Australasian Mine Safety is the leading voice for all key decision makers within Mining company's and major contractors. Delivering the latest industry news as it breaks.
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111 The Australasian Mine Safety Journal Summer 2011/12 FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY Fire Protection for the Mining Sector The high-risk nature of the mining industry increases the risk of fire. Fire prevention and control measures include: • Ensuring all mine personnel are aware of the fire management plan and their requirements under the plan. • A site evacuation plan, which must be reviewed and tested. • The location of portable fire extinguishers on or near equipment and installations identified as potential fire hazards. • The availability of any other identified fire suppression equipment. There have been a number of equipment fires on mine sites and this in turn poses a danger to machine operators, who are at risk of being caught in a fire. Mine management has a responsibility to ensure there is an effective fire management plan for each mine, which includes having adequate controls in place to reduce hazards and the required action in the event of a fire. • Training for mine workers in the correct operation of all fire extinguishers and suppression equipment. To ensure the effectiveness of the fire management plan there are technical requirements that should be adhered to. These include: • Fitting equipment with custom designed, reliable fire sensing and suppressions systems. • Maintaining fire systems through regular inspection and testing. • Ensuring handheld extinguishers are checked regularly and replaced as required. • Utilising external expertise to meet the changing requirements of the industry, relevant standards and occupational health and safety regulations. Mine vehicle with fire suppression system fitted by ARA Fire. ARA Fire is an Australian business and a national provider of fire safety systems. Comprised of Asset Fire Security & Mechanical Services, Blazemaster, D & R Pipe Fabrication and Automatic Fire Protection Design. We specialise in the design, supply, installation, service and maintenance of essential fire protection systems. ARA Fire is experienced in the installation of fire suppression systems in mine vehicles. Fire suppression systems used by ARA Fire have a reputation for quality and innovation. ARA Fire has technical expertise and skills in the mining and resources sector and with large infrastructure projects throughout Australia. We are recognised for our mine site experience and the range of fire services we provide to the mining industry. We use leading-edge technology to provide a comprehensive range of passive and active fire protection solutions and products. All work carried out by ARA Fire fulfils statutory and Australian Standards requirements. ARA Fire services include: • Mine Vehicle Suppression System design and installation • Maintenance of Portable Fire Equipment and all essential fire systems • Automatic Fire Alarm Systems design, installation and maintenance • Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems design, installation and maintenance • Deluge Systems design, installation and maintenance • Fire Detection and Warning Systems design, installation and maintenance • Fire protection pipe work fabrication • Fire Audits • Fire Training We have a long history of involvement with the National Fire Industry Association (NFIA). Together with other companies associated with the NFIA, we work to facilitate an environment conducive to the conduct of good, efficient, ethical and practical business for the benefit of the whole fire industry. We are represented on trade advisory groups and fire industry training groups. Our involvement with these and the NFIA enables us to assist our employees to grow their skills and to keep our customers up-to-date with current legislation and the latest research and development in the fire industry. ARA Fire forms part of the ARA Group; an Australian group of companies specialising in building and infrastructure services for industrial, commercial and government markets. ARA Fire is located in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. Close-up view of vehicle fire suppression system For More Information T: +61 (0) 7 3806 1000 E: info@arafire.com.au www.aragroup.com.au