Dangerous incident 

November 26, 2017 Tara

Summary: An operator stopped at a diesel tag board and smelled something unusual and discovered flames coming from under a steel cover at a conveyor boot end. The operator hosed the area with water and removed the cover to make an inspection to ensure the fire was fully extinguished.

Recommendations to industry: Mine operators should ensure the following are in place for conveyor systems at their mine:
  • Conveyor pulleys are designed with the appropriate life for the intended duty.
  • Carbon monoxide monitoring or particulates of combustion sensors are be installed in appropriate locations to assist in the early detection of fire and heatings
  • Alarm set points and trigger action response plans should be developed that suit each installation
  • A water source is readily available to quickly extinguish a fire at any place along a conveyor belt
  • Conveyor inspections are undertaken regularly
  • Temperature for head and tail pulley bearings.

Consider the applicable recommendations in MDG 1032 Prevention of coal mine fires and AS/NZS 4024.3611

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