Electrical systems expert Shyngys Beisabayev spearheaded an RFID-based safety overhaul after fatal fire at ArcelorMittal Temirtau

By: Elena Markham

A Turning Point Sparked by Tragedy

When a devastating fire broke out in May 2012 at the ArcelorMittal Temirtau steel plant in Kazakhstan, a safety system failure cost a young firefighter his life. The blaze, ignited by a conveyor belt in one of the workshops, trapped a crane operator in an elevated cabin with no viable exit route. The incident did more than expose outdated safety protocols—it galvanized a wave of innovation.

At the center of that transformation stood electrical systems engineer Shyngys Beisabayev. Working with Izmet LLP at the time, Beisabayev recognized the plant’s reliance on Soviet-era cranes posed ongoing risks to workers. The tragedy became a personal call to action.

“We were working with equipment designed decades ago for different realities,” Beisabayev recalls. “The tragedy made it clear—change was urgently needed.”

Designing a Safer Future

With a background in electrical automation and power systems, Beisabayev proposed a comprehensive modernization plan centered on RFID-enabled remote crane control. The primary goal: significantly reduce the need for operators to enter hazardous cabins altogether.

Under Beisabayev’s technical leadership, the project introduced several key innovations:

• RFID Authentication: Operators received RFID-enabled keys to remotely activate cranes from safe ground-level control stations.
• Automatic Lockout Systems: Timed shutdowns and audible alarms were implemented to help prevent unauthorized or unattended use.
• Safety Interlocks: Once remote mode was engaged, cabin access was electronically disabled, encouraging full transition away from in-cabin operation.
• Operational Logging: Each crane session was logged, providing a full audit trail for compliance and safety monitoring.

“What made the difference wasn’t just the technology—it was the commitment from every level of the plant to prioritize worker safety,” Beisabayev explains.

From Implementation to Industry Model

Over a phased rollout, twenty cranes were retrofitted with the new system. Operators underwent safety and technical training, while plant leadership tracked results closely.

The outcomes were notable:

• No reported injuries from crane operations post-implementation
• Observed improvements in productivity and responsiveness on the floor
• Elimination of routine operator access to elevated crane cabins

“Shyngys’ system didn’t just meet our expectations—it set a new standard,” says Aidos Nurkenov, Head of Operations at ArcelorMittal Temirtau. “It’s now a key reference for safety projects moving forward.”

Leading by Innovation

Beisabayev’s work has since drawn interest from industry peers across Central Asia, particularly in post-Soviet countries where aging industrial systems remain commonplace. His approach was presented at several regional automation and safety engineering conferences and has influenced similar upgrades in mining and metallurgy facilities.

The RFID retrofit project demonstrated that even with budget-conscious constraints, thoughtful engineering can contribute to life-saving change.

About the Engineer

Shyngys Beisabayev is a seasoned Electrical Power Systems Engineer and Industrial Automation Consultant with over a decade of experience serving energy, mining, and manufacturing sectors in Central Asia. He continues to focus on developing scalable safety and automation solutions aimed at improving safety in high-risk industrial environments.

Published by Jeremy S.