Three incidents at New South Wales coal mines last week have prompted the state Regulator to issue mine safety warnings to the sector at large.
The first incident was at an underground coal mine and involved the outbreak of a fire that was quickly staunched.
A fitter was undertaking a weekly belt service on the mine’s conveyor when he noticed smoke coming from the walk side of the loop take up (LTU) near the main pulley.
The fitter removed a handful of burning coal from the frame then saw more embers beneath the carriage which were doused with water.
The NSW Resources Regulator investigated and found a build-up of coal material was exposed to heat via the frame of the LTU pulley.
“Mine operators should review their arrangements for eliminating or mitigating the risks associated with material accumulating around belt conveyors,” the Regulator said.
“Workers conducting conveyor inspections must diligently inspect for fire risks such as accumulation of material and contact between conveyor belts and fixed structures.”
The second incident involved a worker at an open cut coal mine sustaining a broken arm when a wooden pallet was dropped from the top deck of an excavator. The pallet weighed 19.12kg and fell about seven metres from the excavator.
“Fit-for-purpose equipment should be used to lift service items up and down from excavators,” the Regulator said.
“Under no circumstances should items be dropped from such a height.”
Elsewhere in the state, a worker at another open cut coal mine narrowly avoided injury in a collision between a haul truck and a service vehicle.
The haul truck reversed from a workshop apron and collided with the left-hand side of the service vehicle, damaging the main access stairway to the cabin.
The operator of the service vehicle exited the cabin through the passenger side door with no injuries.
“Workers have a duty to take reasonable care of themselves and others while in the workplace,” the Regulator said.
“This includes staying alert, being aware of their surroundings, and maintaining control of the plant and machinery they operate.”
The collision is the latest in a series of vehicle incidents that led the Resources Regulator to release a targeted awareness campaign.
Subscribe to Safe to Work for the safety news that matters most to the Australian mining industry.