Risk management in explosive atmospheres to reduce accidents in a mining plant

Abstract

The objective of this research was to carry out risk management in explosive atmospheres to reduce accidents at the Nexa Cajamarquilla mining plant, during the years 2021 - 2022. The type of study was explanatory, descriptive and non-experimental in design; The sample was made up of forty company workers, including supervisors and operators, who have a direct relationship with access to 4 tanks that produce hydrogen, in the cold purification process in the hydrometallurgy area. The technique used to collect the data was observation, using a checklist as an instrument to obtain historical data on the construction, operation and maintenance of the equipment. Conclusion, during the years prior to 2018, more than 80 accidents related to explosive atmospheres occurred, increasing these to 43 accidents between 2018 and 2020. However, after implementing adequate risk management in explosive atmospheres, 20 accidents were generated between the years 2021 and 2022, thus reducing by more than 50% compared to recent years. These data allow us to affirm that risk management in explosive atmospheres reduces accidents.