New risk zones in modern electrified and automated mines

Sweden’s mines have evolved from diesel, pneumatic and hydraulic operations into modern electrified and automated environments. This transition places new demands on equipment, training, mine management and line organization, as well as supervisors and safety representatives.

New areas now represent potential hazards, including the rapidly expanding risk landscape around EV charging infrastructure and battery systems, as well as human–machine interaction. Common injury types include electric shock, arc-flash related burns and secondary fall incidents triggered by electrical exposure.

It is important to remember that:

• most electrical injuries do not occur during obvious faults, but during routine work carried out under time pressure.
• those exposed to risk often include miners who do not work in electrical professions.

Electrified mines involve mobile machinery, vibration, sharp edges, moisture, slurry and dust – all of which place significant physical stress on equipment, including charging systems and temporary installations.

High DC voltages, energy-dense batteries and fast-charging systems operating in confined spaces represent additional risk factors.

When workers enter electrified and automated zones, the operating environment changes significantly. Typical causes of incidents include unclear boundaries between operating modes and incorrect assumptions about system status, where equipment may be perceived as de-energized when it is not.

This message is aimed at HSE professionals, safety representatives and supervisors. Training and warning signage remain essential, but technical protection that does not interfere with daily work often delivers the greatest impact. Below we introduce two safety solutions – one of which has been award-nominated in its category – offering strong value for modern mining operations in both personal safety and equipment protection.

Both solutions fit naturally into the daily reality of safety representatives, the operational environment of maintenance teams and the data challenges faced by HSE functions.

– increased personal safety for everyone on the floor, non-electrical workers included

The invisible presence of electrical energy means that forward-thinking contractors should consider adding an additional layer of personal protection in the form of a wearable voltage detector. This is particularly relevant as a significant share of workplace electrical injuries affect non-electrical workers – a group that does not always have the same level of electrical safety training as qualified electricians.

The Proxxi wristband is worn around the wrist like a watch and can be critical in helping prevent serious injury. Proxxi provides real-time alerts to workers approaching live voltage through visual, vibration and audible warnings, adding an extra layer of protection when the unexpected occurs.

Experience shows that when employees see their employer investing in modern protective technology, it often contributes to improved morale, reduced incidents and increased productivity.

Data-driven insight

Proxxi not only protects individuals – it also generates valuable data. Each triggered alert is logged, giving organizations insight into hidden risks before they escalate.
In other words, Proxxi does not just protect workers; it also helps organizations become smarter and more resilient.

More product information about the Proxxi wristband >

– for demanding and critical applications where guesswork and downtime are not an option

It is well known across industry that temperature anomalies, or “hot spots,” are often underlying causes of production stoppages. Where maintenance personnel previously had to expose themselves to unnecessary risks or rely on uncertain data, HSM enables continuous monitoring instead.

The HSM is a non-conductive, continuous temperature monitoring and alarming device designed to detect potential hot spots in electrical equipment. It performs real-time monitoring in hazardous and hard-to-reach areas and can be integrated with monitoring systems for remote insight and proactive alerts.

Using fiber-optic technology, temperatures are measured in real time via mounting points connected to the HSM and installed on relevant and critical heat sources. HSM performs continuous temperature monitoring, helping to prevent unplanned downtime and improve maintenance decision-making.

Furthermore, HSM is significantly more reliable than, for example, conventional IR scanning. Critical thresholds and alarms can be configured directly within the system.

HSM is reliable and cost-effective and is used across low-, medium- and high-voltage applications up to 80kV. Most importantly, monitoring can be performed without exposing personnel to energized equipment.

More product information about Hot Spot Monitor >

Do you work in the mining industry and want to learn more about our solutions? Get in touch!