Mining & Minerals
Safe & Efficient Loading Solutions for Mining Operations
Enhancing Safety, Efficiency, and Compliance in Mining Operations
Ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance in mining operations is essential due to the industry’s inherent hazards and regulatory requirements. SafeRack offers specialized mining safety platforms, modular work platforms for mining, and safe access solutions for mining operations to address the unique challenges faced in both surface and underground mining environments.
- Slip & Fall Hazards – Workers often operate at significant heights on large machinery and uneven terrain, increasing the risk of falls. SafeRack provides fall protection for mining workers and work platforms and gangways to help mitigate these risks.
- Equipment Maintenance Access – The size and complexity of mining equipment necessitate safe and efficient access for routine maintenance and inspections. Loading platforms for the mining industry improve accessibility while ensuring worker safety.
- Hazardous Material Handling – Exposure to dust, chemicals, and other hazardous materials requires stringent safety measures to protect workers’ health. Our mining and minerals safety solutions help minimize exposure and improve handling procedures.
- Regulatory Compliance – SafeRack’s OSHA mining safety equipment and fall protection solutions are designed to help mining operations meet OSHA regulations for mining fall protection and comply with MSHA standards, ensuring a safer work environment.
- Environmental Conditions – Extreme temperatures, wet conditions, and other environmental factors impact safety and equipment performance. SafeRack’s corrosion-resistant access solutions withstand harsh mining environments while ensuring worker protection.
- Heavy-Duty, Modular Access Solutions – SafeRack’s rugged, customizable platforms and gangways provide stable, reliable access to mining equipment, reducing fall risks and improving efficiency in demanding conditions.
Mining & Minerals
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Optimizing Workplace Safety and Productivity with SafeRack Access Solutions
Enhance Safety & Improve Productivity with SafeRack Mining Solutions
SafeRack offers a range of solutions designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and compliance in mining operations. Our mining and minerals safety solutions provide safe access solutions for mining operations while ensuring compliance with OSHA, MSHA, ANSI, SPCC, and industry standards. As the regulatory agency overseeing mine safety and health, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) establishes critical guidelines to protect workers in surface and underground mining environments. SafeRack’s expertise ensures that all solutions meet these rigorous standards, providing reliable fall protection and secure access systems that help mining operations maintain a safe and compliant work environment.
ErectaStep Modular Access Platforms
SafeRack’s modular work platforms for mining provide secure, slip-resistant stairs and walkways, ensuring safe access to elevated areas on large mining equipment and uneven terrain. Constructed from materials that withstand harsh mining environments, these platforms maintain structural integrity while adhering to OSHA and MSHA mining safety equipment standards. The modular design allows for quick installation and easy reconfiguration to adapt to evolving operational needs.olve.
YellowGate Adjustable Safety Gates
YellowGate safety gates serve as self-closing barriers that enhance fall protection for mining workers in high-risk areas. Their adjustable design fits various openings, offering flexibility for different applications in mining work platforms and gangways. Made from durable materials, these gates provide reliable performance under extreme mining conditions.
SafeRack Spill Containment Solutions
To mitigate spills of hazardous materials, SafeRack provides spill containment solutions for mining environments, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Our containment pans and berms are designed for long-term durability, offering effective spill prevention and protection for both workers and equipment.
Loading Gangways and Safety Cages
SafeRack’s loading platforms for the mining industry include customizable loading gangways and safety cages to provide safe access to large mining vehicles and equipment. These solutions reduce fall risks, improve worker efficiency, and ensure compliance with OSHA and MSHA regulations for mining fall protection.
By implementing SafeRack’s mining and minerals safety solutions, mining operations can enhance safety measures, improve workflow efficiency, and meet strict regulatory requirements while providing secure access solutions for high-risk environments.
Products
Break Away Smart-Hose Safety System
Smart-Hose™ Break-Away Safety System (LL3-B) can help protect your facility from the potentially devastating consequences associated with pull-away incidents.
Crude oil sample catchers and oil thieves
We offer Tulsa Oil Thieves in three models and five sizes. All of the sample catchers feature single trip (original with the Tulsa Thief), antifouling flat-ball assembly, a full opening horizontal closure system with rotating valve, two adjustable springs (one for closing tension and one for tripping tension for more flexible adjustment) and adjustable graduated trip rods that hold the thief in an upright position as a hydrometer cylinder.
