Enhancing Safety In Coal Handling Systems Through Advanced Risk Assessment
Published by Jess Watts,
Editorial Assistant
World Coal,
Coal handling systems (CHS) are the lifeblood of the coal mining industry, ensuring seamless transportation, storage, and processing of coal from mining sites to end users. However, the inherent risks in these systems, especially those related to coal dust explosions, demand rigorous safety protocols. Effective risk assessment is not just a regulatory necessity, but a critical business strategy to protect workers, infrastructure, and the environment.
Hazards associated with coal handling systems:
- Coal dust explosions.
- Electrical hazards.
- Health hazards from dust exposure.
- Hazards from equipment overloading.
- Slip, trip, and fall hazards.
- Fire hazards.
- Ergonomic hazards.
- Noise hazards.
- Environmental hazards.
- Mechanical failures.
- Conveyor belt hazards.
- Structural hazards.
- Ergonomic hazards.
The role of coal handling systems
CHS encompass multiple components, including delivery, storage, crushing, screening, and conveying systems. They operate under challenging conditions, often involving large quantities of coal dust, which poses significant safety risks. Key safety measures include dust suppression, fire detection, and emergency response systems. However, these systems alone are insufficient without a structured approach to identifying and mitigating risks.
Why risk assessment matters
Risk assessment in CHS is essential for several reasons:
- Hazard identification: Recognises potential hazards such as dust explosions, equipment failures, or operational inefficiencies.
- Quantifying risks: Assesses the likelihood and severity of hazards, helping prioritise mitigation efforts.
- Compliance: Ensures adherence to safety regulations and industry standards.
- Continuous improvement: Encourages the ongoing refinement of safety measures through data-driven insights.
This is a preview of an article that was originally published in Issue 1 of World Coal 2025.
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Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/handling/11062025/enhancing-safety-in-coal-handling-systems-through-advanced-risk-assessment/
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