Mines safety alert no. Newsflash | 25 February 2019 | Version 1

Graders - Uncontrolled vehicle movement fatality

What happened?

A coal mine worker received fatal injuries when a grader exiting an underground coal mine rolled down the drift and collided with a man transporter.

Recommendations

All underground mines should immediately review procedures for:

• the use of mobile plant, including the operation of multiple vehicles on inclines and parking of vehicles
• checking of mobile plant
• verifying ongoing effectiveness of braking systems

In particular underground mine grader braking systems should be reviewed to:

• confirm systems are fit for purpose
• ensure test plans are in place to ensure that all braking system components on underground graders are functioning as intended.

Note: Braking systems include service brakes, parking brakes, emergency brakes and other braking systems, the failure of which may cause a risk to persons.

Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) should be consulted to ensure that correct test procedures are used for the aforementioned tests.

References and further information

Safety Newsflashes Purpose

1. Draw attention to the occurrence of a serious incident(s) in the mining industry
2. Increase risk awareness
3. 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.