Hoist controller
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A hoist controller is a machine for raising and lowering goods or personnel by means of a cable, for example at a pit head. Once always a winding engine, modern hoist controllers are almost universally powered by electric motors. However the operator is still known as a winding engine driver for historical reasons. In the mining sector in South Africa, the action of raising and lowering persons or material is facilitated, by means of an onsetter(person)underground (on a certain landing level) and a Banksman(person), working on the shaft-bank area. These persons communicate with the Winding Engine Driver(WED) by signalling on a locked bell system. These signals are interpreted by the WED as to what action is needed by the Onsetter and Banksman with regard to the movement of the conveyance(s). For example: The banksman will signal 1(one) to the WED and then the WED will control the machine in such a way that the conveyance will be raised at the shaft bank. The tone of the signal will differ from that of the onsetter, so that the driver will know from whom the signal is coming. There are many different signals rung in sequence. Each signal will have a different meaning to the WED. There are signals for raising, lowering, raising slowly, lowering slowly. A signal which informs the WED that the conveyance is clear and that the WED may proceed to perform whatever action He/She wants to perform at His/Her discretion. There are also signals informing the WED of what contents the conveyance is transporting, persons, material, explosives, long material attached to the bottom of the conveyance etc. These signals are standardised on all mines in South Africa, and have been approved by the government mining engineer (a person appointed by the minister of minerals and energy affairs). These signals are known as the Government Code of Signals. Special signals for a specific mine have to be approved by the regional director (an inspector of machinery appointed by the minister of minerals and energy affairs) and can only be used once approved. No other signals than these signals are allowed.
