MinEx NZ has published a safety alert of a fire loader accident. According to reports, a loader operator noticed smoke while in the cab of a loader. Looking behind him, he saw flames behind the cab.
He removed his seatbelt, called on the radio to a nearby person and upon opening the cab door, flames lapped at the top of the steps.
Safety Alert | Failure to Lockout
ioneer partnership with Caterpillar for heavy equipment supply
He reacted quickly and jumped through the flames to the ground. Another employee came to assist with a fire extinguisher, but the flames were too high, and they evacuated the area.
Luckily, no injuries were sustained. Mobile equipment fires can spread quickly, and it is important to identify where your nearest exit is in the event of a fire.
MinEx data on incidents with the potential to cause harm over the 33 months to March 2020 show 3% of all incidents (92 incidents) result from fires, most of which involve mobile equipment.
MinEx NZ states recommendations:
- You review procedures for dealing with mobile equipment fires. It may be appropriate to evacuate rather than try to put the fire out.
- Appropriate firefighting equipment is always readily accessible.
- You identify where the easiest exit is from plant and equipment in the event of a fire.
- Prestart and maintenance checks on mobile plant include checks for fire ignition sources such as bird’s nests, rags, oil leaks etc.
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