The NSW Resources Regulator is urging mine operators to review electrical safety controls after another worker received an electric shock, adding to what it describes as a concerning spate of electrical incidents across the mining industry.
The latest incident occurred at an underground metals mine, where a worker received an electric shock while operating the on/off switch on a 240V AdBlue delivery pump used to refuel a loader.
According to the regulator, the pump’s switch ingress protection membrane had been damaged, reducing its level of protection against dust and moisture, while the associated residual current device failed to operate as expected.
The regulator also found the AdBlue handpiece control had been bypassed, requiring the worker to start and stop the pump using the 240V switch rather than the handpiece.
In response, the regulator has urged mine operators and other persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) to assess their electrical engineering control plans and confirm existing safeguards against electric shock remain suitable for the tasks being carried out.
It said reviews should consider how effectively controls are being applied, with particular attention given to energy isolation procedures, the selection of fit-for-purpose electrical equipment, ongoing maintenance and workforce competency.
The regulator also stressed the importance of maintaining electrical installations in a condition that does not expose workers to risk, including routinely verifying that ingress protection (IP) ratings remain compliant to prevent dust and moisture from entering electrical equipment.
The recommendations reinforce guidance outlined in the regulator’s safety bulletin on electric shocks, which called on the industry to strengthen electrical risk management in response to a series of similar incidents last year.
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