Mining companies rely on a variety of heavy machinery to get the job done. From dump trucks and excavators to crushers and dozers, this equipment is essential to the success of operations.
However, this machinery is also susceptible to breakdowns. When a piece of equipment goes down, it can cause major disruptions in productivity and cost the company a lot of money in repairs.
Here are 7 ways to prevent equipment breakdowns in your mining company:
- Invest in quality machinery
All too often, companies cut corners when it comes to buying machinery. They may go for the cheapest option or skimp on maintenance in order to save money.
However, this can end up costing the company more in the long run if the machinery breaks down frequently. It’s important to invest in quality machinery that will be durable and require fewer repairs.
- Perform regular maintenance
Preventive maintenance is key to keeping machinery in good working condition. It’s important to regularly clean and inspect equipment for any signs of wear and tear. Your employees should also know how to properly operate the machinery to avoid accidentally causing damage.
If you catch a problem early, it’s often much cheaper and easier to fix than if you wait until the issue has caused major damage. There are also facility maintenance companies that specialize in mining equipment maintenance. They can help create a customized maintenance plan for your company.
- Train operators to use machinery properly
Operator error is one of the most common causes of equipment breakdowns. It’s important to train operators on how to properly use the machinery. This includes proper start-up and shut-down procedures, as well as how to avoid putting too much strain on the equipment.
Providing the proper training can help reduce the number of accidents and breakdowns. Aside from investing in quality machinery, investing in your people is one of the best ways to upgrade and protect your company’s production capabilities.
- Develop a safety plan
Accidents can happen, even if operators are properly trained. That’s why it’s important to have a safety plan in place in case of an equipment malfunction. This should include procedures for shutting down the machinery and evacuating the area.
The occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) has developed a safety plan template that mining companies can use. There should be a department or person responsible for safety in your company who can help develop and implement the plan.
- Use quality parts and filters
Another way to prevent equipment breakdowns is to use quality parts and filters. This includes things like air filters, oil filters, and fuel filters. When these components are not properly maintained, it can lead to a build-up of debris and contaminants that can damage the machinery.
All those parts and filters need to be replaced on a regular basis. It’s important to keep track of when they were last changed so you can plan for future replacements. There are software programs that can help with this.
- Invest in monitoring technology
There are a variety of monitoring technologies available that can help prevent equipment breakdowns. These include condition-based monitoring (CBM) and predictive maintenance. CBM uses sensors to monitor the condition of machinery and identify potential problems before they occur. Predictive maintenance uses data analytics to predict when equipment is likely to fail and take preventive measures.
Make sure your employees also know how to use the monitoring technology and understand the data it provides. This way, they can take action to prevent problems before they happen.
- Work with a reliable partner
When it comes to preventing equipment breakdowns, it’s important to work with a reliable partner. This could be a company that specializes in mining machinery or a provider of maintenance services. Having a partner you can trust will give you peace of mind knowing that your equipment is in good hands.
It’s also important to have a service contract in place so you know exactly what’s covered and what isn’t. This can help prevent any surprises down the road.
These are just a few ways to prevent equipment breakdowns in your mining company. By taking these steps, you can help reduce disruptions and keep your company running smoothly.
