02/2023 - cover

Bezpieczeństwo Pracy i Ochrona Środowiska w Górnictwie Number 02/2023

SMA'S MONTHLY MAGAZINE

Zbigniew RAWICKI, Aleksander CHOWANIEC, Tomasz SOŁTYSIAK, Piotr MERTUSZKA

Based on the data presented in the article, it can be concluded that in 2021 over 46•106 kg of blasting agents were used, of which over 25•106 kg were used in open pits. Mines have increasingly been using emulsion explosives, the main advantage of which is the shortened time of blastholes charging. In 2012 emulsion explosives accounted for 53% of the total demand in Poland while in 2021 for over 84% of the total consumption. Noticeable changes can also be seen in the initiation systems. Moving away from the traditional electric detonators can be primarily seen in copper mines and open-pit mines. In 2021, over 9.85•106 detonators were used, of which 80% were non-electric detonators, while electronic detonators still account for only a small percentage of consumption. It is related to the costs of purchasing and the replacement of blasting equipment dedicated to this type of initiation systems.
Despite the use of more and more modern equipment and blasting agents, the risk associated with work in the mining industry has not been eliminated. Between 1990 and 2021, out of 93 accidents related to blasting operations, the majority, i.e. 86%, took place in underground mines. In the period of transformation and mines decommissioning, as well as leaving of experienced staff, combined with insufficient training of new employees, the so-called generation gap may be observed. This also applies to people who have access to explosives. Risky behavior of employees is still the most common cause of incidents. The consequences of improper handling of blasting agents are usually tragic. The events quoted above indicate that errors made by employees most often lead to fatal accidents.

Jarosław TYBURCY, Włodzimierz MADOŃ

LOTOS Petrobaltic is the only Polish operator extracting hydrocarbons on the Baltic shelf. The company has 2 concessions for the extraction of crude oil and natural gas and 3 concessions for their exploration in offshore Polish territories. The company has 5 rigs, as well as tugs, vessels and land base with a transshipment quay. Due to the risks and threats attributed to the operation of the plant in Polish offshore territories, the article focuses on their prevention. LOTOS Petrobaltic has created a number of preventive and mitigating measures in this field. The main assumption is to eliminate the likelihood of life and health risks and, above all, to eliminate and reduce occupational risks. The company's preventive policy includes technical measures, organization of work at individual positions and workplaces, creation of appropriate working conditions and employee training. The specific nature of offshore work involves courses and training in maritime safety, first aid, individual rescue techniques or the procedure in the event of helicopter failure. In practice, drills are carried out to practice evacuation from an offshore unit, pre-medical assistance, fire on an offshore unit, man overboard rescue, or containment of oil spills. The company’s mine rescue service must ensure cooperation between maritime rescue and mine rescue. Apart from professional competence, qualifications and mining licenses, the crew of a maritime unit must therefore undergo courses and training in maritime safety.

Roman FRYSTACKI, Magdalena ADAMCZYK-FRYSTACKA

Electric shock and injury related to electric arc explosion are the basic risks associated with work on power equipment. The causes of electric arcs are divided into two groups: direct and indirect. Direct causes of electric arc explosion include situations during the performance of works, e.g.: dropping of tools on live equipment parts, inadequate measuring instrument, incorrectly performed switching activity, bad work organization, foolishness, risk taking, rush and fatigue. Indirect causes are mainly surface discharges on insulation, mechanical damage, corrosion and aging of insulation. Exposure to an electric arc may cause: burns, amputation of limbs, damage to the eyes and ears, metallization of uncovered parts of the body, smoke poisoning and mental problems related to post-traumatic stress. Eye injuries that may lead to loss of job opportunities, as well as problems in the individual’s social life, are particularly severe. The main symptoms of burns within the eye are severe eye pain, photophobia, tearing, sudden visual deterioration, corneal opacity and conjunctivitis. In accordance with the provisions of [8, 9], persons performing work on or near energy devices are obliged to use protective equipment which includes insulation (primary and additional - table 1), indicating the presence of voltage, and protection and warning equipment. It must be numbered and recorded and must undergo periodic tests (table 2). Despite the clear guidelines contained in relevant legal acts, workers often disregard the need for appropriate procedures, protective equipment and its cyclical examination, which may result in injuries. This also translates into costs incurred in the context of treatment, which are often very high.

From „Perła w koronie" to „Seksmisja", i.e. mines on the big screen
Michał WROŃSKI

Kazimierz Grochowski - Polish India Jones from Harbin
Anna SWINIARSKA-TADLA

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