Explosives safety alert no. 63 | 22 January 2013 | Version 1
Rags on explosives vehicle exhaust cause fire
What happened?
The driver of a mobile explosives manufacturing vehicle saw smoke and flames coming from behind the cab. He put out the flames using the vehicle's fire extinguisher. The fire started in cloth rags left in contact with the high temperature exhaust which was exposed because sections of the exhaust shield were missing.
Recommendations
- Remove combustible materials from areas and surfaces that can become hot and cause fires.
- Shield high temperature exhausts properly when manufacturing plant and equipment, and when maintaining and servicing it.
- Check for foreign matter, including rags, when taking delivery of vehicles, especially after servicing.
- Report and tag out unsafe and defective equipment.
- Fit every vehicle with a fire suppression system. (See AS5062:2006 Fire suppression for mobile and transportable equipment.)
- Review safety management systems for suitable controls and procedures to address all the recommendations above.
- All licence holders check control measures are in place, the procedures under their safety management systems are followed and that records are kept.
Investigations are ongoing and further information may be published as it becomes available. The information in this publication is what is known at the time of writing.
We issue Safety Notices to draw attention to the occurrence of a serious incident, raise awareness of risks, and prompt assessment of your existing controls.
Contact: Manager, Explosives Licensing , +61 7 3199 8057 explosives@dnrm.qld.gov.au
Issued by Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines
Placement: Place this announcement on noticeboards and ensure all relevant people in your organisation receive a copy.
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