LEADING Caterpillar dealer WesTrac is reducing the need for personnel to work within the footprint of live equipment in up to 90% of common maintenance tasks.
The Elimination of Live Work (ELW) project has involved WesTrac staff from across the business identifying technology, tools and work processes that can eliminate safety risks involved with people working in close proximity to live equipment.
Initially introduced to WesTrac by a major mining client as part of ongoing safety improvement initiatives, the ELW project has gained industry-wide focus.
WesTrac’s Newman Branch Manager James Davey said the aim of the project, which involves a range of mining-focused Original Equipment Manufacturers and service teams, was to eliminate significant risk factors associated with working on heavy machinery and equipment.
“The purpose of this project is not to deal with little nicks and cuts, it’s about saving lives,” Mr Davey said.
“If things go wrong when people are working on live equipment with multiple moving parts, and that can weigh hundreds of tonnes, the results could be disastrous.
“It’s an area of major focus across the Australian mining and construction sectors to continually reduce risks and enhance safety performance.”
Since commencing its own ELW project in 2018, WesTrac has devised a range of specialised tools, some itself and some in collaboration with mining companies and other OEMs.
One such tool, affectionately known as R2D2, is a remote-controlled camera mounted on an anti-vibrating base that can swivel 360 degrees to carry out a wide range of inspections on live machines.
Controlled from a tablet, the camera provides the operator with a real-time view and can record the session for closer follow-up investigation.
Mr Davey said the camera’s resolution and 30-times optical zoom allow operators to read gauges, look for leaks and even carry out pre-maintenance checks.
WesTrac has also developed an ELW Field Service Kit with a range of tooling to allow both mobile and workshop-based mechanics to carry out numerous inspection and testing requirements without the need to work in proximity of high-risk areas.
Mr Davey said the company was currently developing work instructions, expected to be complete within the next three months, and would then deploy specialists to WesTrac’s branches, stores and sites to assist in embedding ELW practices.
