Fires on Mobile Plant

The following Safety Alert from WORKSAFE highlights the need for quarry operators and workers to implement safety checks on mobile plant to prevent incidents involving fire.

SUMMARY

This Alert highlights the dangers of working on mobile plant at quarries and mines in Victoria following a series of incidents involving fire.

BACKGROUND

Since January 1, 2008 there have been nine incidents involving fire on mobile plant at mines in Victoria. Seven of them occurred in underground mines and two in open cut mines.

In five cases, fires were caused by oil hoses that failed and spilled or leaked oil onto hot engine components of the mobile plant, in one case accumulated brown coal was ignited, and in three cases, fires were caused by electrical faults.

The investigation of fire incidents concluded that component failure or a combination of component failures, together with inadequate maintenance contributed to or caused these fires.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Preventative control measures for vehicle operators and users:

• Properly route, space and attach hoses
• Routinely check hose clamps
• Use fire resistant anti-static hoses whenever possible
• Install insulation around hot components where reasonably practicable or insulate hoses near hot components
• Upgrade to braided hoses where reasonably practicable
• Routinely wash, clean and check hoses for any abnormalities including rubbing, oily mist or leaks
• Implement intermittent quality checks by manufacturer authorised service providers (eg an original equipment manufacturer) as a cross check for internal maintenance services where practicable
• Install fire detection and automatic fire suppression system on plant deemed by risk assessment to be operating at a higher risk of fire
• Install engine auto shutdown systems that shut the engine down when the fire suppression system is discharged on plant fitted with automatic fire suppression systems
• Routinely check for corrosion around solenoids and connections
• Replace/check solenoids at set engine hours or as per the manufacturer recommendation
• Install protective devices for solenoids such as fuses whenever possible
• Routinely check electrical wiring including insulation for its integrity
• Consider location and rating of protective devices such as fuses
• Ensure wiring control is protected against fire to reduce the likelihood of negative impact on other controls and automated systems
• Ensure the maintenance work order system includes the correct selection integrity and testing of the effectiveness of the preventative and mitigating control measures.

For more information phone WorkSafe on 1800 136 089 or email info@worksafe.vic.gov.au. For more information on occupational health and safety, go to WorkSafe’s website: www.worksafe.vic.gov.au

STOP PRESS – SERIOUS INCIDENT

WorkSafe has undertaken an emergency response to a sand quarry at Rosedale (near Sale).

All emergency services attended as a result of a male person (owner) getting his hand stuck in a conveyor while in the process of throwing sand into the conveyor drive roller to get grip on the slipping conveyor belt.

It took approximately 45 minutes to release the person who sustained severe hand damage.

Pictured below is the conveyor belt where the incident occurred.

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