Rib, wall, slope and roof safety system

Abstract

A deflection system and containment system are provided. The deflection system is for deflecting debris falling from a wall or roof. The deflection system comprises: two or more anchors; a support line extending between the anchors; and a deflection net, supported by the support line and spaced from the wall or roof, and configured to deflect debris falling from the wall or roof

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention relates to safety in mines, constructions sites, and the like. In particular, although not exclusively, the invention relates to protecting persons and equipment from falling debris from the roof or rib of an underground mine.BACKGROUND ART[0002]The falling of debris, such as pieces of coal or rock, has long been a hazard in underground coal mines. In particular, pieces of coal that fall from a rib (wall) or roof have been known to injure and kill persons in the mine, even when relatively small.[0003]In order to reduce the risk of injury from falling debris, roof and rib supports may be installed. The supports may, for example, utilise anchor bolts in the ribs, to anchor unstable rock or coal to stable rock or coal, and utilise support mesh or panels to directly support the roof or rib.[0004]A problem with roof and rib support systems of the prior art is that they are manual labour intensive, and thus very expensive. Furthermore, roof and r...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention offers safety systems that can overcome the abovementioned disadvantages or provide useful or commercial options. The system includes a third support line that can be used to reduce deflection in certain areas, especially in tight spaces. The frame can also be used to avoid interaction with infrastructure in the ground of a trench, which could occur if the frame were driven into the ground. Ultimately, the system allows for safer work near walls without the risk of debris falling or trapping individuals.

Problems solved by technology

The falling of debris, such as pieces of coal or rock, has long been a hazard in underground coal mines.

In particular, pieces of coal that fall from a rib (wall) or roof have been known to injure and kill persons in the mine, even when relatively small.

A problem with roof and rib support systems of the prior art is that they are manual labour intensive, and thus very expensive.

Furthermore, roof and rib support systems of the prior art are prone to failure over time.

This is particularly the case due to weathering, from mechanical damage, and when there are changes in stresses in the support surfaces.

When defects are identified in the support systems of the prior art, a large barrier is generally installed until a support unit can repair the support.

This may result in an area of the mine being closed off.

This may be very costly for a mine, particularly if it restricts access to critical areas of a mine.

Furthermore, defects in a mine are typically scattered across the mine.

As such, it is generally costly and time consuming to repair these portions of the system, as the support unit must move back and forth across the mine chasing the defects.

Similar problems exist outside of mining, including in the construction industry.

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