Field Trip Hazards and Controls, Pilbara Iron Core Deposits, IROC Centre Operations and Iron Ore Production Methods

SOLUTIONS TO THE QUESTION – PERTH BHP CENTRE
1. (a) DESCRIPTION OF DANGEROUS ACTIVITIES THAT MAY BE UNDERTAKEN DURING
FIELD TRIP
-Boarding vehicles: There is never a guarantee that one will reach safely in his/her
destination. However, there are often greater chances of arriving safe. Therefore, this is
considered dangerous activity as there are slim chances of being involved in an accident.
-Climbing heights- This is also a risky activity that we are likely to engage in as we
attempt to discover the machineries that are often placed slightly above the ground.
There are risks of missing steps. Besides, we are likely to be exposed to moving objects
such as loaded conveyors.
- Walking on the shop floor (aimlessly) – There are normally earth movers working at
the site 24 hours per day (of course with work shifts). Now, there is a risk of being hit
with a moving vehicle if safety is not observed by the visitor.
-Floor skidding as one walks
Some surfaces may be oily due to the nature of work at the specific stations. For
example, it is common to find spilt oil at the boiler section; therefore, should one not be
keen while walking around, chances of skidding are very high.
-Tripping on the rugged terrain as one maneuvers them
In some sections of the mine, we are likely to navigate rugged terrain (ugly landscape as
a result of the mining activity). Although some are normally protected zones (especially
large manholes), however, expectedly, one if not careful, may trip and fall into the small
ditches and ground patches.
-Milling around flying objects
Normally, it is required that only those who have safety training should access the
workshop. However, due to human miscalculations, one may be hit with a flying object
such as a metal piece as production shop floor is often a buzy place and objects flying
may be one of the common occurrences.
(b) HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CHOSEN ACTIVITY

FIRE- This can be due to electric faults, flammable materials and substances such as fuel
at the site.
CHEMICAL INHALATION- Visit at the field may expose us to inhalation of dangerous
chemicals in confined spaces especially with poor ventilation.
SHARP OBJECTS- carelessly stored objects with sharp insertion and edges may be
hazardous to the workers and visitors should one skid on the floor where these objects
are placed.
NOISE
It is expected that noise will be in plenty at the site. Noise is a major cause of
occupational conditions such as hearing problems and breakdown in communication
which may lead to other forms of hazards springing into action such as fire.
VIBRATION
Like noise, prolonged exposure to vibrations may be very harmful to our bodies as they
cause Musculo-skeletal diseases and nerve damages. Vibration at the site is expected
and this will come from moving vehicles, rotating machine components and drilling
actions among others.
EXTREME TEMPERATURES
There are sections whose ambient temperature may be greatly uncomfortable for
visitors. Our bodies cannot sustain certain temperatures ranges. Exposure to extreme
temperatures can be a great risk.
ELECTRIC SHOCK
Mainly naked wires are the major causes of electric shock. Although we are likely not to
handle the wires and cables, however, it is one of the identifiable hazards as exposure to
it can cause great damage to our bodies.

DIMLY LIT ROOMS
Dimly lit rooms especially in underground tunnels where iron ore deposits are often
accessed may lack sufficient natural lighting and as a result cause visibility problems and
hamper work-related activities.
DUST
Iron ore mining produces a lot of dust that is harmful to the humans as it is among the
major causes of occupational diseases such as lung cancer among the mine workers.
1(c) Controls associated with the above-mentioned activities;
S/NO ACTIVITY (Dangerous) Controls Rating
1 Boarding vehicles Safe driving 2
2 Climbing heights Use of guides and guiding sticks 1
3 Shop floor walking Safety boots 1
4 Floor skidding Safety boots 1
5 Rugged terrain skidding Guides 2
6 Milling around flying objects Helmet, eliminate hazard 1,5
7
QN 2) Summary of the geology that describes formation of the Pilbara iron core
deposits
When they formed
-It dates back to ancient times when there was a vast deposit of dated Zircon mineral
grains at Jack Hills. Besides, some mineral deposits would be found along the Narryer
Terrane as a result of sedimentation process. This is the current Swan Coastal Plain. It is
estimated that these iron ores could be as old as 4.4 billion years (Geology for Investors,
2018).
Formation of banded iron deposits