|
|
|
|
Two mine workers were seriously injured when high-pressure air unexpectedly escaped from a pipe at the Centennial Mandalong Mine last month.
The workers were extending a nearby water pipe about 140 metres below the surface when air from an airpipe escaped, blowing them off their feet. Both workers were seriously injured, one with spinal injuries.
We are investigating the incident and exploring whether an uncapped T-piece found in the airpipe and several other fittings found nearby are linked to the incident.
Operators are reminded to undertake appropriate inspections of the work area and plant. This is to ensure the risks associated with the installation and commissioning of plant are managed and that plant is isolated correctly to prevent risk of injury.
Workers must comply with the mine’s work instructions, policies and procedures, including the isolation of plant that is not in use or under construction.
Learn more at our investigation reports page where you can access the IIR.
|
|
|
Bolt tension key in clamp failures
Mines should review bolt tensioning methods in pipe clamp assemblies and confirm manufacturers’ recommended torque settings are not exceeded.
There have been multiple failures of 6” shouldered pipe quick install clamps at different mines.
One mine recently switched to a different style of pipe clamp and failed to identify the change in installation method. The entire lug snapped off the clamp due to uneven tightening.
A second mine suffered a failure while recharging a line as the bolts on the clamp were installed unevenly and susceptible to damage from being over torqued. Manufacturer testing later revealed metallurgy deficiencies that weakened the clamp.
In both cases safe installation could have been achieved by alternating sides throughout the tightening process to ensure the bolts were evenly tightened. Uneven bolt tightening or over torquing can lead to joint or structural failure of the clamp.
Workers must be trained and a procedure developed to routinely check that clamps are correctly installed. For more information about bolt tensioning is available in the safety bulletin.
|
|
|
|
|
Collisions on overburden dumps
We have identified a significant increase in incidents involving rear dump trucks and dozers on waste dumps over the past 6 months.
The majority of these incidents resulted in the tray of the rear dump truck striking close to the dozer operator's cabin, placing the dozer operator at serious risk.
Eight rear dump truck and dozer collisions have occurred between November 2021 and April 2022.
All but one of the incidents was in the surface coal mining industry. Common themes or causal factors have included:
- Lack of positive communication - a major contributing factor in nearly all incidents was a lack of clear and positive communication between the haul truck and dozer operators.
- Lack of situational awareness - operators were not continuously aware of changing situations on dumps.
- Time pressures and competency of workers - with an increase of new workers entering the industry, operators with limited experience in changing and challenging conditions have reported feeling pressured and not always competent to complete certain tasks.
Further details about the investigation and our recommendation can be found in the safety bulletin.
|
|
|
2022 exam calendar updated
The Certificate of Competence exam calendar has been updated for exams in the second half of 2022. Updates include:
- Electrical engineering briefing session to be held on 20 June.
All applications are to be submitted via the Resources Regulator portal by first obtaining a login, which requires identity documents to be submitted.
Individuals interested in applying are recommended to attend the free briefing session for each function conducted by each examination panel to inform you of what the process requires and what is expected to be assessed as competent. Please register to attend here: cocbriefingsesstickets.eventbrite.com.au
|
|
|
Have your say: Proposed WHS (MPS) Regulation 2022
We are seeking feedback on the proposed Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Regulation 2022.
The proposed Regulation will re-make the existing Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Regulation 2014 with some amendments, as part of the staged repeal of statutory rules under the Subordinate Legislation Act 1989.
The proposed Regulation and RIS are currently on public exhibition and are available for inspection on our consultation webpage.
Written comments and submissions can be emailed to meg.policy@regional.nsw.gov.au. Submissions close 5pm, Friday 8 July 2022.
|
|
|
Opal mining safety workshop - White Cliffs
This safety awareness course has been combined with the mine operators’ workshop. It covers the knowledge and skills required to be a mine operator at an opal mine, including safety policy, hazard identification, maintenance, risk management, people management, emergency response plans and contractors.
Details are below:
- Wednesday 27 July 2022
- 8:30am - 5:00pm
- Bill O'Reilly Oval, Beth Street, White Cliffs
More information is available on our website.
|
|
|
MESS 2022 - tickets selling fast
Tickets are selling fast to the 30th Mechanical Engineering Safety Seminar (MESS) to be held on 10 - 11 August, 2022 at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.
The 2-day seminar focuses on mechanical safety and health issues in mines and provides a means for collective communication, discussion and consultation of those issues between engineers and other key stakeholders.
There are a range of ticket options for guests across the 2-day seminar. Limited tickets available.
|
|
|
Small Mines Roadshow 2022 - presentations now available
Throughout February, March and April 2022, the Small Mines Roadshow travelled throughout regional NSW delivering workshops to industry focussed on effective supervision, quarry manager practising certificates, on-site management of vehicles and plant, dust management and a number of other topics relevant to the sector.
Presentations from the workshops are now available on our website.
|
|
|
Changes for industrial plant registrations
Businesses needing to register industrial plant items with SafeWork NSW can now do so via the NSW Government’s simplified digital process.
The new digital registration form on the Service NSW website can be used to register plant items such as cranes, lifts, escalators, boilers and pressure vessels.
Customers can now complete all parts of new plant item registrations online, including payment, with the new digital registration form on the Service NSW website.
Customers will need a MyServiceNSW account to register which can be created via the ServiceNSW mobile app or website.
|
|
|
In case you missed it...
The following are recent publications and updates available on our website:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
