Impact Fertilisers manufactures a product known as single superphosphate (SSP) and is
the only manufacturer of this product in Tasmania.
As part of the process of manufacturing, phosphate rock is mixed with sulphuric acid in a
Broadfield Mixer, commonly referred to as the Production Mixer.
The company recognised through a pattern of potential high risk incidents that
maintenance and operational activities on the Production Mixer were of a significant
safety concern, requiring a Hierarchy of Control process to reduce the risk to employees.
To ensure that operating and maintenance requirements were included in any solutions,
the employees were involved (Mixer Improvement Team) in the concept, design and
implementation stages of modification work carried out on the Mixer to reduce the risks
associated with this piece of equipment.
The Management Team of Impact Fertilisers agreed to the proposal put forward by the
Mixer Improvement Team and committed $40,000 for a design change to the internal
components of the Mixer. This change has seen a significant reduction in the risks to
personnel, improved availability of operational time of the manufacturing plant and has
reduced the asset management costs considerably.
Rural workers continue to be one of the black spot occupational groups with workers at high risk of a severe injury. While many Tasmanian farms have embraced safety standards, there are continued unacceptably high levels of rural workplace accidents.
Tasmanian owned and operated company Impact Fertilisers is doing its bit to eliminate the risk involved with transporting bulk fertiliser products.
"Impact is trying to be proactive and stop farmers taking unnecessary risks or shortcuts to get a job done," said Scott Evans, Impact's Longford Depot Manager.
The company is currently focusing on raising farmer's awareness of the dangers involved in collecting fertiliser products from their depots, whether the product is in bulk bags or bulk.
"Farmers aren't always aware of the carrying capacity of their vehicles, and therefore are they are at times overloading their Utes," explained Mr. Evans. "Not all Utes are legal to carry a one tonne bag of fertiliser; farmers are putting their own safety and other road users at risk when doing so."
Impact have recently begun displaying signs at depots stating "Know your GVM" encouraging farmers to look at their vehicles gross vehicle mass on the registration sticker. "We don't want to be seen as policemen, but we do want farmers to know their responsibility under the chain of responsibility.
"There are some choices to eliminate the risk of overloading; one could be to use a cartage contractor, another is to use a Ute and trailer combination and divide the order into two smaller bags. It can be that easy," said Mr. Evans.
Focusing on the risks of working at heights is another safety issue highlighted, for example farmers or contractors who need to climb on their trucks to secure bulk fertiliser with a tarp. We are strongly encouraging the use the new roll-over tarps which allow you to remain safely on the ground."
Mr. Evans said nearly all cartage contractors are now compliant with the new tarp regulations, so it is time to get the word out to farmers.
Anne Taylor from the newly formed Proactive Agricultural Safety and Support Inc, says the group strongly support Impacts initiative.
"Our groups aim is to get the word out to farmers about the different safety risks associated with rural industries, and we commend Impact on being proactive about reducing the risk associated with fertiliser purchase," said Mrs. Taylor.
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Michael Ward, Impact Brighton Depot Operator, loads a 1 tonne bag onto a ute registered to carry 1.2 tonnes.
New signage at the Impact depots warns farmers and contractors about knowing their vehicles Gross Vehicle Mass.
August 2007Impact Invests In Bulk Storage
Impact has commenced the construction of a massive bulk storage facility at Round Hill on the outskirts of Burnie.
Designed to store 20,000 tonnes of fertiliser the shed will be 13.5 metre high and 90 x 48m (almost the size of a soccer pitch). The construction is a steel framed building with precast reinforced concrete panels as external cladding, colour bond roofing and wall cladding. The internal dividing walls will be made from precast reinforced concrete panels.
Associated to the site works will be a new entry and exit roads off the Bass Highway, site drainage, a designated weighbridge and control office, site amenities and loading facilities.
The construction methodology adopted for this project will achieve a fast tracked construction program of approximately 20 weeks. This has been achieved by way of ongoing discussion and consultation between designer /Project Manager, Pitt and Sherry and Mathews Construction.
The local Council has given the project their full support. Burnie Mayor Alvwyn Boyd says "It will really give the old quarry a bit of a facelift. It's another great development for the eastern end of our approach."
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Gallery for Bulk Storage Shed progress
Progress is going well on the new bulk storage shed at Round Hill in Burnie. The gallery below has photos as at 27-8-2007.
