Underground

Mining is an integral part of Australia’s infrastructure and energy sectors. For the mining industry to perform successfully, safety cannot be overstated—especially in underground mining, where visibility is scarce. Reflective markings and signage are crucial to keep accidents at bay. This is where we come in. At ORAFOL Australia, we have over 25 years of experience providing reflective safety products to Australia’s mining industry. Our products help minimise risks and create a safer working environment for your team.

ORAFOL’s reflective solutions for underground mining cut through the darkness, illuminating safety for workers below ground.
How? 
Micro prisms in our reflective materials reflect light back to its source, making the materials highly visible and bright. This micro prism technology is found in the following products:

• Tags and rope patches: Identification and delineation markers for tunnels, pathways, and roadways.
• Helmet stickers: Increasing worker visibility in areas where there are moving vehicles with headlights.
• Cone collars: Providing delineation and colour identification. 
• Picket pockets: Delineating and demarcating haul roads and intersections.
• Roll-up signs: Flexible signage for personnel and vehicles that improves safety in the event of impact.
• Hanging streamers: Delineating underground roadways.

Safety is equally important above ground at these sites, as workers in surface areas still face danger from heavy machinery, vehicles, debris, and uneven terrain. Our mining safety solutions include reflective strip tape and reflective films for vehicles and machinery so workers and operators can easily identify vehicles and machinery on-site to avoid collisions.

Safety

• Enhanced visibility: Reflective materials improve visibility at low-light times like dusk and dawn and in dust, fog, rain, and other adverse weather conditions, helping workers and vehicles navigate safely.
• Accident prevention: Clear reflective markings reduce the risk of collisions and accidents by making vehicles, tunnels, and hazards easier to see.
• Emergency guidance: Reflective signage helps guide workers quickly to emergency exits or safe zones during critical situations like fires or cave-ins.
• Vehicle and equipment safety: Markings on vehicles and equipment ensure they are easily spotted, reducing the likelihood of collisions.
• Reduced human error: High-visibility markers help workers stay aware of their surroundings, reducing mistakes caused by poor visibility in dimly lit areas.
• Safety compliance: Reflective solutions assist in meeting safety standards and regulatory requirements.

Efficiency
Accidents on-site cause expensive operational stoppages, halting production and delaying project timelines. As enhanced visibility from reflective solutions for underground mining lowers the chances of accidents, such operational stoppages are reduced. With fewer accidents, plus clearly marked routes, workers can also complete tasks more efficiently, improving overall productivity. Additionally, reflective underground mining safety solutions can streamline routine site maintenance and inspections, making it easier to locate equipment, materials, and designated areas.

Durability
ORAFOL’s reflective solutions for underground mining are designed to withstand the tough environment of mine sites. They are:

• Waterproof
• Solvent resistant
• Abrasion resistant
• Impact resistant

What Are the Safety Precautions for Underground Mining? Utilise mine hanger tags and streamers for underground delineation. Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Helmets with Reflective Stickers, Reflective Clothing. Reflective Vehicle Markings for all mining machinery equipment. 

Are ORAFOL’s Products Suitable for All Underground Environments? ORAFOL’s reflective products are built to withstand the harsh conditions of underground mining, such as moisture, heat, solvents, and impact.

What Maintenance Is Required for Reflective Materials in Mining? Reflective materials require periodic cleaning to remove dirt, dust, and debris that can reduce visibility. Such cleaning can include high-pressure industrial washing or just a wipe-over with a sponge or cloth and a mild cleaning solution. Regular inspections should be conducted to check for signs of wear, especially after exposure to harsh conditions. If damage is found, timely repair or replacement of the reflective materials is essential to maintain their effectiveness. 

Can These Products Be Customised for Specific Needs? ORAFOL’s reflective solutions for underground mining can be customised in shape, size, and colour to suit the needs of different mine sites. Customisable text is also possible for branding, safety messages, and equipment identification.