SPECIALISED TEXTILES ASSOCIATION INC.
Vol 13 No 6 December 2013 • January 2014
EXCELLENCE ABOUNDS GEOMEMBRANE
Awards Excellence floating for cover systems
raises the bar
STA MEMBERSHIP RICKY RICHARDS Notches up three DIRECTORY
decades business Suppliersin and fabricators
TENSION INNOVATION STRUCTURES IN TEXTILES
Design challenges, The way forward material rewards
YOUNG LEADERS SAFETY FIRST
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THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE STA OFFICE | MEMBER NEWS | RTOS & UPCOMING EVENTS
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Contents CONNECTIONS magazine is published on behalf of the Specialised Textiles Association Inc. by CommStrat Limited. PUBLISHER CommStrat
17
EDITORIAL Contributed by the STA Editorial Committee DESIGN & PRODUCTION Annette Epifanidis annette@commstrat.com.au COMMSTRAT
ABN 31 008 434 802
Level 8, 574 St Kilda Rd Melbourne Vic 3004 www.commstrat.com.au SPECIALISED TEXTILES ASSOCIATION Suite 201, 22 St Kilda Road, St Kilda Vic 3182 Phone: 03 9521 2114 Local call: 1300 555 787 Fax: 03 9521 2116 www.specialisedtextiles.com.au
8
28
Disclaimer: Except where specifically stated, the opinions and material published in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or the STA Council.
2
Report by STA President
SPECIAL FEATURE: INNOVATION
4
STA office update
17
26
Women in textiles By Chairperson Connie Hellyar
ASSOCIATION MATTERS ASSOCIATION
BUSINESS
SUBSCRIPTIONS
6
To subscribe to Connections for just $75 inc GST annually contact Ruth Spiegel
SAFETY 14
ruth.spiegel@commstrat.com.au
Become a Quality Organisation
Safety first with shade structures By Beatrice Moonen
SPECIAL FEATURE: GEOMEMBRANES 8
Floating Covers, Evaporation and Mine Economics Protecting water reserves in mining and resource projects
37
The way forward: Innovation in the textile industry Four case studies explore how the textiles industry is looking to the future
MEMBERS’ CORNER 27
In the Media
28
Member news
34
Member Profile: Tudor House
37
STA Membership Directory An up-to-date listing of STA Suppliers and Fabricators
45
Spotlight on Members
RTOs AND EVENTS 48
Industry events and RTOs
STA MATTERS
From the office of the President Tom Gastin Well, here we are approaching another
With public sector jobs under the chop and
deliver jobs and economic growth? It
festive season. It always seems to be
big businesses downsizing locally to move
might help if we asked members to
the busiest time of year for most of our
operations off-shore, it is an unknown
predict what jobs they could create, in
industry with the accompanying hot
where jobs growth will come from.
say a 5 year period, and what might be
weather. The word around is that the
I believe it will have to come from the
holding them back from doing so. I’d
Victorian market is moving better than
biggest employer in this country - small
appreciate any thoughts members might
most in the last month or two, especially in
and medium business. With almost half the
have on this approach.
the window furnishing area. Let’s hope all
population employed by SMEs, we are a key
I am not pushing a political agenda
the other states follow suit and you all will
part in the government's plan to deliver on
here, however, it's our time to get the
have plenty to celebrate.
this promise.
support we deserve and there is no better
It has been an interesting calendar year
If the government wants SMEs to deliver
time for us to push for it now that we
with plenty on. I must say, I am pleased to
on jobs growth, we need policies that will
see the election behind us. The uncertainty
reduce complexity and compliance costs,
hold leverage.
it brought to purchasing decisions is
lower employer burdens and encourage
season unscathed and I wish you, your
underestimated and always seems to have
investment for growth and business
families and your colleagues a festive
a flow on effect to small business. Many
sustainability. We are in a position where
season full of happiness, fun, love and
businesses I have spoken to are happy to see
the government promised all this prior to
great food!
more work is coming through the door.
the election, so we now have some serious
I hope you all get through the crazy
expectations. Due to these promises, we are
Cheers,
Canberra due to a resounding election
entitled to expect that support for SMEs
Tom Gastin - President STA
result, which raises the hope of the
(which we have been crying out for years)
Australian public. The early months are
should arrive soon. Let’s keep the pressure
critical for any new government and the
on and hope they deliver.
