Safety leads the way at Capcoal

Located in the Bowen Basin, Capcoal is a combined open pit and underground operation. As an industry-leading project, it has recently implemented RCT’s tele-remote technology on a Komatsu 457 dozer, allowing operators to relocate from the cab of the machine to the safety of a remote operations centre (ROC) situated nearby.

RCT’s technology was chosen as it is a proven, agnostic solution that will safeguard dozer operators working in hazardous areas.

Jared Collard, Brisbane’s Project Manager, commented:

“Feed valves on stockpiles are a known industry hazard. The edge of the live feed cone of coal stockpiles are known for being unstable environments. Remote operation of dozers removes the coal mine worker from any exposure to this hazard.”

For this project, the standard tele-remote control configuration included a few additional customisations to meet the client’s specific needs. This included the implementation of geofencing around the dozer’s operating zone, ensuring it remained in the boundaries of the dedicated working area. Self-cleaning cameras were an additional upgrade, giving operators improved visualisation on the coal stockpile so the operators could spot any potential hazards from the remote control room.

RCT was also asked to provide custom interfaces to the CAS Warning System and Emergency stop button to allow operators to shut down the feeder from the ROC if necessary.

An existing, portable building was repurposed to house the RCT ROC site for sustainability and cost-saving reasons. System training was provided to the on-site operators and the maintenance team to ensure competency and site self-sufficiency.

Collard said the project was a great example of a mine being proactive with the safety of its operators front of mind.

The technology has been operational on site since January and the feedback so far has been positive with plans to implement the technology on more dozers on other sites in the future, said RCT Account Manager John Capehart.

“The site itself has set themselves their own goals to meet and they are reaching them with operators taking up the technology well. This solution really does eliminate exposure to a well-known hazard that the coal industry has been struggling to find a solution to. It was a major step to eliminate risk.”

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/coal/18072024/safety-leads-the-way-at-capcoal/