Australia’s largest zinc mine, MMG Century, and Tropical North Queensland TAFE (TQNT) are on the way to overcoming one of the mining industry’s biggest safety hazards following the graduation of the first three participants from its hydraulic hose safety course.
Century and TNQT partnered to develop a course that equips tradespeople with the skills and knowledge to safely use, repair and manufacture hydraulic hoses. Hydraulic hoses are considered one of the most dangerous pieces of equipment in any workshop – fluid injection injuries can cause serious harm or even death.
While all tradespeople receive informal training in hydraulic hose management use during their apprenticeships, a specific, comprehensive course had not been available. Furthermore, the new course is based on the Mechanical Design Guidelines 41 (MDG 41), considered the best-practice industry standard for hydraulic hose safety.
Century General Manager Karl Spaleck said that the first graduates were just three of 72 from the mine’s maintenance workshop participating in the course.
“We are incredibly proud of our first graduates Trevor Hartwell, Dean Smith and Josh Body. They have worked hard to complete this course and are leading the way for many other tradespeople at Century.
“I am also particularly pleased that Josh is one of our first graduates. Josh joined Century early this year throughour Indigenous pre-employment program and is our first hose technician trainee.
Hose technician trainee Josh said that the qualification, along with his experience at Century, provided a strong foundation for the future.
“I’ve learnt a lot through my training and mentoring from one of our experienced technicians. I’m keen to keep learning and see where else this takes me.”
In addition to working with Century to develop this pioneering course, TNQT built an excavation simulator to allow course participants to understand, energise and demobilise hydraulic circuits safely.
“After consultation between MMG and TNQT, the program was designed and will be delivered in such a way to cover all aspects relating to MDG 41 for fluid power safety at mines.
”This is an excellent example of how tailored training can be designed on-site to meet the emerging needs of companies operating in the resources sector,” TNQT Institute Director Joann Pyne said.
Mr Spaleck said that the hydraulic hose safety course was something the resources industry should take notice of.
“Our focus should always be on looking at ways to reduce the potential for injuries and incidents.
“By teaching participants how to work in adherence with MDG 41, we are giving our people the tools to keep themselves and their workmates safe while working with hydraulic hoses.”
Century is owned by Minerals and Metals Group (MMG). MMG is a member of the Minmetals Resources Limited (MMR) group of companies, listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
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Media enquiries:
MMG Century
Jillian D’Urso
Communications Advisor
T 07 4769 5395
M 0417 117 753
E jillian.durso@mmg.com
Tropical North Queensland TAFE (TNQT)
David Manning
Communications Officer
T 07 4042 2622
M 0408 746 747
E david.manning@deta.qld.gov.au