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The power to be safe

Electrical accidents are a common cause of high-potential mining incidents – and one Australian company is dedicated to doing something to help eradicate them.

 

It’s no surprise that where there’s electricity, there’s risk. But according to a Safety Performance and Health Report released by the Queensland Government last year* the risk becomes reality for people working in the mining industry more frequently than you might think.

 

In fact, according to statistics included in the report, alongside fire and vehicle incidents, electrical accidents are a top-five cause of events classified as serious enough to significantly impact people’s health or safety, accounting for 15 per cent of high-potential incidents in both surface and underground mines. As well as the risk of serious injury this poses, it also contributes to lost productivity and down-time related costs when workers are off the tools.

 

Combined, it makes taking steps to prioritise the prevention of electrical incidents in the mining industry an essential move, and an important component is investing in purpose-built power adaptors – like the ones designed and manufactured by Ampfibian.

 

A northern NSW-based Australian company dedicated to creating industry-tough products that combine safety and convenience, Ampfibian has seven power adaptors in its Industrial Series, including the MAX, the SP-15, SP-20, or SP32, and the TP-10, TP-20 or TP-32. Each allows for the safe and legal connection of 10A or 15A loads, such as mobile site offices and dwellings, as well as trade tools, to on-site power supplies. When every worker is armed with their own personal power adaptor, they have the power to be accountable for their own safety.

 

Australian made – and made to comply with Australian standards – Ampfibian’s Industrial Series range of power adaptors covers 10A to 50A, with single and three phase plug tops available. They have an H-Class rating (water and dust resistant to IP55 and IK08 impact rated), are UV stable and feature a fold-out hook for hanging. Every adaptor is also equipped with a Residual Current Device which, along with the circuit breaker, is visible beneath a clear lid for easy inspection, to protect against electrocution. Plus, they feature automatic cleats to prevent accidental disconnection and a lockout tag on the RCD lid.

 

But the Industrial Series range of power adaptors aren’t the only Ampfibian products that are designed and manufactured to industrial standards.

 

The X1 is a weatherproof extension cord lock that features a retaining mechanism to keep power cords firmly together, and patented seals to prevent electrocution in the wet. As the only extension lead container that’s suitable for trade and commercial use, it’s IK09 impact resistant, IP55 hose and weatherproof and designed to fit standard and heavy-duty 10A and 15A extension leads up to 12mm in diameter.

 

And speaking of extension leads, Ampfibian’s got those covered, too. The Ampfibian Hellbender is a fully flexible, heavy duty, highly wear resistant extension lead made from rubber, so it’s not only stronger, safer and longer lasting than generic extension leads, it’s also easier to use in cold and hot temperatures – up to 150°C. With a 15A plug and socket, the Hellbender is available in three lengths: 10m, 15m and 20m.

 

Ampfibian’s Industrial Series power adaptors are sold in Blackwoods stores, nationally, or online at blackwoods.com.au. The MAX, X1 and Hellbender extension leads are available from hardware, outdoor and electrical retailers throughout Australia, or head to ampfibian.com.au for more information or to shop online.

 

 

*Queensland Mines and Quarries: Safety Performance and Health Report – 1 July 2015-30 June 2016; Department of Natural Resources and Mines; Queensland Government

 

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