But are they looking at the right things?

And how can mine sites be sure pre-start inspection is being completed and that safety, machine uptime and maintenance costs have not been compromised?

An interactive and virtual tool from Immersive Technologies has been launched to help answer those questions.

The Pre-start Inspection tool is designed to ensure effective and consistent training and assessment of operators on machine inspection routines.

Early detection of unsafe or worn equipment saves on maintenance costs and reduces the likelihood of injury, downtime or environmental damage.

The tool trains and assesses mining personnel on the correct identification and actions to be taken in relation to equipment issues.

It allows operators to demonstrate competency when real-world training is not possible and where mistakes are costly if undetected.

The pre-start training tool provides an interactive environment enabling a trainee to control the movement around the simulated machine and in and around an object or component.

Trainees can examine lubricant inspection panels and all other inspection items on site checklists in lifelike detail and then be assessed on the understanding and level of accuracy at conducting inspections.

“Scenarios with varying levels of wear or damage can be configured to ensure operators are able to recognise varying levels of damage by providing configurable training,” Immersive Technologies product manager Tim Radbone said.

“Operators are able to familiarise themselves with common points of failure or wear and the correct reporting to maintenance ultimately improving capital prudence and increasing safety.”