exacerbated when the crane is being moved with a load, and the load starts swinging.

Following consultation with the Department of Mines and Petroleum, these notes were developed to accompany Terex Information Bulletin: Operating on side slopes issued 14 September 2007.

The principal employer at a mine site should maintain an awareness of the requirement for operators of pick-and-carry cranes to routinely reduce loads when encountering variable terrain. Terex issued the following de-rating bulletin on 14 September 2007. Where a crane does not have de-rating guidelines or deration charts, operators should request these from the manufacturer.

When significant non-uniform localised pressure is applied to the TR-300 PAPR cover, there is the potential for leakage between the motor blower unit and P3 particulate filter housing. Testing indicates leaks resulting from localised pressure are temporary and diminished when the directed pressure is removed.

3M wishes to emphasise that this potential occurrence does not affect the TR-300 PAPR respiratory protection approvals and protection factor claims.

Pipe wrenches are sometimes modified and used within industry in a manner inconsistent with the wrench manufacturer’s safety precautions. Guidance published by one manufacturer clearly states that modifying a pipe wrench or using a power drive to apply force to the handle of a pipe wrench can result in wrench failure and serious injury.