On August 12, 2010, a 38 year-old maintenance technician with 3 years of experience and a 47 year-old operations miner with 21 years of experience died at an underground gold mine. They were working from the top of a conveyance in a 16-foot diameter ventilation shaft attempting to locate and free a blockage in a 24-inch-diameter aggregate delivery pipe. While the conveyance was near the 820 foot level, the entire pipe from the shaft collar to the 860 level broke away and fell to the bottom at the 1330 foot level. The pipe struck the conveyance as it fell, causing the hoist drum to break away from its support base. The victims were found at the bottom of the shaft.
- Routinely examine pipe support structures for indications of excessive corrosion and cracked, missing, or damaged: clamps, brackets, support beams, and connections.
- Conduct periodic visual and non-destructive examination on couplings and pipes for corrosion, abrasion thinning, cracking, and loose connections.
- Inspect and test process monitoring systems to ensure safety controls are functioning properly.
- Perform construction and maintenance in accordance with design drawings and specifications.
- Minimize exposure to hazards by using equipment such as air cannons and vibrators to prevent or clear blockages.
- Ensure that miners are in a safe position to avoid falling objects or materials.
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