Hose and Electric Reels
Our hose and electric reels selection help keep your hose neatly wrapped away when not in use. The hose reels come with ready-to-mount brackets for easy installation.
Gate Openers and Hopper Car Shakers
The PCS-3 Hopper Car and Hopper Trailer Shakers can be modified to comply with force and design requirements set for the ACF “center-flow” hopper car, Contact us for details.
Guardrail Systems
Guardrail Systems from SafeRack, the leader in fall protection, bulk loading, and truck, railcar, and vehicle access.
Bollards and Bumper Posts
The Bollards and Bumper Posts provide durable protection, custom sizes, and easy-to-install covers for enhanced facility safety.
Signs and Signals
Signs and Signals
Drench Showers
Emergency Drench Showers and Safety Eyewash Stations
Pipe Racks
Prefabricated Pipe Racks Constructed Faster and Easier Than Ever Before
Tools and Loading Accessories
A comprehensive range of facility and loading terminal equipment, accessories and safety solutions.
Grounding & Monitoring
Protect personnel, product, and terminals with static grounding (earthing) solutions
Safety Gates
Industrial safety swing gates, facility guardrails, mezzanine gates and barriers gates.
Spill Containment
Spill Containment
Top Loading Arms
Top Loading Arms
Loading Arms & Couplings
Loading Arms & Couplings
Portable Access Platforms
SafeRack’s MAUI mobile access units provide secure, adjustable stair solutions for safely accessing elevated truck and railcar work areas, even in the most challenging environments.
MaxRack Elevated Platforms
Powered elevating platform system for accessing railcars and trucks
Gangways
Truck, Railcar and Marine Gangways, Safety Cages, and Inspection Services
Stairs & Work Platforms
Fixed and Mobile Access Stairs, Work Platforms, Crossover Stairs, Rolling Stairs & Mobile Platforms, Roof Stairs and Access, Ship Ladder
Solutions
Our loading and access solutions are designed to meet the specific operational requirements of your facility.
Loading Gangways
24″ Self-adjusting access gangways are required to safely access the varying-height trucks transporting chemicals and waste products. Durable marine-grade aluminum and stainless steel options provide years of maintenance and corrosion-resistant service. Powered gangway solutions are also an option, with both hydraulic and pneumatic solutions being commonly used.
Each gangway will have a four-rail safety cage for the tank truck hatch area. It creates a secure 4’x6′ barrier to falls while the operator (un)loads the product. These systems have engineered layouts to ensure safe access, and fall protection equipment works with the loading arms.
GX SELF-ADJUSTING STAIR (SAS) GANGWAY
SafeRack’s NEW GX SAS gangways use Retractalok power-assist technology, allowing operators to raise or lower effortlessly. They are light as a feather to lift and solid as a rock. Tested in the most critical applications, this revolutionary new gangway outperforms all others. They are available in multiple lengths and widths.
Loading Arms
In the mining and minerals industry, efficient and safe transfer of materials such as mineral slurries, concentrates, and chemical solutions is crucial. SafeRack’s loading arms are designed to handle these demanding tasks, ensuring reliable and secure loading and unloading processes.
Loading Arms for Mining Applications
- Material Compatibility: Constructed from robust materials like carbon steel and stainless steel, these loading arms are suitable for abrasive and corrosive substances commonly found in mining operations.
- Vapor Control: Incorporating vapor plates or cones with appropriate vapor lines helps manage emissions, ensuring compliance with environmental standards.
- Durable Seals: Equipped with PTFE or other chemical-resistant seals, the swivel joints maintain integrity under harsh conditions, reducing maintenance needs.
These loading arms are adaptable for transferring various mining-related chemicals, including flotation agents, pH modifiers, and other processing aids essential for mineral extraction and refinement. By providing safe and efficient handling solutions, SafeRack supports the operational efficiency and environmental compliance of mining facilities.
Eye Wash/Drench Showers
ANSI guidelines state that an Eye Wash/Drench Showers need to be located 10 seconds or 55’ (16.8m) from contaminants or hazardous materials.
Eyewash stations need to be on the same horizontal plane with no obstructions.
Therefore, we propose installing a standard combination Drench Shower/Eyewash Unit, which will save limited space and fit easily into any work environment.
