Devastating potential for weld failure between lifting lugs and liners

WORKSAFE Victoria has issued a safety alert warning of the serious risk of injury or death if lifting lugs are not welded properly to internal crusher liners.

Many companies opt to weld temporary lifting lugs onto liners to assist with their removal or fitting. These welds can be particularly susceptible to failure because the liners can suffer from carbide precipitation and embrittlement.

A welding failure caused an incident where the liner was dropped while being installed in a jaw crusher at a quarry. A worker had his knee shattered after being hit by a length of pipe that was dislodged by the falling liner.

When welding lifting lugs to liners, welders must be suitable qualified and competent in welding the particular type of steel, there should be a welding procedure to ensure the lifting attachments are suited for the size and load presented by the liner, the liner surface and weld should be prepared, and specific welding rods should be used.