Mine operators must provide adequate information, training and instruction to workers about monitoring and responding to potential situations when undertaking drilling operations (e.g. the occurrence of toxic gases).
A Hitachi EH5000 haul truck stopped at an in-pit fuel farm. The operator left the cabin and noticed smoke through gaps in the top deck. The operator walked down the stairs and noticed flames at the left-hand engine bay. He returned to the cabin, called emergency and manually activated the fire suppression system. The fire was extinguished, and the water cart attended the incident.
Recommendations to industry: Failures of turbocharger oil supply lines have been identified as the cause of many mobile plant engine fires. Mine operators must develop and adhere to strict inspection and maintenance standards and practices specific for their site conditions, to prevent loss of oil through oil feed lines and mitigate potential engine fires.
Dangerous incident | IncNot 0034429
Summary: A fire occurred on a water truck located at the top of a ramp. The operator stopped the truck and activated the fire suppression system. The fire suppression system was unsuccessful in extinguishing the fire. Hand held extinguishers and a water cart were used to extinguish the fire. No one was injured. An escape of fluid onto a hot surface was identified as the cause.
Recommendations to industry: Loss of hydraulic oil or hydrocarbon fluids is a common cause of fire on mobile plant. Mine operators should identify, evaluate and segregate hot surface temperature ignition sources from potential fuel sources.
Dangerous incident | IncNot 0034437
Summary: Mineworkers reported a burning smell at an underground coal mine. On investigation, burning coal embers were identified, which were ignited by a dislodged roller that was running in fines at a roadway underpass. The heating was cooled and extinguished by a water hose. The dislodged roller was most likely caused by a vehicle contacting the underpass guards.
Recommendations to industry: Mine operators must ensure a minimum clearance to vehicles at underpasses and that conveyor belts run clear of fixed structures and fines in all locations.
Dangerous incident | IncNot 0034439
Summary: The operator of a laden haul truck reported experiencing a micro-sleep while driving the truck down a ramp. The haul truck was seen by another driver to be travelling at excess speed and lose control. The other driver called on the two way and managed to wake the operator. The operator managed to regain control on a flat part of the roadway.
Recommendations to industry: Mine operators should include worker fatigue monitoring and response technology as a part of fatigue risk analysis.
Dangerous incident | IncNot 0034443
Summary: An underground loader at a metalliferous mine caught on fire due to insulation on a battery lead being worn through. The fire suppression system was automatically activated. The operator then used a fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire.
Recommendations to industry: Mine operators must ensure auto electrical components on diesel equipment are maintained in a fit for purpose state. Cabling and wiring harnesses should always be secured and routed to keep clear of moving parts and heat sources.
Following a fire on mobile plant, once the suspected cause of the fire has been identified, all other equipment of the same type in service at the mine should be inspected as soon as possible to ensure the defect does not exist on these other machines.
Refer to
MDG15 for further information.
Dangerous incident | IncNot 0034460
Summary: A coal burst occurred during remote mining on a longwall, causing the shearer and armored face conveyor to trip. Video footage was used to confirm the coal burst. The mine followed site procedures and no injuries occurred as a result of the incident. An investigation is continuing.
Recommendations to industry: Mine operators must complete a geotechnical assessment to determine the correct support requirements taking into account the potential for rock burst as per cl44B(2)(d). Mine operators should firstly determine the risk of rock burst and then the required support to minimise likelihood. Following this assessment, the mine operator should assess appropriate controls including de-stress drilling, hydro-fracking and no-go zones if the risk of rock burst exists. In most instances rock burst and coal burst should be treated as the same risk.
