Screener Mobile Safe Work Method Statement

Mobile screener operation does not currently require specific high-risk work license under Australian workplace safety regulations. However, operators must hold General Construction Induction Training (white card) mandatory for construction sites. Additionally, operators should complete manufacturer-specific training on the particular screener model being operated as controls, systems, and operational characteristics vary significantly between makes and models. Some employers implement internal competency assessments before allowing operators to work independently. For mobile screeners on public roads, appropriate driver's licenses are required for the vehicle or transport combination. Workers performing maintenance or accessing internal components should complete confined space training if screener maintenance requires entry into enclosed spaces. Workers involved in screen media replacement should understand proper tensioning procedures preventing premature wear or equipment damage. All site personnel require appropriate training in hazards specific to screening operations including noise exposure, dust inhalation risks, and lockout/tagout procedures. Regular refresher training is recommended particularly after incidents, equipment changes, or procedural modifications. Employers should verify operator competence through observation, testing, and review of work outcomes before assigning sole charge of equipment. Experience operating one screener model does not automatically translate to competence on different equipment types requiring separate training and assessment.

Screen media replacement frequency varies widely depending on material characteristics, throughput volumes, screen type, and operating techniques. Abrasive materials like crusher run or recycled concrete cause rapid screen wear requiring replacement every few thousand tonnes. Softer materials like topsoil or compost may allow screens to last tens of thousands of tonnes. Wire mesh screens typically show wear through wire thinning near aperture edges and eventual wire breakage. Replace wire screens when aperture size increases significantly from wear (typically >10% enlargement), when wires break creating holes, or when screen edges become loose or damaged. Polyurethane panel screens show wear through panel thinning and aperture enlargement. Monitor panel thickness regularly replacing when thickness reduces to 50-60% of original dimension. Bar screens (grizzlies) wear through bar thinning and should be replaced when bar dimensions reduce significantly affecting structural strength. Regular inspection is essential documenting screen condition at intervals based on usage intensity. High-production operations should inspect screens daily or every shift. Lower-intensity operations may inspect weekly. Look for uneven wear patterns indicating material flow problems, screen tensioning issues, or frame damage affecting screening efficiency. Some operations implement scheduled replacement based on tonnage throughput or operating hours preventing unexpected screen failures during production. Maintain spare screens on site for critical operations allowing rapid replacement minimizing downtime. Document screen replacement including date, tonnage since last replacement, and screen type installed. This data informs future replacement scheduling and helps identify operational factors affecting screen life.

Excessive dust generation despite water suppression indicates either inadequate water application, inappropriate spray configuration, or material characteristics unsuitable for wet screening. First response is to increase water flow rate to suppression sprays ensuring adequate moisture reaches material. Check all spray nozzles are functioning and delivering water across entire material stream. Blocked nozzles or misadjusted spray patterns leave dry zones generating dust. Reposition spray nozzles to optimize coverage at feed hopper entry, across screen decks, and at discharge transfer points. Consider adding supplementary spray points if standard configuration proves inadequate. For extremely dry materials, pre-wetting material stockpiles before screening significantly reduces dust at screener. Use water truck or fixed sprinkler systems moistening stockpiles several hours before screening allowing water to penetrate material bulk. Be aware excessive water creates other problems including screen flooding, reduced screening efficiency, and excessive moisture in products affecting downstream use or sale. Find balance between dust suppression and acceptable product moisture. For materials generating dust despite reasonable water suppression, consider whether screening should proceed. Extremely dusty operations may require alternative approaches including screening after rain or during high humidity periods, relocating to areas with fewer receptors affected by dust, or using enclosed screening plants with integrated dust collection systems. Implement additional controls including positioning water truck providing ambient dust suppression around screener perimeter, ensuring ground workers wear P3 rated respiratory protection rather than P2 during high dust events, and reducing throughput to minimize dust generation accepting lower production rates. Stop screening operations if dust becomes uncontrollable or affects visibility, neighboring properties, or worker health despite maximum practical suppression efforts. Never compromise worker health or environmental compliance to maintain production. Investigate whether material characteristics require alternative processing methods or whether seasonal conditions necessitate rescheduling operations to periods with better dust control conditions.

