“Hammersley’s reputation as a world leader in chemical innovation has been built upon a ‘strive for excellence’ philosophy that extends to the health and safety of our users and the environment. The use of natural materials, wherever possible, with the assistance of innovative technology is an integral and ongoing part of Hammersley WHS and ESG commitment to our clients.” – Robert J Fernance Managing Director.
1. HAMMERSLEY Safe Chemical Solutions for Mining and Industrial Maintenance
Many chemical solvents widely used in mining and industrial maintenance are Highly Toxic: N-propyl bromide [1-Bromopropane], Trichloroethylene and Perchloroethylene [Tetrachloroethylene] are commonly used in cleaning formulas:
Safe Work Australia provides valuable information on hazardous chemicals used for Mining and Industrial Cleaning and Maintenance.
Hazardous Chemical Information System (HCIS) Hazard Statements:
N-propyl bromide [1-Bromopropane] Hazard Statement
H225 Highly flammable liquid and vapour
H336 May cause drowsiness or dizziness
H351 Suspected of causing cancer
H319 Causes serious eye irritation
H315 Causes skin irritation
H335 May cause respiratory irritation
H373 May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
H360Fd May damage fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn child Perchloroethylene [Tetrachloroethylene] Hazard Statement
H351 Suspected of causing cancer
H411 Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
Trichloroethylene Hazard Statement
H350 May cause cancer
H341 Suspected of causing genetic defects
H319 Causes serious eye irritation
H315 Causes skin irritation
H336 May cause drowsiness or dizziness
HAMMERSLEY has over 50 Year Commitment to Research and Development
Brian Mclean is a Research Chemist and has been the Director of Technical Services for the Hammersley Group of companies since its inception in 1972 and was interviewed by Australian Mine Safety Journal in April 2022.
“Hammersley’s focus has been on Mining and Heavy Industry, dedicating our resources to research and development to improve the products available to the market. We’ve made it our business to know this sector well with the clear goal of providing the best and safest possible products that are properly suited to the tasks they are required to perform and always with the environment in mind.”
HAMMERSLEY Research over 50 years has focussed on development of renewable plant based technologies to replace the flammable, toxic and environmentally damaging petroleum hydrocarbon solvents commonly used in mining and industry maintenance.
Resulting in innovative chemical technologies for mining clients that are:
√ Superior Performance √ Non-toxic √ Non-flammable √ Biodegradable
√ DETAR Heavy Duty Degreaser Replaces Flammable Products
√ HYDROSOLV Hard Surface Cleaner Replaces Toxic and Hazardous Products
√ THE GOOD OIL Penetrating Lubricant Replaces Toxic Products
√ Can be supplied in Economic Bulk
2. DETAR Heavy Duty Degreaser Replaces Flammable Products A Mine Excavator Fire Highlights the Risks of using Flammable Degreasers
An excavator operator in a NSW open cut coal mine noticed excess oil building up on top of the stairs and engine compartment of the excavator. Fitters attended to degrease the oil spill which occurred from a failed hose.
The fitters applied degreaser on the roof of the engine compartment to clean up the excess oil. However, the degreaser dripped through the floor to the engine room below falling onto a hot exhaust manifold and starting a fire. The fitters evacuated the vehicle and triggered the fire suppression system. No injuries were reported.
In the Incident Summary Report of 10 May 2024, the NSW Resources Regulator advised the mining industry. “Where products such as cleaners and degreasers are used near hot engine components, the ignition point should be assessed and compared with surface temperatures to manage the risk of fires. When selecting products, higher ignition point products should be used.”
Hammersley Solution
DETAR Heavy Duty Degreaser concentrate sets a new standard in effectiveness, safety and environmental care. DETAR is a plant based formula made from 100% renewable resources containing NO petroleum ingredients. This powerful nonflammable formula penetrates the heaviest deposits [including blackjack, tar and asphalt] quickly and efficiently.