We now have new federal leaders in
heat is on. There were some key pre-election promises
How do we do this? Well, maybe it’s time for us to have a say on how we think
that need to be met for the government to
small business can add substance to the
maintain their momentum and popularity.
Government’s determination to get the
One of these key promises was for jobs
economy moving and get some ideas floated
growth...and this is where we can fit in.
about what could be done to help SMEs
With public sector jobs under the chop and big businesses downsizing locally to move operations off-shore, it is an unknown where jobs growth will come from.
2 · CONNECTIONS
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STA MATTERS STA COUNCIL OF MANAGEMENT
STA report A few words from office manager Ana Drougas It is always at this time of the year I tend
between 31 May and 2 June 2014 in the
to panic and want all my unfinished tasks
Hunter Valley is sure to attract many industry
completed by Christmas. I suspect I am
professionals hungry for knowledge and
not alone in this type of thinking. Almost
looking for networking opportunities. We are
everyone I speak to is busily trying to ‘finish’ by
pleased to have the support of Light Weight
Christmas.
Structures Association of Australia (LSAA),
Another common pattern at this time of the
Window Covering Association of Australia
year is to reflect on what has taken place over
(WCAA) and Outdoor Fabric Products New
the last 12 months and ‘tick off’ what we have
Zealand (OFPANZ) for our 2014 Conference.
actually accomplished. I suppose this is why we
Details about the conference program will be
start to panic – we see what is still to be done!
released early in 2014. In the meantime, we
Where STA is concerned it has been a long
will be looking for topics and presenters, so if
and productive year. There are and will always
you have a topic in mind or see yourself as a
be items that have not been ticked off at the
budding presenter, please contact me.
end of the year – because we continually add to the list! So, what can STA tick off its list? • A successful joint industry expo on the Gold Coast together with BMAA • The formation of two further focus groups :
Work will continue within all STA’s focus groups in 2014: • Connections Editorial Committee • Fabric Structures Committee (take a look under ‘Industry Sectors’ on our website to see what this group has been working on)
o Women in Textiles
• Marine Fabricator Division
o Marine Fabricator Division of STA
• Young Leaders Network
• Securing a position on the Australian Standards committee to review shade cloth testing • Textile Fabrication training review • Sydney Marine Fabricator Workshop
• Training Committee • Women in Textiles (see article on page 34 to learn more) Each of the above focus groups, as the name
• Melbourne Marine Fabricator Workshop
suggests, ‘focuses’ on their particular area of
• Securing funding for Blinds & Awnings
interest thus allowing specific projects and
Installation training course • Launch of an industry based Business Accreditation program All this together with member information
incentives to take place. As for ‘what else’ is in store for 2014, well some things I can only reveal closer to the date. So stay tuned.
forums in major capital cities twice this year, 6
In the meantime, I would like to wish you all
issues of Connections magazine and numerous
a very merry Christmas and a joyous New Year.
e-newsletters made it a busy year.
Keep safe and healthy in 2014.
Thankfully 2014 also has 12 months for us to sink our teeth into. Our 2014 Conference, with key focus on education and information, taking place 4 · CONNECTIONS
SPECIALISED TEXTILES ASSOCIATION INC. Suite 201, 22 St Kilda Rd St Kilda, Vic 3182 Ph: (03) 9521 2114 Local Call: 1300 555 787 Facsimile: (03) 9521 2116 Email: ana@specialisedtextiles.com.au Web: www.specialisedtextiles.com.au ASSOCIATION MANAGER Ana Drougas Email: ana@specialisedtextiles.com.au PRESIDENT Tom Gastin Pattons—Textile Fabrication 80 McDougall St, Kirribilli, NSW 2061 Ph: 02 9955 2563 or 1300 799 980 Fax: 02 9959 3158 Mobile: 0414 952 007 Email: tom@pattons.com.au COUNCILLORS David Burton Ricky Richards 16 Park Road, Homebush NSW 2140 Ph: 02 9735 3333 Fax: 02 9735 3311 Mobile: 0419 277 711 Email: davidb@rickyrichards.com.au Jamie Howard Total Shade Solutions 4 Aldinga St, Brendale QLD 4500 Ph: 07 3889 7200 Fax: 07 3889 8865 Mobile: 0402 274 636 Email: Jamie@totalshadesolutions.com.au Connie Hellyar OneLink Agencies 3 Toorak Close, Mollymook Beach NSW 2539 Ph: 02 4454 3101 Fax: 02 4454 3201 Mobile: 0404 086 158 connie@onelinkagencies.com.au www.onelinkagencies.com.au Glenn Barlow Positive Resolutions Pty Ltd 2/46 Governor Macquarie Drive, Chipping Norton NSW 2170 Ph: 02 9723 9141 Fax: 02 728 3337 Mobile: 0409 273 284 Email: glenn@positiveresolutions.com.au Daniel Gollan HVG 46 Wodonga Street, Beverley SA 5009 Ph: 08 8348 6800 Fax: 08 8445 8455 Mobile: 0402 274 636 Email: dgollan@hvg.net.au CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE Advertising submissions: yuri@commstrat.com.au Ph: 03 8534 5008 Editorial: Nicola Card nicola.card@commstrat.com.au