Managing noise exposure requires multiple control approaches as mobile screeners generate extremely high noise levels (often exceeding 100dB at operator positions) that cannot be adequately controlled by hearing protection alone. Primary engineering control is using loader feeding with operators remaining inside enclosed cabs fitted with noise insulation and air conditioning allowing comfortable operation with cabs closed. Loader cabs with intact seals and functional insulation reduce noise exposure to 75-85dB typically below exposure limits requiring hearing protection. Ensure cab door and window seals are maintained, acoustic insulation is intact, and air conditioning functions properly so operators can work with cabs closed in all weather. If ground workers must monitor screener operations, position them at maximum practical distance from equipment. Noise reduces with distance following inverse square law - doubling distance reduces noise by 6dB. Observers positioned 20-30 metres from screener experience significantly lower exposure than those immediately adjacent. Use remote monitoring systems including cameras or sensors allowing supervisors to monitor from protected positions. Implement administrative controls including job rotation limiting individual worker exposure duration. Workers should not remain near operating screeners for full shifts - rotate between screening operations and quieter tasks. Schedule screening during limited daily periods rather than continuous operations allowing recovery time between exposures. Provide Class 5 hearing protection (maximum attenuation earmuffs with SLC80 ratings exceeding 30dB) to all ground workers near screeners. Even with maximum protection, hearing protection cannot fully eliminate exposure at very high noise levels requiring exposure time limits. Implement hearing conservation program including baseline and annual audiometric testing for workers with regular screener exposure. Testing identifies early hearing damage allowing intervention before serious impairment develops. Train workers on noise risks, correct hearing protection use, and importance of exposure time limits. Consider equipment design when purchasing or leasing screeners - some manufacturers offer quieter designs through improved vibration isolation, noise barriers, and lower-noise drive systems. While quieter equipment may cost more initially, reduced health surveillance requirements and improved worker wellbeing provide long-term value.

Minimum clearance distances from overhead powerlines depend on powerline voltage and are specified in state electrical safety regulations. For powerlines up to 132,000 volts (most distribution lines), minimum horizontal and vertical clearances are typically 3 metres. For higher voltage transmission lines (above 132,000 volts), clearances increase to 6 metres or more. These are absolute minimums - best practice recommends additional safety margins accounting for equipment dimensions, conveyor movements, and operator error possibilities. Mobile screeners with elevated discharge conveyors can exceed 4 metres height and may extend higher during conveyor adjustment. Before positioning screener, accurately identify powerline voltage by contacting power authority or observing identifying information on power poles. Never assume low voltage based on appearance as misidentification can be fatal. Once voltage is known, establish required clearance distances and verify screener position maintains clearances even when conveyors are fully elevated. If adequate clearance cannot be achieved, either reposition screener to different location or arrange powerline de-energization or relocation with power authority. De-energization requires formal application weeks in advance and usually incurs significant costs but is essential if safe clearances cannot be maintained. Mark exclusion zones around powerline areas using barrier tape or physical barriers preventing equipment or workers from entering clearance zones. Brief equipment operators and workers on powerline locations and clearance requirements before operations commence. Designate safety observers watching equipment working near powerlines with authority to stop work if clearances are compromised. If screener or equipment contacts powerline, operator should remain in equipment cab if possible as cab may be energized relative to ground. Call for help and wait for power authority to de-energize line. Only exit if fire or immediate life threat requires evacuation - if must exit, jump clear landing with feet together and shuffle away without lifting feet to avoid step potential between equipment and ground. Treat all powerlines as energized and dangerous regardless of appearance. Even 'dead' lines can become energized without warning during switching or emergency rerouting.

Comprehensive emergency procedures for mobile screener operations must address potential incidents including equipment failure, worker injury, fire, environmental spills, and entanglement in moving equipment. All workers must understand emergency procedures through site induction and regular briefings. Emergency contact numbers including site supervisor, emergency services (000), equipment manufacturer support, and project management should be programmed into mobile phones and displayed at site office. For equipment mechanical failure, operator should activate emergency stop immediately halting all motion. Assess situation determining whether fire, leaks, or structural damage present immediate hazards requiring evacuation. If safe, implement lockout procedures preventing inadvertent restart while investigating failure. For worker injury, particularly entanglement in equipment, activate emergency stop immediately using nearest accessible control. Do not attempt to free entrapped persons by reversing equipment as this typically worsens injuries. Call emergency services immediately providing accurate location and injury details. Provide first aid from qualified personnel while awaiting emergency services keeping injured person still and comfortable. For equipment fires, evacuate area immediately using fire extinguishers if fire is small and can be safely controlled. Most mobile screener fires involve diesel fuel, hydraulic fluid, or electrical systems burning intensely. Do not risk injury attempting to fight uncontrollable fires. Ensure emergency services are notified and can access site. For hydraulic system leaks, shutdown equipment and implement spill containment using absorbent materials from spill kit. Prevent contamination spreading to drains or waterways. Notify environmental authority if spill volume exceeds regulatory reporting thresholds (typically 5-10 litres depending on jurisdiction). For entanglement incidents, preserve incident scene for investigation after victim rescue and medical treatment. Document circumstances thoroughly investigating root causes including guard deficiencies, procedural violations, or training gaps. Implement corrective actions preventing recurrence including equipment modifications, guard improvements, or procedural changes. Conduct post-incident debriefs with crew discussing lessons learned and reinforcing safe work practices. Review emergency response effectiveness identifying communication problems, first aid capabilities, or resource gaps requiring attention. Never dismiss incidents or near-misses as operator error alone - systematic factors usually contribute requiring organisational response and continuous improvement.