Dangerous incident | SinNot 2018/00608
Summary: During raise bore operations of a 5 m diameter shaft, a rod string broke. The reaming cutter head fell 198 m onto a muck pile. No-go zones and barricading were in place (as per the mine’s procedure), therefore no workers were in the area or at risk.
Recommendations to industry: Before starting raise bore activities, condition monitoring tools such as non-destructive testing should be used to verify that equipment is fit for use.
Maintenance intervals for cutting consumables should be estimated before starting the task. Data such as geological assessments, test bores and historical data should be used to develop initial plans. Once raise boring begins, the estimated intervals should be reviewed and validated using actual data.
Serious injury | SinNot 2018/00594
Summary: A worker suffered a fractured finger and ligament damage in the process of relocating a roof support cylinder. A monorail transport system was being used to move the cylinder when the worker placed his hand between the cylinder and a relay bar, crushing his finger.
Recommendations to industry: No-go zones and safe standing zones for workers must be in place and understood by all involved with the task. This should be included in work procedures.
Dangerous incident | SinNot 2018/00586 | SinNot 2018/00587
Summary: A surface coal mine experienced ongoing spontaneous combustion in old underground workings and surface dumps.
Recommendations to industry: The Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Regulation 2014 has been updated to include spontaneous combustion at a coal mine as a dangerous incident to be notified to the regulator.
Mine operators should review the updated legislation on the NSW Legislation website (www.legislation.nsw.gov.au) to ensure compliance with all notification requirements.
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