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BUSINESS
ADVICE
Become a Quality Organisation By Alan Rodway, CEO of Leap Performance What’s the Purpose of the organisation? Why does the organisation fundamentally exist? An insurance company exists to cover the risks of the community; the police force to provide safety to the community; a sporting team to achieve personal development, enjoyment and success on the field; a bank to provide purchasing capability to the community; a charity to provide for the less privileged in society; a hospital to provide healthcare to those who are ill or injured; a logistics company to deliver goods to the community and so on. The fundamental purpose of any organisation needs to be clear and kept at the front of mind for appropriate behaviours to be engaged, otherwise people can feel ‘it’s just a job’. The
fundamental purpose has got to be a motivator for those involved. Related to this, organisations
need to deal with the ‘Why’ before they deal with the ‘How’; the “Why are we doing this?” before “how are we going to do this?” David Parkin, an outstanding author and teacher of organisational behaviour, highlights the need to address the question "Why are you here?". If everyone involved addresses this question regularly and truthfully, then it can create the buy-in required to work out how to move foward successfully. David Parkin also writes about the
“Becoming a quality organisation takes strong leadership from top down. The right people in the right positions must be given the power to make the decisions that take the organisation forward. The Board must make appointments of quality individuals that can set the standards and drive those standards. Having been in the world of AFL football for 15 years I’ve seen where some clubs do it well and others do it poorly. The Sydney Swans were able to change perception of their performance and gain respect as an organisation under the leadership of the Board and their CEO.”
One of the most challenging but important aspects for organisations to create is the alignment of individual, team and organisational values. Too often, only lip service is paid to values rather than the truthful ‘living’ of those values. Its takes a courageous and skillful group of people (at the top) to address what the values are in reality compared to what they are desired to be and then to act if they are out of alignment. ‘Open, honest, respectful communication’ is clearly a significant component of establishing aligned values within an organisation but they can just be ‘buzz words’, rather than receiving behavioural attention. If the values of individuals, teams and the organisation are not aligned, you have mission impossible. Exactly the same commentary applies to the alignment of individual, team and organisational goals. Without this, fundamental problems will occur so really focus on these alignments.
Having the ‘right’ group of people is paramount to having a quality organisation. All the systems, processes and physical resources in the world will never create a quality organisation without the right people. It’s much easier to create the ‘non people’ side of things … those can be set up and programmed as desired … people can’t… people have brains, emotions and attitudes. The X factor in most organisations is still their people and this remains one of the biggest challenges organisations face. Jude talks above
importance of creating and living a collective vision. It’s so important to note all of the
Key challenges
Jude Bolton, AFL Sydney Swans
about ‘strong leadership from top down’ and
words in that phrase. This concept relates
I completely agree with ‘top down’. I have
to any organisation, business, sport, charity,
experienced more situations than I care to
security or entertainment.
remember where organisations fail to create what they’re after because the ‘top’ lets the
6 · CONNECTIONS
manage, but that difficulty cannot lead to it
down in fixing things that should or should not
being disregarded.
have happened).
