THE Queensland Department of Mines and Energy released a Safety Bulletin late last year about the lack of effective brakes on rigid on-highway trucks being used in off-highway conditions at mines.
According to the department there have been a number of fatal accidents and serious injuries involving inadequate braking. It claims most incidents involve trucks used by contractors, and it seems lesser standards are being accepted for some contractors’ equipment compared to mines’ equipment.
The department said risks are not being controlled to an acceptable level. The abrasive nature of most mining dusts causes rapid wear and can clog the brake chambers on vehicles, leading to brake failures.
The Department of Mines and Energy said all mines that allow road registrable trucks to operate on the mine should:
1. Understand the conditions in which the truck will operate, and adhere to the vehicle manufacturer’s specification for loads, gradients, etc.
2. Have a competent persons inspect the truck before use at the mine. The inspection should be documented and should ensure that -
- The truck is in a fit for purpose condition to use
- All safety critical systems are functional (brakes, steering, warning systems and operator protection)
- The truck has been properly maintained
- A structural inspection is carried out of the undercarriage, body, suspension, brakes and all other structural areas
- The tyres on the mobile plant are in a good condition
- A brake test is performed which verifies the truck is capable of stopping on the maximum grades at the mine
- Appropriate operator protection is provided
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