4
Identify Health and Safety Items to Be Addressed
During Design
Health and safety considerations were crucial during the
pilot study, with several measures observed to mitigate
potential risks. A rock barrier fence was installed below the
work area to mitigate uncontrolled releases of loose mate-
rial, which effectively prevented debris from becoming a
hazard. At sites with radionuclides, radiation exposure for
the excavator operator and on-the-ground personnel needs
further evaluation to determine appropriate engineering
controls for future full-scale operations.
Dust suppression was identified as a significant safety
measure. While the pilot study showed low levels of dust
exposure within the enclosed cab of the excavator, addi-
tional dust control, such as a wet suppression system, may
be required, particularly for on-the-ground workers. This
would potentially necessitate extra personnel for water
management and dust control to maintain safe working
conditions. Dust control in the excavator cab was also iden-
tified as an item for engineering control evaluation.
CONCLUSION
The spider excavator presents a viable option for access-
ing and excavating impacted material at remote and rug-
ged AUM sites where conventional equipment is unable to
operate. The pilot study showed that the spider excavator
could navigate steep slopes, excavate material effectively,
and operate with precision. However, the excavator focuses
on precision rather than production efficiency, making it
more suitable for niche applications where conventional
equipment cannot be used.
Further design considerations include modifying the
super sack frame size to simplify handling, ensuring effec-
tive dust suppression, and managing personnel exposure to
radiation. Addressing these issues during the design phase
will improve safety and efficiency, and ensure compliance
with health and safety standards.
Figure 3. Spider excavator pilot
Identify Health and Safety Items to Be Addressed
During Design
Health and safety considerations were crucial during the
pilot study, with several measures observed to mitigate
potential risks. A rock barrier fence was installed below the
work area to mitigate uncontrolled releases of loose mate-
rial, which effectively prevented debris from becoming a
hazard. At sites with radionuclides, radiation exposure for
the excavator operator and on-the-ground personnel needs
further evaluation to determine appropriate engineering
controls for future full-scale operations.
Dust suppression was identified as a significant safety
measure. While the pilot study showed low levels of dust
exposure within the enclosed cab of the excavator, addi-
tional dust control, such as a wet suppression system, may
be required, particularly for on-the-ground workers. This
would potentially necessitate extra personnel for water
management and dust control to maintain safe working
conditions. Dust control in the excavator cab was also iden-
tified as an item for engineering control evaluation.
CONCLUSION
The spider excavator presents a viable option for access-
ing and excavating impacted material at remote and rug-
ged AUM sites where conventional equipment is unable to
operate. The pilot study showed that the spider excavator
could navigate steep slopes, excavate material effectively,
and operate with precision. However, the excavator focuses
on precision rather than production efficiency, making it
more suitable for niche applications where conventional
equipment cannot be used.
Further design considerations include modifying the
super sack frame size to simplify handling, ensuring effec-
tive dust suppression, and managing personnel exposure to
radiation. Addressing these issues during the design phase
will improve safety and efficiency, and ensure compliance
with health and safety standards.
Figure 3. Spider excavator pilot