Objectively examine the desired current
And remember, you don’t have a process
reality, on key aspects of the organisation.
until the following are all in place – What’s
Ask these two questions regularly: “What’s our desired reality? What’s our current reality?” Answer
to happen, when it’s to happen, who’s
them honestly and then collectively map the
followed – all written down.
responsible, where it’s to happen, and the agreed consequences for the process not being
steps to achieve the desired reality if it doesn’t
Summary
currently exist. bottom down. Without strong leadership at the
What you say about your organisation
A key summary of some of the above is that
top, it’s rarely going to ‘work’. Sure, ‘bottom up’
(including in your marketing and recruitment)
quality organisations must have clarity of:
can work, but as an exception.
should match what happens inside. If internal
• purpose
To have the ‘right’ people it becomes necessary to exit the ‘wrong’ people. The wrong people are
people perceive differences between the two,
• values
serious damage will result because it’s false,
• end game
hypocritical and misleading. So tell the truth
• direction
those (i) who cannot be trained up (ii) who
and if you don’t like the truth, change the
• goals
have the wrong behaviours (some prefer the
reality.
• strategy
word attitude) and aren’t willing or able to
I love the saying ‘People
support what
change them, or (iii) who have unaligned
they help create’. This is the most
values with the organisation or its teams.
powerful and quickest way to create the ‘buy
If the right decision is to change people
in’ we seek to create sound organisations. Top
• actions Without these in order, leadership won’t exist and desired behaviours won’t ensue. Quality organisations engage objective
out of the organisation then that should
down instructions are, of course, necessary at
decision making and planning. They remove
occur, with integrity and in a timely fashion.
times, but if people feel that they have helped
negative emotion and don’t pander to
Deferring this causes a disease internally (and
create something related to those instructions
personalities. People want to be part of what
one that is noticed, disappointingly, by other
they will buy into them.
they ‘know’ and objectivity in decisions
personnel). It’s an awful saying but it’s true on
Organisations that are modern, cutting edge,
and planning creates that for them much
the behavioural side, ‘one bad apple can spoil
developing, changing or growing, are more
the barrel’ and it takes courage and integrity
likely to be successful. Who wants to be part
to deal with those situations. It’s nonsense
of something that’s old (as distinct from valued
purpose of the organisation. This also leads to
to set low staff turnover objectives that
traditions), falling behind, poor technologically,
a connection to the product itself, including
presupposes the right people are there in the
lacking ideas, tired and drab. People, especially
its value to the community, its quality and
first place. The objective has got to be ‘source,
younger generations, are more attracted to
its reputation. When people are connected
keep and develop the right people’ whatever
modern, bright, vibrant, evolving organisations.
to the product they are part of ‘making’ and
that means for staff turnover.
But a word of caution on growth rates, they
delivering into the community, it’s much
The key foundation for success is good communication, that is: (i)
must be sustainable, and they must allow
easier to grow a quality organisation through
for the continuous alignment of values and
that connection.
Open: people being prepared to communicate
goals between individuals, teams and the
what they feel and think; (ii) Honest: it’s
organisation (as mentioned earlier).
the person’s truth; (iii) Respectful: the
Success is a process, so organisations that
more easily. I talked earlier about the importance of the
The overall experience people ‘endure or enjoy’ by being part of an organisation is important. This includes their interactions
phrasing is respectful and the commentary
have solid process and follow them are not
with the outside world, satisfying their needs
is focused on behaviour not the personality.
only way more likely to be successful, but also
for development (on the job, internal training,
Is there an organisation that doesn’t
far easier to work for, than organisations that
external training), recognition and a myriad of
declare communication to be an important
lack process or don’t follow them. People will
other aspects that add up to the ‘experience’
component of their culture? But how many
drop off in their commitment if they see a lack
they live inside the organisation.
organisations actually live out effective
of process or others not following them. Where
communication? Getting better at this gives
process exists, and is consistently followed, it’s
To find out more about how Leap
uplift in almost every area of performance.
far easier to participate.
Performance can help your company
The fact that effective communication is difficult to measure makes it difficult to
It also allows more time for new ways, ideas and progression (rather than being bogged
become a quality organisation, email: alan@leapperformance.com.au DECEMBER 2013 • JANUARY 2014 · 7
SPECIAL FEATURE:
GEOMEMBRANES
Floating Covers, Evaporation and Mine Economics Project Hype – Protecting water reserves in mining and resource projects Mike Sadlier compares the economic costs and benefits of geomembrane floating cover systems that control evaporative water loss against systems that make allowance for evaporation (using a hypothetical example rooted in actual project costs). Many projects, especially for mining and resource processing, are being developed in areas where water is scarce and there are high rates of evaporation. There are many places that are resource rich and where the annual evaporation is considerably more than the annual rainfall. Under these circumstances there is a great incentive to protect the water resource by providing floating geomembrane covers over water storages and process ponds in order to control valuable water loss by evaporation. To develop the parameters of the discussion, we will establish a hypothetical mining project: Project Hype. The parameters of this hypothetical site (e.g., climate, water source) are typical of those often found in the real world.