Spill Containment
Spill containment pans will be provided at the point of loading operations and are an essential piece of equipment in overall site safety and environmental protection.
Wheel chocks allow for safe access to and storage of treatment chemicals, while spill containment pans utilized at the point of loading operations serve as essential safety and environmental protection tools.
Piperacks
In mining and minerals processing facilities, extensive piping systems are essential for transporting slurries, chemicals, and other materials. ErectaRack’s pre-engineered modular pipe racks are designed to support various loads and products, including crude oil, condensate, liquid natural gas, and other energy products and byproducts.
ErectaRack eliminates the lengthy engineering and fabrication time typically associated with custom pipe supports, reducing installation time from several weeks or months to just a few days. Precision-manufactured using advanced laser technology and robotics, ErectaRack systems ensure high-quality, reliable support for your facility’s piping needs.
Grounding
In mining operations, certain materials and chemicals can generate static electricity, leading to fire or explosion hazards, especially in confined spaces. To mitigate these risks, it’s essential to ground all equipment and vehicles before loading or unloading processes begin. Implementing proper grounding and bonding practices ensures that any static charge is safely dissipated, reducing the potential for accidental ignition. This safety measure is crucial in maintaining a secure working environment and adhering to industry regulations.
Safety Gates, Stairs, Ladders, & Platforms
Safety Gates will be installed at the top of stairs and any other openings to ensure operator safety.
SafeRack’s line of industrial safety gates is the most flexible product on the market with the ability to span openings between 16” and 36” and is field adjustable with nothing more than a wrench. We also have guardrails, metal handrails, and full-fledged fall protection solutions with customizable options to fit the needs of your facility.
Loading Platform Options
In mining operations, ensuring safety and efficiency requires specialized equipment designed to withstand harsh environments. SafeRack offers a range of solutions tailored to meet the unique challenges of the mining industry:
Lighting Solutions
Adequate illumination is vital for maintaining safety and productivity in mining sites. SafeRack provides durable, energy-efficient lighting systems designed to withstand the rigors of mining environments. These systems enhance visibility in work and walk areas, reducing the risk of accidents and improving operational efficiency.
Platforms and Canopies
To protect workers and equipment from environmental elements, SafeRack offers platforms and canopies that provide shelter during loading and unloading operations. These structures not only shield against weather conditions but also contribute to safer and more efficient workflows by offering stable and protected workspaces.
Operator Shelters
Given the demanding conditions of mining sites, it’s essential to have designated areas where personnel can monitor operations safely. SafeRack’s operator shelters are customizable to meet specific site requirements, offering protection from environmental factors and ensuring that operators remain safe while overseeing critical processes.
Wheel Chocks
Stability during loading and unloading is crucial to prevent unintentional movement of vehicles and equipment. SafeRack provides wheel chocks designed to secure vehicles effectively, ensuring safe access during material transfer and maintenance activities.
By integrating these solutions, mining facilities can enhance safety protocols, protect their workforce, and maintain efficient operations even in the most challenging environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, SafeRack’s ErectaStep Modular Access Platforms are designed to withstand the demanding environments of mining facilities. Constructed from durable materials, these platforms provide slip-resistant surfaces, ensuring safe access to elevated areas on large mining equipment and uneven terrains. Their modular design allows for quick installation and easy reconfiguration as operational needs evolve.
SafeRack offers YellowGate Adjustable Safety Gates, which serve as self-closing barriers to prevent falls in high-risk areas within mining operations. These gates are adjustable to fit various openings and are built from durable materials to perform reliably under the rigorous conditions typical of mining operations.
Our Spill Containment Solutions include containment pans and berms and are ideal for mining environments. These products effectively contain contaminants, helping facilities comply with environmental regulations and ensure long-term spill prevention.
Absolutely. SafeRack’s Loading Gangways and Safety Cages provide reliable, durable, and secure access to large mining vehicles and equipment during loading and unloading operations. These gangways are customizable to meet the unique requirements of each site, enhancing both safety and productivity.
SafeRack’s team collaborates closely with mining facilities to design and implement solutions that meet or exceed industry safety standards. From providing appropriate access platforms to ensuring proper spill containment, SafeRack helps maintain a safe working environment and ensures compliance with relevant regulations.
