Belt lifter tool receives industry recognition

The Marnett bracket allows a mechanical lifter to be used to safely lift conveyor belts for maintenance, even if the belt is not designed to support a standard belt lifter.

The Marnett bracket was developed by Mt Arthur Coal tradesmen Wayne Marshall and Graeme Barnett after they identified an opportunity to eliminate a potential safety hazard, without having to make any engineering changes to a mine’s existing equipment.

With approximately 2,000m of conveyor belt without the stringers required to support standard belt lifters, Mt Arthur Coal was faced with the problem of how to lift the conveyor belts safely to undertake maintenance.

Barnett and Marshall conceived the concept of a bracket that could be used in conjunction with the existing belt lifters already available at most sites, which would not require any engineering changes to the conveyer structures.

Marshall said “Our motivation to build the Marnett was knowing that the people working beside us would no longer be at risk of hurting their backs or jamming their fingers in the conveyor belt.

“With the support of our managers at Mt Arthur Coal we were able to create a simple tool to ensure we stay safe at work.”

BHPB’s NSW Energy Coal asset president, Peter Sharpe, said the Marnett bracket, which he believes is the first of its kind in use in the industry, has uses beyond the mining industry.

“The Marnett also requires little training and its simple design means it can be easily adapted and implemented at other mining sites and in other industries.”

For more info email michael.foley@informa.com.au