A typical water reservoir floating cover
WATER REQUIREMENTS Operational requirement is to be 480 ML (480,000 cum) on an annual basis with constant consumption throughout the year. Minimum storage capacity must be one month’s supply in addition to pumping capacity from a source capable of filling the reservoir in a month. This means a minimum storage volume of 40 ML (40,000 cum).
WATER SOURCE An assumed water source is located 5 km away from an underground
A typical reservoir floating cover in a dry climate
bore. Water quality is such that no treatment is required. Water is pumped to site via an above ground or shallow trench pipeline with
Environmental parameters
a pump station at source and no intermediate pump stations. (This assumption is actually very optimistic, as it is not uncommon for a
CLIMATE
water source to be 50 km or more away and require some form of
Consider a typical desert environment common to many projects
desalination.)
in North and South America, Australia, Africa or China. These sites
Without going into details of terrain, head losses and so on, let
are characterized by a negligible rainfall (~200 mm per annum) but
us assume that the base requirement of 40,000 cum/month can be
evaporation of ~1500 mm per annum. Typical temperatures range
achieved by one 500 mm dia line and that the evaporation allowance
from 10 – 20°C (50 – 68° F) in cooler seasons and 15 – 35oC (59 – 95° F) in
reservoir will require an increase to 650 mm dia with a corresponding
warmer seasons.
increase in wall thickness.
8 · CONNECTIONS
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SPECIAL FEATURE:
GEOMEMBRANES
50% more storage and 50% more pumping capacity to overcome the evaporation losses.
A floating cover over a PLS pond with pipes under the cover that ditribute the PLS solution
The reservoir BASIC DIMENSIONS
A 13 year old PE hybrid cover
A reservoir 150 m long and 100 m wide with slopes at 1:2 and a depth of 3 m will yield a storage capacity of 40.7 ML (40,700 cum), thus
DIMENSIONS WITH EVAPORATION ALLOWANCE
meeting our base storage requirement. To simply things, we’ll use the
A reservoir 150 m long and 100 m wide with slopes at 1:2 and a depth
full volume without consideration of any freeboard.
of 7 m will yield a storage capacity of 83.2 ML (83,200 cum) which will meet our storage requirement with evaporation allowance.
EVAPORATION With a surface area of 15,000 sqm and an evaporation rate of 1500
RESERVOIR STRUCTURES
mm per year the annual evaporation loss will be 22,500 cum or
Some mining projects would use simple inlet and outlet arrangements
about 50% of our net storage capacity. Therefore, we need to provide
with inlet pipes over the crest and floating pump stations for outlets.
Reservoir with Evaporation Allowance
Reservoir with Floating Cover
Cut to fill earthworks 22,000 cum @$3
$66,000
Additional excavation for evaporation allowance. 22,000 cum @ $5
$110,000
Concrete structures
HDPE Liner 1.5mm 17,000 sqm @ $8
$12,000
$136,000
Cut to fill earthworks 22,000 cum @ $3
$66,000
Concrete structures
$12,000
Concrete perimeter beam 500 linm @ $60
$30,000
HDPE Liner 1.5mm 17,000 sqm @ $8
$136,000
Floating Cover 17,000 sq, @ $8 Pipeline 5km @ $500 Pumps (2 plus 1 standby) Total Capital Cost
$2,500,000 $90,000 $2,914,000
Pipeline 5km @ $300 Pumps (1 plus 1 standby) Total Capital Cost
A comparison of costs, evaporation allowance vs utilization of a geomembrane floating cover system. 10 · CONNECTIONS
$306,000 $1,5000,000 $60,000 $2,110,000
Others would utilize more permanent concrete structures for a
RESERVOIR FORMATION
combined outlet/scour, an overflow and an inlet structure and this is
Assuming cut to fill earthworks, for the base size reservoir we would
the basis we will look at for Project Hype.
have a total earthworks volume of 22,000 cum. The embankment dimensions would remain the same for the reservoir with evaporation
RESERVOIR LINER
allowance and the excavated material would be removed for possible
The reservoir will need a 1.5 mm high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
use elsewhere.
geomembrane installed over a compacted and prepared subgrade.
