Breach of Road Bund

What happened?

An incident occurred at an Open Cut Coal Mine where a truck has breached the bund and rolled over coming to rest below the road level. The Operator was not injured. The causation factors of the incident are yet be determined. Bunding is key in managing the risks associated with vehicles travelling over exposed edges

Recommendations

Things to Consider

Mines should review the size of bunding along exposed edges where a vertical drop-off exceeds 0.5m and develop appropriate edge protection considering the following:

The potential risk based on equipment used.
Vertical drop
Bund material used and drainage through bunds.

Below is an example of good practice design for bund construction:

Vertical drop greater than >5 metres require bunds 3metres high with a minimum base width of 7 metres
Standard trapezoidal safety berms shall have a minimum height equal to or greater than 50% of the tyre diameter of the largest vehicle regularly using the road (Refer to Figure 6 below)

Standard triangular safety berms shall have a minimum height equal to or greater than 66% of the tyre diameter of the largest vehicle regularly using the road (Refer to Figure 6 below)
The roadside facing batter angle of safety berms should be 45 degrees (1Vert. to 1Horiz.)

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.

Authorised by Peter Newman - Chief Inspector of Coal Mines

Contact: QldMinesInspectorate@rshq.qld.gov.au

Issued by Resources Safety & Health Queensland

Safety: This information is a guide only and is issued to promote safety through experience. It is not to be taken as a statement of law and must not be construed to waive or modify any legal obligation.

General: This information is a guide only. It is not to be taken as a statement of law and must not be construed to waive or modify any legal obligation.

Placement: Place this announcement on noticeboards and ensure all relevant people in your organisation receive a copy.

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All information on this page (Breach of Road Bund - https://www.rshq.qld.gov.au/safety-notices/mines/breach-of-road-bund) is correct as of time of printing (Apr 25, 2024 7:17 pm).