Continuous Miner Mounted Rib Protection Systems

What happened?

On 27 July 2020 two Coal Mine Workers (CMWs) received serious injuries from rib spall while working on a continuous miner in a development panel heading. The incident occurred as the CMWs were installing roof support and extending ventilation tubes. An inspection of the site revealed that the machine mounted rib protection system installed on the continuous miner did not provide an effective control for this hazard. The distance between the top of the rib protector and the mine roof impacting the CMWs (refer to Figure 1 below).

Recommendations

All mines should:

Review the adequacy of risk assessments and controls for the operation and maintenance of rib protection systems in use on continuous miners (refer to Figure 2 below).
Ensure that the rib protection system is effective in preventing harmful rib spall entering the bolting platform area.
Confirm that the regular inspections are in place to confirm the adequacy of protection systems.

Safety Alert Purpose

Draw attention to the occurrence of a serious incident in the mining industry
Increase risk awareness
Promote mines to examine and check that their controls are adequate

The investigations are ongoing and further information may be published as it becomes available.

The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of writing.

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: Michael Scully, Inspector of Mines , 0459 878 917 Michael.Scully@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.

Find more safety notices

Search the hazards database

All information on this page (Continuous Miner Mounted Rib Protection Systems - https://www.rshq.qld.gov.au/safety-notices/mines/continuous-miner-mounted-rib-protection-systems) is correct as of time of printing (Apr 24, 2024 5:02 am).