We shall adopt an overall excavate, place and compaction rate of
There is little difference in the liner area for either reservoir.
$3.00 per cum for the base reservoir.
RESERVOIR FLOATING COVER
deeper and probably in harder material. A rate of $5.00 per cum will
The floating cover could be either reinforced polypropylene (R-PP)
be required to allow for this and the cost of cartage and disposal.
or a polyethylene hybrid. It must have a ballast and float system to
Often, the additional depth encounters much harder material that
control cover shape through a full range of water level movement
may require ripping or even blasting to remove. This additional cost is
and it will require a concrete perimeter beam for fixing rather than a
therefore quite conservative.
For the evaporation allowance reservoir, the excavation will be
cheaper anchor trench option.
Costs
FLOATING COVER A typical floating cover in 1.1 mm R-PP with a Double – Y ballasting
The costing data (see table on previous page) is typical of many
and float system would cost between $15 and $20 per sqm. The actual
projects and is simplified in order to illustrate the key issues. Rates
cost would vary with factors such as local labour rates and weather
are based on recent real project outcomes (US$).
conditions. We will assume a rate of $18 per sqm.
Your Future In Industrial Fabrics & Accessories P: 03 9588 8800 F: 03 9587 0062 www.paskal.com.au
At the recent IFAI show in Orlando, Paskal Australia and QCD New Zealand were appointed sole agent/distributors for Australia and New Zealand respectfully for the BondCote product range. Managing Director of Paskal, David Clota said “the fit between BondCote, Paskal and QCD was extremely good and provides a fantastic opportunity for all three companies. In particular, it increases the focus on Paskal’s and QCD’s continuing programme of providing the entire package of specialised fabric and accessories to manufacturers in Australia. The new alliance will promote BondCote’s products into the lucrative Defence, Mining and Protective Service Industries in Australia and New Zealand”. BondCote’s President, Ted Anderson commented that “BondCote is very excited in adding Paskal’s and QCD’s technical expertise in industrial fabrics, and their exceptional sales service and fulfilment support to our team”. Paskal is a solely Australian owned and independently operated company which wholesales a wide range of industrial fabric and accessories with a particular focus on technical accessories (such as zipping and sewing thread to the defence and mining industries). Covering all of Australia, it operates from branches in Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia as well as in New Zealand with its sister company QCD Ltd. It also forms part of the powerful global Paskal alliance that stretches from Australia to Israel, Hong Kong and the USA. Paskal’s success comes from their ability to care as much about the service that they give to all their customers - from the sole-operator to the larger, more established companies as well as the relationships they build with their suppliers. BondCote Corporation, founded in 1949, is an American based company manufacturing high performance coated and laminated fabrics for industrial, defence, mining and commercial applications. BondCote’s success comes from being a solution driven company that continues to work on its two founding principles: Produce great products. Keep our promises.
SPECIAL FEATURE:
GEOMEMBRANES
PIPELINE AND PUMPS
assumptions about parameters have tended to favor the evaporation
A 500 mm dia pipe will have a supply cost of around $200 per
allowance reservoir, the floating cover option shows a considerable
metre depending on delivery costs. Field welding and installation
advantage in overall capital cost.
components will bring this up to $300 per linear metre. Again, the site specifics would necessitate variations in this cost. A 650 mm
O&M considerations
dia HDPE pipe for the evaporation basin will have nearly double the
The operations and maintenance costs of the two reservoirs will be
unit mass and the supply cost will be around $400 per metre , with
similar. Wind blown dust and other debris will need to be removed
field welding and installation elevating this cost to around $500 per
from the floating cover, and the reservoirs will need to be desludged
linear metre
occasionally in both cases.
Suitable rotary impeller pumps will cost around $20,000 each and a
Because the evaporation allowance system pumps 50% more water,
pumphouse, electrics and controls will bring this up to about $30,000
the energy costs for pumping will be 50% more than the floating cover
per pump. For the evaporation allowance reservoir, we will assume
solution. If desalination is required this will influence the evaporation
2 pumps plus 1 standby unit; for the floating cover reservoir, 1 pump
allowance system much more.
plus 1 standby unit.
