Closing the gap between fault detection and safety
In mining, identifying faulty electrical equipment is only part of the safety challenge. Arguably the most important next step is making sure that equipment cannot be used again until it’s safe to return to service.
Through its work as an electrical contractor and specialist electrical compliance provider, ECO Test and Tag has often encountered situations where equipment that has failed an electrical safety inspection and been tagged out is later found back in service. Conventional out-of-service tags provide an important visual warning, but they ultimately rely on the tag remaining attached, being noticed and respected.
On top of that, UV exposure and handling can take their toll on conventional tagging systems, making it difficult to determine whether a missing tag has genuinely fallen off or has been deliberately removed.
In partnership with Australian safety product Safe T Tag, ECO will become the first specialist testing provider in Australia to introduce the Safe T Tag device as part of its routine electrical test and tag program.
Rather than simply attaching a warning label to failed equipment, Safe T Tag physically encloses and secures the electrical plug. Once fitted, the equipment cannot simply be plugged back into a power outlet. Importantly, the device incorporates a tamper-evident mechanism. Attempted removal exposes a red indicator band and the device then cannot be reset or reused.
Testing thousands of electrical assets isn’t just about completing an inspection. It’s about understanding how equipment actually moves and gets used in the field before identifying practical ways to close the gaps between identifying a risk and controlling it.
Beginning with mining projects in WA’s Pilbara region, the company will be conducting a planned rollout to other sites across the state.
The initial implementation at one of the country’s largest mining operations, set to roll out during next quarterly testing cycle, will allow ECO to assess Safe T Tag under real mining conditions and identify opportunities for broader adoption across its mining and industrial clients.
For mining operations, that small change could help close an important gap between identifying a fault and ensuring the equipment stays out of service.
For mine sites reviewing their volume electrical testing requirements or interested in implementing Safe T Tag as part of their existing compliance program, contact ECO Test and Tag to discuss the practical requirements for your site.
