Page 2 - Edition 16.3_web- Final

IPP & Renewables

RAND-AIR’S PORTABLE
LED LIGHTING UNITS:
PLACING MINES IN A
FAVOURABLE LIGHT

With the enormous investment placed
in large open-pit mines, the pressure
is on these operations to produce.
Inevitably, this dictates that they work
around the clock. However, working
at night does present some very real
potential safety hazards which are not
present during the hours of daylight.

This is according to Craig Swart, Fleet Manager
at Rand-Air, the leading local provider of
compressed air and power to the mines, as
well as to many other industry sectors.

“The most serious potential hazard in an
open-pit mine - even during daylight hours
- are the very large load-hall-dumpers,
excavators and rope shovels used to excavate
and transport broken ore. Apart from vehicle
headlights, better all-round area lighting is an
absolute necessity to ensure safe operations,”
says Swart, adding that having clear, strong As Rand-Air portable lighting units are fitted with LED bulbs, they are remarkably economical and will
area lighting means that drivers of off-the- run for days without requiring refuelling or any other attention.
road mining equipment will be able to pick
up the reflective strips on a pedestrian’s service ethic. In the unlikely event of an the job done and being more productive,
safety vest with much greater ease.
issue with one of these machines, Rand-Air’s but in a well-lit and therefore far safer
Rand-Air has the solution in its portable qualified technicians are on standby 24/7 to environment. In a nutshell – and true to our
LED lighting units. ensure that full lighting is restored without Rand-Air business ethos - we always place
“As these units are fitted with LED bulbs, delay. our customers in a ‘favourable light’, ” he
they are remarkably economical and will run concludes.
for days without requiring refuelling or any Speaking to the all-important requirement
other attention. In addition, modern LED for safety at all times – particularly About Rand-Air
bulbs last longer and fail less often than their within the mining environment - where With several depots, branches and
earlier filament counterparts, and can handle occupational health and safety challenges substantial representation across Southern
harsh mining conditions without burning out are amongst the biggest causes of injuries Africa, Rand-Air continues to expand their
prematurely,” Swart explains. and fatalities – Swart makes the following footprint to service a diverse market. Since
recommendation: 1973, Rand-Air has been driven by an
As the diesel engine, generator and lighting ethos to exceed customer expectation and
tower are all contained on a single trailer, “Outdated lighting units in any industry that satisfaction. This is complemented by a
there are no trailing cables to either get cut, are not operating at a satisfactory level pose product offering that adheres to the highest
damaged or trip over. Furthermore, as they a serious threat to the working environment quality standards in the industry. Rand-
are mounted on a robust trailer, moving and its people. A preventative maintenance Air’s products portfolio includes oil-free
them to new positions as mining shifts in the strategy is therefore critical, to guarantee safe compressors, industrial air compressors,
pit, takes a matter of minutes. operation of the equipment - and is key to
minimising the risk of injuries or accidents.” diesel compressors, electric air compressors
What makes Rand-Air portable lighting units (all screw compressors), diesel generators
an even more attractive rental proposition Rand-Air lighting units are available for and lighting towers.
is that the company regularly upgrades short-term hire, as well as via the company’s
its equipment fleet with new machines. long-term rental scheme which allows As the market leader in portable air
In addition, Rand-Air lighting units are all customers to take advantage of considerable compressors and generator rental, Rand-
manufactured by world leader Atlas Copco cost savings. Air upholds its reputation through regular
and, as such, these units deliver the most training and upskilling in business related
cost-effective, lowest maintenance service. “In the past couple of years, our portable and product-specific matters.
lighting units have been a boon to the
Rand-Air portable lighting units are also surface mining industry. With proper Rand-Air is part of the Atlas Copco group and
backed up by the company’s unmatched lighting, workers can concentrate on getting is a Level 4 B-BBEE rated company.
2