Brian Mclean observes “There has been very little chance in the chemistry of heavy duty degreasers over the last 50 years and that is why Hammersley’s new development is such a quantum leap forward.” Australian Mine Safety Journal | April 2022
DETAR delivers powerful solvency together with workplace safety and environmental benefits
√ Non-hazardous
√ Non-toxic
√ Non-flammable
√ Safe for confined spaces including underground mining
√ Biodegradable with no hazardous environmental impacts
3. HYDROSOLV Hard Surface Cleaner Replaces Toxic and Hazardous Cleaning Products
Many chemical cleaners widely used in mining and industrial maintenance are:
X Highly Flammable
X Highly Toxic with N-propyl bromide, Trichloroethylene and Perchloroethylene commonly used in non-flammable formulas to provide cleaning performance
X Non-biodegradable and Harmful to the Environment
Hammersley Solution
HYDROSOLV the ultimate hard surface cleaner and degreaser delivers workplace safety & environmental benefits:
√ Non-hazardous
√ Non-toxic
√ Non-flammable
√ Contains a special rust inhibiter to protect metal
√ Safe for use in all hard surfaces including food preparation areas
√ Biodegradable with no hazardous environmental impacts
4. THE GOOD OIL Penetrating Lubricant Replaces Toxic Products
The harmful effects of toxic lubricants poses serious hazards to workers in the form of skin irritation and respiratory issues, and also contamination of soil and water. “Most lubricants should be handled with care and proper personal protective equipment (PPE). The base oils and additives that make up lubricants not only can have catastrophic effects on the environment, but they can also be toxic to your health.” What You Should Know About Lubricant Toxicity Michael C. Brown, Noria Corporation in Machinery Lubrication Magazine www.machinerylubrication.com
The Hammersley solution addresses all of these workplace health and safety concerns whilst delivering superior penetration and lubrication.
Hammersley Solution
The GOOD OIL Penetrating Lubricant and Protectant – Superior Performance with OH&S and Environmental Compliance.
The Good Oil is a high-quality lubricant that provides:
√ Unparalleled penetration and highly efficient lubrication
√ Corrosion neutralisation and rust prevention
√ Moisture repulsion
√ Enhanced safety for both workers and the environment
Made from proprietary modified vegetable oils, it is biodegradable and non-toxic, meaning that it won’t harm the environment or pose any health risks to workers.
THE GOOD OIL PREMIMUM PENETRATING LUBRICANT AND PROTECTANT delivers workplace safety and environmental benefits:
√ Non-hazardous
√ Non-flammable
√ Moisture repelling
√ Suitable for confined spaces
√ Suitable tor underground mines
√ 100% Biodegradable with no hazardous environmental impacts
√ Highly Efficient Lubricant with unequalled penetration and rust protection
HAMMERSLEY Product Range for Mining and Industrial Maintenance:
Maintenance Cleaning and Heavy Duty Degreasing:
• DETAR – Heavy Duty Degreaser Concentrate
• HYDROSOLV – Bio Degradable Degreaser and Hard Surface Cleaner
• THE GOOD OIL – Premium Penetrating Lubricant and Protectant
• NONFLAM CONTACT CLEANER – Aerosol
• QD CONTACT CLEANER – Aerosol
• BRAKE & PARTS CLEANER – Flammable and Non Flammable
• RIM GOLD – Rim Seal and Wheel Protection
• MINE KLEAN Glass Cleaner
• AQUATRON – Heavy Duty Water Based Degreaser
• DC 186 Degreaser – Powerful Degreaser Concentrate
Electrical Maintenance:
• NS14 – Electrical Safety Solvent
• NS 22 – Dewatering Safety Solvent
• NS 25 – Non Chlorinated Cleaning and Electrical Solvent
• NS 36 – Non Chlorinated Cleaning and Electrical Solvent
• PENETRAX – Penetrating Lubricant and Moisture Dispersant
Lubrication:
• PENETRAX – Penetrating Lubricant and Moisture Dispersant
• Engine Oil Treatment
Rust and Corrosion Protection:
• CORRONIL – Corrosion Prevention under short and long term storage
• CORRONIL RS50 – Rust & Corrosion Protection for long term protection of mining equipment and plant
Dust Suppression:
• DUSTAT – Surface Infrastructure Residual and Cumulative Dust Control
• CF211 – Underground Mining
Facilities Maintenance and Personal Care:
• Complete Personal Care, Kitchen, Toilet and Bathhouse Bulk and Small Pack Range
Bede Boyle is Mining and Industry Advisor to Hammersley. A former consulting engineer, Senior Planning and Environmental Engineer and Group Manager Technical Services with Coal & Allied Operations and Advisor to METS firms since 1994.
Bede Boyle BE Mech
UNSW MINING & INDUSTRY ADVISOR