In relation to operational safety, what does benching in highwall stability involve?

In relation to operational safety, what does benching in highwall stability involve?

• A. Dismantling all highwall structures
• B. Creating safe slopes and platforms
• C. Reducing the height of all benches
• D. Increasing the overall width of working areas

Answer: (B)

Benching in highwall stability refers to the practice of creating safe slopes and platforms to enhance operational safety in mining environments. This method involves shaping the highwall into a series of horizontal ledges or steps, which not only provides additional flat and stable working areas but also helps to minimize the risk of landslides or collapses. By designing these benches, it allows for better drainage and reduces the amount of material that might fall from the vertical highwall, thereby protecting workers and equipment below. This technique is essential in ensuring that the slopes are within safe angles and that the structure remains stable during operations. The other options do not directly relate to the specific practice of benching for safety. For example, dismantling all highwall structures would counteract stability as it would remove necessary support; reducing the height of benches may lead to insufficient access and increased risk; and increasing the overall width of working areas does not necessarily contribute to the stabilization or safety of the highwalls themselves. Thus, focusing on the creation of safe slopes and platforms is key to understanding the role of benching in highwall stability.

Benching in highwall stability refers to the practice of creating safe slopes and platforms to enhance operational safety in mining environments. This method involves shaping the highwall into a series of horizontal ledges or steps, which not only provides additional flat and stable working areas but also helps to minimize the risk of landslides or collapses.

By designing these benches, it allows for better drainage and reduces the amount of material that might fall from the vertical highwall, thereby protecting workers and equipment below. This technique is essential in ensuring that the slopes are within safe angles and that the structure remains stable during operations.

The other options do not directly relate to the specific practice of benching for safety. For example, dismantling all highwall structures would counteract stability as it would remove necessary support; reducing the height of benches may lead to insufficient access and increased risk; and increasing the overall width of working areas does not necessarily contribute to the stabilization or safety of the highwalls themselves. Thus, focusing on the creation of safe slopes and platforms is key to understanding the role of benching in highwall stability.