RISK ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT OF VERTICAL AND INCLINE SMALL WINDER SYSTEMS AND PERIPHERAL ACTIVITIES - Research report - GAP 636 - January 2000

Oct 29, 2026

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Risk analysis and assessment of small winder systems focuses on the design, installation, operation, maintenance, inspection and testing of vertical and incline equipment and related activities. The study reviews the SAMRASS database to pinpoint winder applications most prone to accidents, and identifies the most significant hazards and risks. Site-based risk assessments, aligned with the Mine Health and Safety Act, evaluate equipment specification and operational limitations and incorporate human-factor observations to strengthen control measure reliability.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages159

Reading Time6 h 41 min

AccessFree to download

1 Introduction

2 Methodology

2.1 Engineering risk assessment

2.2 Health & Safety Risk Assessment

2.3 Human error Assessment

2.4 Integrated approach to mine studies

2.5 Discussion with original equipment manufacturers and consultation at user workshop

3 Results

3.1 Analysis of accident and incident records

3.2 Selection of study sites

3.3 Regulatory aspects

3.4 Generic hazards

Safety in Mines Research Advisory Committee Final Report RISK ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT OF VERTICAL AND INCLINE SMALL WINDER SYSTEMS AND PERIPHERAL ACTIVITIES P S Moss, C F Talbot, P J Foster, A M Rushworth. Research agency: IMC Knight Piésold Mining (Pty) Ltd. Project number: GAP 636 Date: January 2000 Executive Summary This research uses a risk analysis approach to study the design, installation, operation, maintenance, inspection and testing of small winder systems and peripheral activities. A review of the SAMRASS database was used as a first step in identifying the small winder applications that are most prone to accidents, and to identify the most significant hazards and risks related to them. Subsequent investigations on selected mines using a risk assessment based process, in line with the requirements of the Mine Health and Safety Act, provided an objective, well understood means of investigating limitations in equipment specifications and current operational and maintenance procedures. The risk assessment process was augmented by site observation of work practices to identify human factors that may contribute to accident risk. The resultant data were then used to identify generic hazards and the factors most likely to significantly influence the reliability of those control measures being used to mitigate health and safety risks. These findings were then discussed with suppliers of small winders and associated equipment to the mining industry. The results of these discussions, together with the earlier findings and a review of relevant regulatory topics, were presented to several groups of mine users to obtain their comment and input. Significant variation in terms of the design, operation and maintenance standards applied to small winders across mines were identified. Those installations licensed for man winding tended to be well designed and maintained; however standards differ greatly on the many small unlicensed material winders. In part this is due to a lack of clarity in the regulatory requirements. The risk assessments facilitated by the project identified a wide range of problems and limitations that impact on the effectiveness and reliability of the measures currently being used to mitigate health and safety risks. These included limitations in: operating procedures; inspections, testing and maintenance regimes; physical safety barriers; and lock-bell systems. It is concluded that risk assessment conducted at mines, as required by the Mine Health and Safety Act, has the potential to identify many of the significant hazards and control limitations associated with small winder systems and result in significant reduction of the associated risks. To support this improvement process it is recommended that consideration be given to: • introducing a Safety Standard for small winder operations which would identify minimum requirements and act as a technical guideline for users; and • encouraging mines to conduct risk assessments for all their small winder operations as a matter of priority. A checklist has been produced to assist mines in identifying potential control limitations when assessing risks. It is also recommended that the findings of risk assessments should be used as an integral part of the training process, and that relevant parts of an existing rope inspection Standard should be used for certification of persons responsible for undertaking visual rope examinations. Acknowledgements We record with appreciation the assistance and hospitality that we received from the various mines who participated in the risk assessment work, and for the attendance and enthusiasm of mine officials at the user workshop discussions. The interest shown at all stages of the project was very encouraging. Also, we would like to thank the following people and organisations who contributed to the project: • Mr PS Laubscher for his very useful input on technical topics and review of the regulat

FAQs

What activities does the risk analysis cover for small winder systems?

It covers design, installation, operation, maintenance, inspection and testing, as well as peripheral activities related to small winder systems.

How were accident-prone applications and hazards identified?

The study used a review of the SAMRASS database as a first step, then performed investigations on selected mines using a risk assessment process.

What is the key conclusion and recommended next steps?

Risk assessment at mines, as required by the Mine Health and Safety Act, can identify significant hazards and control limitations and reduce associated risks. Recommendations include introducing a safety standard for small winder operations, prioritizing risk assessments for all small winder operations, and integrating findings into training and rope examination certification.

Oct 29, 2026

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