Grout Pumping and Injection Operations TR 003 1.3.2 Safety and First Aid Pressure grouting is an inherently hazardous job and therefore all safety precautions need to be followed and all possible hazards identified, to ensure safe grouting operations. Safety hazards that exist during grouting operations may include: ▪ slips and trips ▪ high pressure injection (Grout and hydraulic oil) ▪ grout burns (eyes and skin) ▪ inhalation of cement powder ▪ ground movement and rock falls due to injecting grout into the rock ▪ packers dislodging and ejecting from holes during grout injection and possibly from ground water pressure ▪ rotating parts within the grout plant ▪ repetitive/acute strain injuries from continuous lifting of 20 kg cement bags ▪ working at heights ▪ machinery and personnel interaction ▪ working in elevated temperature areas due to rock and ground water temperatures ▪ uncontrollable water inundation due to water control devices failing. As you can see the hazards are quite varied. This is why it is important to get the site set up correct before grouting operations can commence. MSDS Sheets for all grouting related consumables must be present at the site at all times. The most important part of the site set up will be establishing the first aid area so that in the event of an accident, all personnel will know where to obtain first aid equipment from. The first aid area can be delineated by painting a sign with a red background and white writing above or next to the first aid kit. The first aid kit will consist of all routine supplies (bandages, sodium solution, etc.) and also include: ▪ Diphoterine for treatment of grout burns. ▪ Portable eye wash for flushing foreign objects out of eyes. ▪ Potable water for flushing of grout injuries. ▪ Barrier cream which is a part of your PPE and is applied to exposed areas of skin prior to grouting operations, to prevent grout burns. 1.3.3 PPE Using the correct PPE is extremely important during grouting operation to reduce or eliminate exposure to some of the above safety hazards. Adequate PPE supplies are to be on hand at the site prior to grouting operations, as PPE may need to be replaced at any time during the operations. Your PPE, apart from normal underground PPE will consist of: ▪ disposable overalls (sperm suit) or an apron ▪ long sleeved rubber gloves (PVC) ▪ dust mask or respirator when handling cement powder ▪ appropriate goggles or safety glasses ▪ fall arrest harness for working at heights. All PPE and First Aid equipment must be checked prior to operation. This is to ensure it is functional and that there are adequate supplies at the work site.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjE2NDg3