Richards Bay Coal Terminal:Integrated Safety; Health and Environment (SHE) system is key at RBCT
2013-05-07
Superior safety standards
Safety is paramount at RBCT, evident in the company’s achievement of the National Occupational Safety Association’s (NOSA) 5 star status from 1989 – 1997 and NOSCAR status from 1998 – 2004 as well as OHSAS 18001 certification in 2006. Behavior Based Safety has been successfully implemented to ensure the safety of our employees and contractors on site.
Promoting occupational and holistic health
RBCT employees have access to superior primary health care service from a fully equipped on-site clinic. This is manned by occupational health nurses and is visited regularly by a consulting doctor. The company has a holistic HIV/AIDS programme in place – encompassing prevention, education and management to ensure the wellness of all our employees who are infected or affected by the pandemic.
Working in harmony with the environment
RBCT has had its Environmental Management System certified to ISO 14001 since February 2002. We are pleased to have maintained its certification thus far during annual external independent audits by SABS.
The following are some of the initiatives designed to minimise any direct negative impact on the surrounding areas in the daily operations of the terminal:
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Several dust abatement mechanisms are in operation, including numerous computer-controlled water sprays. Information supplied by the SA Weather Bureau assists RBCT to use this system effectively, alerting the control tower prior to any high velocity winds reaching the area.
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20 settling ponds are positioned at strategic points to collect run-off water, allowing suspended coal particles to settle, thus preventing them from entering the harbour. Boreholes are spaced throughout the terminal to monitor the quality of ground water.
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Over 5000 trees and shrubs have been planted on site to reduce the effect of wind and improve aesthetics.
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Road sweepers and a water tanker run on a constant cycle to keep roads free of dust.
RBCT was awarded the SABS Presidents Award of its multi certification of ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001