Projects
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Project Profile – Ditching Scaffolding Saved $18K/year with RollaStep Mobile Work Platforms
A tire plant saved $18,000 in one year by replacing costly, non-compliant scaffolding rentals for heat exchanger maintenance with ErectaStep’s…
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Planning for Tanker Truck Spill Containment
At SafeRack, we understand that professionals in industries like Oil & Gas, chemical processing, and transportation need reliable solutions for…
Mining Operations: Equipment, Transport, and Safety Considerations
Mining requires heavy-duty equipment to extract, transport, and process raw materials. Large vehicles move dirt, coal, limestone, salt, and other minerals, increasing efficiency by carrying more material per trip. Their size reduces per-load costs but also presents access and maintenance challenges, requiring workers to perform tasks at height.
Mining Equipment and Safety Considerations
Both surface and underground mining rely on specialized machinery to extract and process materials efficiently. These machines must be properly maintained to ensure uninterrupted operations, making safe access and fall protection a priority.
- LHD Loaders and Scoops – Used for moving extracted material in underground mines.
- Mining Scalers and Dinting Machines – Remove loose rock and debris to maintain safe tunnel conditions.
- Rock Breakers – Break large rocks into manageable sizes for transport and processing.
Types of Surface Mining
Surface mining methods vary based on the material being extracted and the terrain. The five recognized types include:
- Strip Mining – Removes large sections of surface layers to expose minerals beneath.
- Open-Pit Mining – Excavates deep pits to reach ore deposits.
- Mountaintop Removal – Uses explosives to remove mountaintops and access minerals.
- Dredging – Extracts minerals from underwater sediment.
- High Wall Mining – Extends mining operations into exposed rock faces without tunneling.
Each method requires specialized equipment and safety measures to protect workers and maintain productivity. Mining operations must prioritize safe equipment access, fall prevention, and compliance with industry regulations to keep workers safe and operations running efficiently.
Cement & Mining Specialist
“As subject matter expert, I’ll leverage my years of experience as your personal consultant throughout the project to ensure you get a world-class solution.”
Kenny Rogers – Cement, Mining & Flatbed Fall Protection Specialist
Contract# 47QSAWA19D0085
Underground Mining: Challenges and Efficiency Considerations
Underground mining is used when ore deposits are too deep for surface mining to be practical. Extracting minerals from below the surface requires specialized equipment, controlled excavation, and efficient material handling to balance productivity and cost.
Challenges of Underground Mining
Unlike surface mining, underground operations face higher costs and lower productivity due to:
- Smaller Equipment – Limited space restricts the size of loaders, haulers, and drilling rigs.
- Restricted Access – Narrow tunnels and shafts make transport and maintenance more complex.
- Lower Production Rates – Extraction per worker per shift can be 5 to 50 times lower than surface mining, depending on the technique used.
Efficiency vs. Waste Reduction
While underground mining is more expensive, it extracts ore directly with less waste removal. In contrast, open-pit mining often requires stripping several tons of waste for each ton of ore extracted.
Because of these constraints, safe equipment access, ventilation, and fall protection are essential in underground mining to keep workers safe and operations productive.
Is your plant or facility compliant with ANSI, OSHA, and local safety codes? We can help!
EMERGENCY EYEWASHES / SHOWER EQUIPMENT AND THE ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 – 2014 STANDARD
Are you aware that ANSI guidelines state that Eye Wash/Drench Showers need to be located 10 seconds or 55′ from contaminants or hazardous materials and located on the same horizontal plane, with no obstructions? If bottom loading/unloading, an additional shower should be located at grade as well. SafeRack provides the above equipment plus much more needed to keep employees safe and expedite bulk chemical loading and unloading.
MSHA Regulation Experts – Does your existing access, work stations, and bulk loading/inspection stations meet MSHA’s latest requirements? SafeRack’s professional technical sales consultants are available to meet with your team to make recommendations to keep your facility in front of MSHA’s ever-changing country and region-specific standards and regulations, including lifeline and trolley beam fall arrest systems, metal stairs, crossovers, and access platforms.
Installation Gallery
Why SafeRack?
The SafeRack approach is a collaborative one. Let’s call it The SafeRack Way. We have, over many years amassed a great deal of experience and understanding of the safety aspects involved in loading road tankers and railcars, as well as the behavioral habits of the operators.
