Dangerous incident | SinNot 2018/00448
Summary: A light vehicle was on a vehicle hoist in a workshop. It was parked in neutral and had wheel chocks applied. The hoist was raised to about 1.5 m for fitters to work on the wheels. They tried to lift the vehicle and found the lifting jack didn’t work, so the fitters then cycled the power to the hoist.
When power was reapplied the rear left-hand side of the hoist started to creep down (about 300 mm). The fitter operating the hoist was at the front of the hoist. The other fitters tried to stop the unplanned movement. The vehicle didn’t move on the hoist because of the wheel chocks, but a fitter was within 3 m of the side of the hoist that lowered.
Recommendations to industry: Mine operators should review and keep no standing zones around plant updated whenever new plant comes to a site. A review of both electrical and mechanical maintenance programs should also be undertaken.
Dangerous incident | SinNot 2018/00438
Summary: A drill rig was tramming up a ramp for a blast evacuation when a hydraulic hose ruptured. A trail of leaking oil was on the ground until the drill rig stopped due to a low oil level trip. The operator investigated the problem and saw a flame around the exhaust area. The exhaust and turbo had heat wrapping. The operator activated the fire suppression system manually and used a dry powder fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire. A water cart was called but not used.
Recommendations to industry: When a fire occurs, mine operators must conduct a thorough investigation by a competent person to determine the:
- fuel source and heat sources
- surface temperature value
- cause of the fire
- controls to prevent re-occurrence such as reducing engine component surface temperatures and segregating fuel sources from areas of high temperature, and fire safety inspections
- training of workers to identify fire risks such as fuels or oil leaks or worn hoses
- review of the fire risk assessment for the item of plant.
Mine operators should report the issue to the original equipment manufacturer.
Dangerous incident | SinNot 2018/00437
Summary: A coal burst was reported on a longwall face. No injuries were reported, however a worker was reported to be in the vicinity of where the event occurred. About 20 kg of coal product was ejected into the walkway.
A section 195 notice was placed on the mine prohibiting longwall operations.
Recommendations to industry: Mine operators should review how hazards on site are assessed as being a principal hazard. A principal hazard management plan should follow the hierarchy of controls and follow the legislative requirements.
Serious injury | SinNot 2018/00431
Summary: A surface drill was being packed up. At the time, there were stilsons attached to a cylinder that had no device to stop them falling over. They fell onto a control panel and the operator’s left middle finger. He continued operating the machine and reported it 10 minutes later.
He was taken to hospital and diagnosed with a compound fracture to the finger.
Recommendations to industry: Mine operators should review how their workforce are trained in personal risk assessments, especially in the recognition of potential hazards and the hierarchy of controls. Mine operators should review what methods are in place for supervisors to confirm compliance.
Serious injury | SinNot 2018/00429
Summary: A fitter suffered an injury to his right hand, including a broken wrist and possible tendon damage when a transport cradle associated with a downhole hammer rig fell. The rig had been transported to site and was being unloaded and set up for use. The fitter had removed a pin from the transport cradle and was standing the cradle up when the cradle fell and jammed his hand and wrist.
Recommendations to industry: Mine operators should review what is in place to assess the hazards associated with a potential change in conditions due to vibration and shaking after loads have been transported any distance.
|
