Mines safety alert no. 251 | 23 November 2010 | Version 1
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.
All mine types
This Safety alert results from an increase in reported unplanned movement / loss of control incidents involving light vehicles, rather than any one event. Of particular concern is how many of these incidents involved light vehicle drivers loosing control on haul roads, and the vehicle overturning.
Light vehicles.
Unplanned movement/loss of control.
A review of these incidents reveals the singular primary cause is a slippery road surface due to watering or recent rain.
For some time now, reports of vehicles loosing control often have the vehicle sliding uncontrolled but remaining upright, coming to rest with all aboard generally unharmed. Recently however, an alarming number of incidents have involved vehicles sliding on a wet road surface, hitting a dry section and rolling over as the tyres gripped the dry road with its greater frictional resistance.
This is often exacerbated by additional weight, exceeding the manufacture's specifications, placed on the vehicle. This raises the height of the centre of gravity, making the vehicle less stable.
Drivers have lost control of their vehicles for a number of reasons, including the following:
Note: These recommendations are directed at the vehicle and its safe operation. They are in addition to controls implemented to prevent unplanned movement / loss of control incidents detailed in procedures such as the Design and Construction of Mine Roads.
Contact: minesafetyandhealth@dnrm.qld.gov.au
Issued by Queensland Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation
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All information on this page (Safe operation of light vehicles - https://www.rshq.qld.gov.au/safety-notices/mines/safe-operation-of-light-vehicles) is correct as of time of printing (May 20, 2024 5:26 pm).