Design Philosophies
EMESRT’s approach to the design challenges in large surface earth moving equipment is based on eight design philosophies. These design philosophies were initially developed in 2007 to present EMESRT’s aligned views on objectives, general design outcomes, hazards to be mitigated and examples of industry attempts to mitigate unwanted events.
Through the design philosophies, EMESRT presents an aligned industry voice that assists OEM’s in designing equipment that reduces the exposure to unwanted events to an acceptable level (including foreseeable human error).
EMESRT’s design philosophies are not technically prescriptive. They are intended to support OEM equipment design processes in considering problems and identifying design controls or features that effectively address unacceptable exposure to users.
EMESRT’s eight priority design philosophies focus on problem areas where improved human factors design could reduce unwanted events associated with equipment operation or maintenance.
Mining companies generally manage risk to ALARP, or As Low As Reasonably Practicable, through the use of the Hierarchy of Controls. This approach to managing risk underpins the format in which the EMESRT Design Philosophies are presented; to assist with risk analysis and control measure identification.
The EMESRT eight Design Philosophies are highlighted below.
DP-1
Access and working at heights
The objective is to prevent harm related to access and working at heights (where there is a risk of falling at least 6’ (1.8m) or if serious injury may result) on equipment; to prevent slip/trips, sprains/strains, falls from height and failure to egress in emergency events to as low as reasonably practical, including consideration in design for foreseeable human error. For example, injury during access to equipment and its routine service and inspection points, work platforms and operator workstations due to poor location of service and inspection points, lack of fall-from-height protection, premature failure of components due to corrosion, slippery surfaces, accumulation of dirt or other material, or poorly lit environments.
DP-2
Tyres and Rims
Prevent harm related to tyre and rim events to as low as reasonably practical, including consideration in design for foreseeable human error and material failures. For example, harm due to uncontrolled release of pressure from the tyre and rim assembly during operation and maintenance..
DP-3
Exposure to harmful energies
Prevent harm related to exposure to moving machine parts, failure of hydraulic equipment or systems, or other energy sources, such as compressed air, heat, electricity and gravity to as low as reasonably practical, including consideration in design for foreseeable human error. For example, harm from exposure to energies such as heat, electricity, radiation, compressed air, high pressure fluids (including hydraulic fluids) and falling objects.
DP-4
Fire
Prevent harm related to equipment fires to as low as reasonably practical, including consideration in design for foreseeable human error. For example, harm from fire arising from damage (including heating, melting and chaffing) to electrical cables and components, hydraulic hoses and fuel lines due to design inadequacies including poor location, inadequate separation of fuel and ignition sources, and flaws in clamping or restraints.
DP-5
Machine operation and control
Prevent harm, during machine operation and control, to as low as reasonably practical, including consideration in design for foreseeable human error. For example, musculoskeletal injury or illness due to workstation design (including seat and seatbelt design, openings and cab height) that promotes biomechanically compromised postures for the 5th percentile female to 95th percentile male body dimensions.
DP-6
Health impacting factors
Prevent harm from exposure to health impacting factors to as low as reasonably practical, including consideration in design for foreseeable human error. For example, harm from exposure to health hazards such as extreme temperatures, excessive vibration and noise levels, particulates, gases and vapours within the operating workspace; and musculoskeletal factors due to poor ergonomic design of equipment and controls.
DP-7
Manual tasks
Prevent harm due to manual tasks during installation, maintenance and operations of equipment, to as low as reasonably practical, including consideration in design for foreseeable human error. For example, musculoskeletal injury from exposure to risk factors such as forceful exertion, awkward or static posture, repetition or prolonged duration, and hand-arm and/or whole-body vibration due to manual tasks associated with installing, operating and maintaining the equipment.
DP-8
Confined spaces and restricted work areas
Prevent harm to people working in confined spaces and restricted work areas to as low as reasonably practical, including consideration in design for foreseeable human error. For example, asphyxiation from irrespirable atmosphere due to lack of adequate ventilation.