The mining equipment that is used extensively on every mining site requires a lot of attention and specific maintenance. The mines represent a dangerous working environment, because there are many hazardous gasses which are very harmful and there is always a possibility for landslide. Therefore, the mining machinery needs to be operated by qualified personnel, capable and trained of operating mining equipment. There are different types of mining machinery and each has its own working principle. Many years ago, the miners used handmade tools for their operations, but today they are using innovative and very efficient mining equipment.
The manufacturers of mining equipment provide an operating manual for the operators. This manual is very important because it shows the operators what they need to do for safe and efficient operation. The operating manual should be available and easy to understand for all operators, which means it should not be written with words known in a specific area only. This way, the manufacturers can ensure that the operators will remain safe while operating the mining machinery.
The manufacturers usually provide their customers a specific training program for the mining equipment. With this training program they want to improve the knowledge of the operators and to make them capable to handle the mining machinery in difficult situations. Each piece of the mining equipment is different, so there is a specific training for every machine or mining device. The regulation authorities require the operators to have documentation and license for operating mining machinery. So, in order to avoid huge fees, the operators need to keep the documentation in their machines.
Prior every operation, the standard operating procedure requires a quick inspection of the machine. By performing an inspection, the operators can determine whether the mining equipment is ready and safe to use. Even a minor defect of the mining machinery can interrupt the whole operation and lead to unexpected delays and money loses. There are also specific procedures and methods for operating mining machinery in adverse environment conditions. The operators must be trained how to avoid and to remain safe in unexpected working and weather conditions.
It is also important for the operators to know how to communicate through a radio or mobile phones on the job site. A two-way connection must be established before the operation starts. Also, it is vital not to use the mining equipment for purposes not included in the manual, because it will have an impact on the overall performance and on the safety.
