https://btpnadzor.ru/archive/nazvanie-statiotsenka-riska-avariy-na-predpriyatiyakh-po-proizvodstvu-zolota

Due to its unique properties, gold has always played a significant role in the global economy as a valuable financial asset and is still considered a highly demanded metal in the contemporary industry. Specialized affinity companies are involved in the production of pure high-grade gold (999.9). Gold production is a complex process with its specific features, among them expensive chemicals and equipment, harmful microclimate in premises, labor-intensive workflows, loss of precious metals with waste, and the use of toxic substances. Despite the numerous accident risk assessment methods applied, a method that could consider all features of gold production is required. Therefore, today, the development of the accident assessment method considering the aspects of gold production is a relevant scientific problem. The main stages of the production process have been considered as follows: smelt intake, Miller process, electrolysis in «aqua regia», smelting of finished products, and pouring of measured ingots. For each stage of the gold production process chain, specific hazards and accidents (incidents) that might be caused by them have been detected. Some hazards, such as complete or partial blackout, the use of lift-loading facilities and technical devices, load falls, destruction of the lining of the induction furnace, and discharge of melt, are the most common and specific to several production areas. Handling hydrochloric and sulphuric acids and gaseous chlorine requires specific storage and use conditions in order to avoid emergencies. Groups of criteria that consider the specifics of gold production, i.e., natural, technological, structural, unintentional human factor, intentional human factor, and others, have been developed. Among the most distinguishable features of gold production facilities are the limited access to facilities, a high level of secrecy, and increased safety measures, which may hamper personnel’s evacuation in case of an accident. This must be considered when assessing accident risk. The criteria provided in the study help to detect hazards for each stage of the gold production process, thus helping to predict emergencies and develop necessary protective measures for both a specific workflow and the production as a whole.