Frictional Ignition Events | Resources Safety & Health Queensland
Print notice
Alert Banner

Mines safety alert no. Newsflash | 14 April 2020 | Version 1

Frictional Ignition Events

What happened?

An underground coal mine experienced two frictional ignition events on a longwall face. The events occurred approximately eight days apart with both being extinguished successfully.

How did it happen?

In both incidents the shearer was in the process of cutting through a geological structure (a down throw fault) on the longwall face. Additional controls introduced to manage the hazard after the first event proved inadequate to prevent a reoccurrence. A formal investigation by the mines inspectorate is being conducted.

Recommendations

All SSEs should review and examine the adequacy of the controls at their mine to prevent the occurrence of frictional ignition events. Controls such as elimination or substitution should be sought, rather than administrative procedural controls.

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: +61 7 31998001

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

Acknowledgement of Country

RSHQ respectfully acknowledges all Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the country on which we live and work. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, waters and culture and commit to ongoing reconciliation. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present.