THE DEPARTMENT of Mines and Energy’s Mines Inspectorate has released an official safety warning after a fatal accident wherein a loader entered an open stope.
The Department says that a loader operator sustained fatal injuries when the mucking unit he was operating entered an open bench stope void. At the time of the incident, the operator was delivering backfill to the underground bench stope and tipping over a solid edge. He entered the stope from the fill point (top of the bench) and the unit came to rest on a rill at the base of the stope; a fall of approximately 20 metres.
The incident is currently under investigation. The investigators say that while operating underground mining equipment near voids, in particular backfilling stopes and tipping into passes and operating equipment over filled voids, is common practice, hazards must be adequately controlled so that the risks are as low as reasonably possible.
The Department recommends that prior to commencing work near the edge of a void or over unconsolidated ground, always conduct a site inspection and risk assessment of the work to be conducted.The authority also suggests that companies review current control measures, considering the hierarchy of controls, to prevent equipment falling into voids whilst working near void edges or over unconsolidated ground. Ensure hazards and risk control measures are communicated to all relevant mine workers prior to the individual commencing operations.
Furthermore, establishing adequate supervision to ensure effective implementation of control measures is crucial. In addition, the close monitoring of the initial operations to verify the effectiveness of the control measures is recommended.
Similarly, ensuring competent mine planning to minimise undercutting of void edges and minimise removal of material which may create unknown voids on interconnecting levels (backfill slumps).
The Department says that ensuring void edges are known and stable. Where possible, conduct a site inspection of the void edge from a separate drive for better visibility. If there is doubt about the stability of a void edge, stop work and assess controls and implement further controls if necessary. As well as ensuring an effective stop log is always present at the void edge. Minimise build up of material that may create a ramp. Operators must always approach a stop log slowly and with caution.
Additionally, the authority suggests that in order to maximise the operator’s awareness of the void edge, illumination and markers be used. Markers need to be clearly visible and/or audible to the operator, and indicate the limit of travel of the equipment.
It is also recommended that parties ensure the mechanical condition of the unit, in particular the brakes, complies with original equipment manufacturer’s standards as a minimum, and that the operator is competent and conducts the appropriate pre-start check of the equipment.
Lastly, when leaving an open void area, the operator must ensure there is a physical barricade and sufficient signage to warn personnel of the hazards in the area.
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