Dangerous incident | SInNot 2018/00293
Summary: A contract fitter was using a high-torque wrench to remove bolts from the final drive on an excavator. He had a remote control in his hand and was using his right leg to steady the wrench in place when a failure occurred at the fitting/coupling at the manifold block on the high torque wrench. The fitter was sprayed with oil. The fitter was taken to first aid and checked but no entry point of fluid was located.
Recommendations to industry: Mine operators and contractors working with high pressure portable apparatus should ensure that:
- pre-use inspections are available for workers
- pre-use inspections address both mechanical and electrical safeguards
- guarding such as hose sleeves, metal or flexible covers should be considered for all parts of the equipment where there is potential hazard of fluid release due to the failure of hoses, fittings and seals.
- provisions are made for the torque wrench to remain stable while the operator uses a remote control device at a safe distance from the energy source.
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Dangerous incident | SInNot 2018/00289
Summary: A dump truck reversed to a dump windrow on an active tip head to tip a load of waste. The windrow collapsed behind the rear tyres with the truck’s tyres going through the windrow.
Recommendations to industry: Mine operators should review how workers are trained and assessed in recognising when a critical control is not in place or to the correct standard, such as windrow design. Mine operators should review how their supervisors monitor critical controls and actions to be taken where critical controls are identified as being inadequate.
Dangerous incident | SInNot 2018/00274
Summary: While inspecting a dewatering pump in a sump, a mine deputy removed a 2” air hose from the 6” pipe range manifold to which it was connected to identify the cause of a blockage. After opening the valve, the deputy felt for an air flow with the back of his left hand and felt only a small movement of air. There was a sudden release of a pressurised substance and as a result, the back of the deputy’s left hand was hit by coal particles and compressed air.
Recommendations to industry: Mine operators should review how workers and supervisors are trained in recognising the potential hazards associated with all energy sources.
This is especially important when there is the potential for an unexpected stored energy associated with blockages to be released without warning.
This is the third similar incident within a short period:
- Mud / slurry pump -blocked delivery.
- Air pump – blocked delivery.
- Airline – blocked outlet.
All workers involved were in the ‘line of fire’.
Dangerous incident | SInNot 2018/00263
Summary: The bearing on a water cart’s front left tyre failed during operation. This allowed the brake calliper to make contact with the brake disc, causing a rubber dust cover to catch fire.
Recommendations to industry: Mine operators should review the life cycle management of wheel bearings for the operating conditions at their mine including:
- when trucks are operated within the gross vehicle limits by the manufacturer
- axle loads (front versus rear) are within the limits recommended by the manufacturer
- wheel bearings are being maintained and replaced in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
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