Many sustainability projects are being completed at ALS under the campaign of Local actions · Global impact. These range from health and safety initiatives, energy and waste management programs through to charitable and community-based projects. Outlined below are just a selection of some of our current projects.
Perth IOTC metallurgy team lights the way
To demonstrate the change, Troy Laing, the Leading Hand Electrician, took the panoramic photograph below after the first day of the changeover, which was half of the work area. The left-hand side of photograph is LED lighting and the right is the previous Hi-bay lighting. Troy also measured the difference in power draw and determined that the lighting electricity consumption reduced by more than half because of this change.
Sustainability Initiative for Tribology Australia
The machine works by purifying the used or contaminated solvent using a distillation plant. The used or contaminated solvent is heated to a temperature above the target solvent boiling point but below the boiling point of the contamination material. The vapour generated is then cooled down to a liquid, and the product is reclaimed solvent ready for use in the laboratory. The recycling of laboratory solvent reduces the total amount of laboratory solvent that needs to be consumed. The Perth Tribology laboratory will recycle their solvents such as Toluene and Recosol R55.
This is a significant contribution to the business sustainability program and to the environment. In addition, the unit is helping to lower the cost of analysis through cost savings on solvent and waste disposal. This is a great start to our sustainability program in Australia and we are intending to implement a similar process across other Tribology laboratories.
Geochemistry Australia and Asia safety milestones
In February, the Townsville business surpassed 11 years since the last injury that resulted in lost time. The team utilises personal safety stories at each meeting to build their safety awareness.
The Perth sample preparation facility at Wangara have registered 5 years without a lost time injury. This has also been achieved by ongoing conscious efforts of everyone on site.
The Orange laboratory has achieved 5 years since the last LTI was recorded. The laboratory has continued their strong focus on incident and injury prevention by implementing a zero harm/lean improvement process for each department.
The Burnie laboratory reached 6 years without a lost time injury in April. The team are diligent in their approach to safety and take personal responsibility for safety on site.
The Vientiane laboratory has not had a lost time injury since opening in 2005. In April they reached 13 years without a lost time injury.
A high level of commitment to hazard recognition, and promoting situational awareness have contributed to these achievements.
The facility at Adelaide has registered 5 years without a lost time injury. The local team has a great safety culture in place.
The Mine Site laboratory at Nullagine has registered 5 years without a lost time injury. This is a commendable effort for a remote facility.
