In response to the unacceptable number of fluid-injection injuries in the global mining industry, US-based ultraviolet equipment and fluorescent materials manufacturer Spectronics Corporation will intensify its efforts to make its FluidSafe and SafetyBlu products widely available.

Spectronics Corporation global sales director Timothy Ley tells Mining Weekly that, when used in combination, the products locate hydraulic fluid leaks at an early stage, which assists in preventing injection injuries to mineworkers, while reducing fluid consumption by 5% to 7% a year.

FluidSafe is a fluorescent additive, which, when added to the reservoirs of hydraulic machinery, aids in the detection and surgical removal of hydraulic fluid in case of an accidental fluid injection penetrating a worker’s skin. The SafetyBlu light kit features a portable, high-intensity blue flashlight used to identify the FluidSafe glowing liquid.

Ley adds that, when viewed under the SafetyBlu lamp, FluidSafe glows bright green, pinpointing the injection track quickly and accurately in a worker’s body, thereby making it easy for medical personnel to confirm whether penetration occurred and, if so, to determine the extent of the injury.

The SafetyBlu flashlight is also effective in detecting fluid leaks in hydraulic system hoses, fittings and seals, which enables small leaks to be repaired before they lead to disastrous failures, says Ley, adding that the lamp also lowers operating costs by reducing the loss of hydraulic fluid.

The SafetyBlu lamp features a rugged, anodised aluminium body, which can withstand years of heavy use and is also corrosion-resistant. It is powered by a rechargeable nickel-metal hydride battery and provides 90 minutes of continuous inspection between charges, says Ley.

“In addition to the SafetyBlu flashlight, the kit comes complete with smart alternating current and direct current chargers, yellow fluorescence-enhancing glasses and a belt holster. All components are packed in a padded carrying case.”

FluidSafe and SafetyBlu were originally developed in 2010 for the Australian mining industry, and Spectronics made them available internationally in December 2013, says Ley.

He tells Mining Weekly that the company has not yet secured a customer in South Africa, “although, with the safety challenges the country faces and the growing interest in improved mine safety, we would hope to get some customers soon”.

FluidSafe costs as little as $0.15/ℓ of treated mineral-oil-based hydraulic fluid, depending on volume. It costs much less for longwall fluids. The SafetyBlu light kit is available for $260, says Ley.

“Our customers tell us that the cost of the products is almost fully covered just by being able to find and fix leaks early. They also regard the savings from reduced equipment breakdowns and improved safety as bonuses.”