COSTING SUMMARY AND COMPARISON The tabulation shows a cost summary and comparison for the two approaches (evaporation allowance and floating cover). Although the
Developers of mining projects in arid areas would be well advised to look closely at floating covers and their capacity to make these projects more economical and energy efficient, which will also be more environmentally friendly. Conclusions Although the overall basic cost of the same reservoir with a floating cover is more, the pipeline and pumping costs necessary to overcome evaporation and achieve the same operational performance without a floating cover are considerably higher. Furthermore, the ongoing operations and energy costs will be higher for the site that does not use a floating cover. Developers of mining projects in arid areas would be well advised to look closely at floating covers and their capacity to make these projects more economical and energy efficient, which will also be more environmentally friendly.
Acknowledgements These hypothetical scenarios draw upon background and detailed information from a number of recent project developments. Avoiding the disclosure of details and places has been done deliberately. The author extends his thanks and respect to all those resourceful and adventurous souls who operate as mining engineers and managers.
Mike Sadlier is Principal of Geosynthetic Consultants Australia Pty Ltd. He can be reached at sadlierma@gmail.com
12 路 CONNECTIONS
R
SAFETY IN THE
WORKPLACE
Safety first with shade structures With Christmas nearly upon us, the focus on safety should be more important than ever as we work towards a well earned holiday with family and friends. As small business operators earning a living in the shade structure industry, let's examine how we can implement a strategy geared towards safety in the workplace. By Beatrice Moonen In October 2013 a 5m fall led to the death of a long time shade structure operator in Townsville, Queensland. Accidents can and do happen in our industry. Building shade structures is hazardous. It is classed as high-risk construction work. Working at heights, in confined spaces, with heavy steel, electrical tools, using machinery and undertaking excavation all have the potential to affect the health and safety of the people working in this industry. Managing risks in the shade structure construction industry is vital and this can be done in different ways. Now is a good time to review safety management and consider if there are safer ways of performing the work. There are many safety aspects to consider and the
and risks, behaviour and management
following are some of the most important;
principles on a construction site.
General Construction Induction
Safe Work Method Statement
Anyone that works on a building site must
A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)
attend the short weekend training course
must be prepared for high-risk construction
to obtain a General Construction Induction
work.
or a White Card. This is a nationally
Preparing this document for jobs should
recognised card required by site managers,
become standard activity in your workplace.
supervisors, labourers and trade persons
Most contractors will request a SWMS.
who work on construction sites regularly
It ensures that safety planning is at
or routinely.
the forefront of every project. A SWMS
The white card introduces an awareness
14 · CONNECTIONS
document will;
and understanding of basic construction
• Identify high-risk work being done
rights, responsibilities, common hazards
• State the hazards and risks possible
electrics and water services. Insurers expect searches to have been done. • Ensure no one falls into an excavation. Holes must be boarded, barricaded and
cages, cranes, scissor lifts of good order and use them on secure ground, and • Obtain training. Safeworkaustralia.gov.au is the first
signed. This is particularly important in
contact point for all matters relating to a
a public place such as a school yard or if
national policy on work health and safety
the work needs to be left unattended.
and workers’ compensation arrangements across Australia.
Working at heights
Within the industry, the Fabric Structures
Building shade structures involves working
Committee seeks to ensure STA members
at heights. The following steps are necessary
and non-members are doing their utmost to
when planning for height work:
follow safe work practices. The committee
• Identify the risk specific to that job,
is made up of fabricators, installers and
assess potential for hazard and set up
designers from around Australia, so they
controls to minimise the risk
see inherent hazards in our industry on a
• If using a ladder, ensure it is in good order, used on flat ground, is stable or has someone at the base to secure it • Consider using a fall arrest system or
daily basis. As chair of the committee, I care passionately for the industry and plead with all installers to be ever vigilant about safety
safety guards. (Not always possible when
as we head towards the busiest and most
there is nothing to connect to.)
demanding time of the year.
• Use scaffolding with secure handrails, in good order with kick boards • Use high reach equipment such as hoists,
The truth is, there are many people in your lives that care for your safety and want you to have a safe and happy Christmas.
• Describe how risks can be controlled, and • Be readily available for staff and contractors
Excavation Work When excavating, a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) has a duty of care to; • Obtain information about underground services pipes, cables, or other plant – start with the free Dial B4U Dig. Legal obligations are increasingly falling to the excavator to complete underground searches. Do you know expensive fibre optic cable may be located under residential land? Dial B4U Dig identifies these services as well as major gas, DECEMBER 2013 • JANUARY 2014 · 15