Safety (Issue 14)

QLD Tyre Fitting Fatality

In early February, one person died and another was injured at a mine in Queensland. The two were changing wheels on a truck when a split rim became dislodged and caused the tyre to move uncontrollably. It struck one person who sustained a broken jaw. The second person, who was pinned under the tyre assembly, suffered fatal injuries.

A similar incident occurred at a NSW mine in 2001 with the following recommendations:

• Establish vehicles with split rim assemblies on site
• Complete risk assessment regarding split rims
• Ensure there are sufficient barriers in place to prevent anyone from accidentally removing the split rim assembly bolts
• Review safe work procedures
• Ensure training and competence of those who are allowed to remove, fit or repair tyres.

SA Plant Fabrication Fatality

In late February, one person died at a quarry in South Australia. The deceased was contracted to conduct welding work on new conveyor plant (fabricating in workshop). The deceased was found  crushed by collapsing plant.

Further information on this incident will be provided once available.

SA Double Fatality

In early March, two persons died at a quarry in South Australia. A quarry worker was driving a dump truck when the vehicle veered across the quarry access road and over the embankment. The truck rolled approximately 35 Metres and came to rest on the embankment wall. Both the driver and a passenger in the vehicle died. Rescue workers were required to stabilise the ground before retrieving the bodies of the deceased. The incident is being investigated by inspectors from Workplace Services.

Precautions when handling large earthmoving tyres

Background

Large pneumatic tyres have special handling requirements, some of which if not adhered to can result in serious injury or death.  The New South Wales Minerals & Resource Department has seen fit to publish a Safety Alert which refers to specific incidents involving the handling of large earthmover tyres.

Recommendation

Instructions issued in manufacturer’s manuals, technical publications and site written procedures must be strictly adhered to at all times.

Australian Standard AS4457-1997 “Earth-moving machinery Off-highway rims and wheels Maintenance and repair” provides valuable information and guidance, in addition to the manufacturer’s recommendations and site procedures, etc.

In particular, please take into account the recommendation in AS445701997, paragraph 3.2.3 which recommends deflating tyres, including both tyres in the case of a dual wheel installation, to a maximum of 35 kPa (5 psi) before commencing work on the assemblies.  In the case of demountable rims, the tyre should be fully deflated.

Compliance

All Komatsu Australia personnel involved with the handling of large earthmover tyres should familiarise themselves with the points raised in this Bulletin.  All Komatsu Australia personnel who have responsibility for providing technical information to customers operating large off-highway machines should inform their customers, immediately of these recommendations.

Author:  David Fry
KAL Service Bulletin

You must be logged in to post a comment Login