Emergency response, News, Safety analysis, Safety events and incidents, Surface operations, Work health and safety

Lessons learned from haul truck fire

haul truck

The New South Wales Resources Regulator has warned mines to assess the emergency preparedness of their operators after a driver re-entered a burning haul truck to retrieve his hard hat.

While driving up a ramp in an open cut pit, a truck operator noticed a failed turbo and reported it on the maintenance channel.

As the truck ascended, flames erupted from the right-hand side, prompting the operator to call an emergency.

Dispatch activated a site-wide emergency response and the operator stopped, exited the truck via the stairway.

However, the operator did not shut down the truck before exiting and fire suppression was not triggered.

What’s more after initially exiting the truck the driver went back to retrieve his hard hat.

Engine oil from the failed turbo ignited on the exhaust, spreading to the right-hand fender’s sound suppression material.

A mining supervisor activated the emergency stop and fire suppression from the front bumper. A water cart attended the scene shortly after and extinguished the fire.

The NSW Resources Regulator investigated the scene and issued a warning to mines across the state.

“Mine operators should regularly assess the emergency preparedness capabilities of their heavy vehicle operators,” the Regulator said.

“Understanding what the appropriate actions are when a fire breaks out on a heavy vehicle and implementing the actions immediately can significantly reduce the risks that the operator may be exposed to during egress from the vehicle.

“Understanding the best method of rapid activation of onboard fire suppression systems is an essential item of competence for all heavy vehicle operators.”

All mines are required to have an emergency plan which includes emergency procedures, as well as training and testing of protocols.

Lessons learned from past mine emergencies have highlighted the need to establish and maintain relationships between mine operators and emergency services.

Subscribe to Safe to Work for the safety news that matters most to the Australian mining industry.

Send this to a friend