FRP for Mining Machinery Maintenance Access Platforms

In the mining and metals industry, efficient and safe maintenance of mining machinery is a cornerstone of productivity and worker safety. Access platforms play an important role in facilitating maintenance tasks, allowing workers to reach elevated components for inspection, repair, and adjustment. Traditional materials like steel and aluminum have been commonly used for these platforms, but fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) is emerging as a superior choice due to its remarkable properties.

Types of Mining Machinery Requiring Maintenance Access Platforms

• Drill Rigs: These machines are used to create boreholes in the ground for the extraction of resources or for geological investigations. Elevated platforms are helpful for accessing components like the mast, drill head, and hydraulic systems.
• Crushers: Crushers are used to break down large rocks or ore into smaller pieces. Platforms allow access to the top sections for maintenance and blockage clearance.
• Conveyor Systems: In mines, conveyor systems are used to transport materials over long distances. Platforms are used for inspecting and maintaining rollers, belts, and drives.
• Continuous Miners: This mining machinery is used in underground mining to cut and gather material. Platforms facilitate access to higher sections for maintenance and setup.
• Towers and Headframes: Towers are used to support the structure around mine shafts for hauling ore or other materials. Platforms are needed to access hoisting equipment and cable systems.
• Ventilation Fans: These are used to circulate air in underground mines. Platforms provide access to ventilation systems located at height.

Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) offers a strong choice for mining maintenance access platforms around your mining machinery.

• Durability and Corrosion Resistance: FRP's resistance to corrosion is beneficial in harsh mining environments exposed to moisture, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. Unlike metal platforms that corrode over time, FRP maintains its structural integrity, ensuring long-term performance and reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements. This translates to lower maintenance costs and increased uptime. For more on this property, read our blog on FRP corrosion resistance.
• Lightweight Design: FRP is significantly lighter than traditional materials like steel, making it easier to transport and install, especially in remote mining locations. This reduces labor costs and equipment needs, resulting in potential cost savings. Additionally, the lighter weight of FRP can reduce the load on the mining machinery itself, improving its overall performance and efficiency.
• Safety Features: FRP's non-conductive properties minimize the risk of electrical hazards, making it a safer choice for mining environments. Additionally, FRP can be formulated with non-slip surfaces, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries for maintenance personnel. Fibergrate’s FRP products have been valuable in creating non-conductive maintenance platforms across many industries.
• Customizability and Flexibility: FRP can be easily molded and fabricated into various shapes and sizes, allowing for customized platforms to fit specific mining machinery configurations. This flexibility improves efficiency and reduces downtime during maintenance.
• Low Maintenance Requirements: FRP requires minimal maintenance compared to metal platforms, which may need regular repainting or corrosion treatment. This translates into long-term cost savings and extended lifespan. By reducing maintenance time and costs, FRP can contribute to increased productivity and profitability.

FRP can be used to create a variety of maintenance access platforms in mining machinery, offering numerous benefits over traditional materials.

Modular platforms made from FRP offer flexibility and can be easily assembled and disassembled to fit different machinery configurations. This is advantageous in mining operations where equipment layouts may change, or where temporary access platforms are needed. Modular platforms can be assembled and disassembled to meet specific requirements.

Walkways and catwalks made from FRP provide safe and stable access to various parts of mining machinery. These platforms can be designed to withstand heavy loads and harsh conditions, ensuring the safety of maintenance personnel. FRP walkways and catwalks are also easy to clean and maintain, reducing the need for downtime and supporting overall efficiency.

Handrails and guardrails made from FRP enhance safety by reducing the risk of falls and providing secure handholds. These components are crucial for ensuring the safety of workers accessing elevated areas of mining machinery. FRP handrails and guardrails are also resistant to corrosion and weathering, ensuring long-term durability and reliability.

Fibergrate’s FRP Is Widely Trusted for Mining Machinery Maintenance Access Platforms

FRP is a superior material for constructing maintenance access platforms in the mining industry. Its durability, lightweight design, safety features, and low maintenance requirements make it an ideal choice for enhancing productivity and worker safety in mining operations. By investing in FRP platforms, mining companies can improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and ensure long-term sustainability. 

For more on how FRP is being used in the mining industry, take a look at our Metal & Mining Solutions brochure.