Simple Solutions That Work! Issue 9

Contact: STEVE HARKER steven.harker@acetarc.co.uk This Safe-pour unit is still in operation at Weir Minerals and the long term feedback has been invaluable. I’ve been able to witness the Safe-pour unit in operation on several occasions and had the opportunity to talk to both the ladle operators and the maintenance crew. You learn a lot from speaking to the maintenance crew, as they don’t tend to hold back. Their comments have resulted in numerous small but significant improvements. • Ease of maintenance was deemed very important. This resulted in a complete redesign of the enclosure to give better access to the components. • The guarding and insulation on the unit has been improved and an external “power on” light added. • The battery drain needed to be minimal and the inbuilt charge level indicator, easily checked. • We also changed the operation of the unit. Originally we were going for a one hand operation but from talking to the operators, have changed this to a two handed operation. For them, this was easier for the operator to control when wearing foundry gloves. We also realized that when the operator is located at a safe distance away from the ladle, he can use both hands to operate the handset. We know that continuous improvement is the name of the game, and look forward to advancing this technology as more feedback is returned. 12