What works for our situation?
While this Knowledge Hub provides curated information to assist you, it must be adapted for your circumstances. Some of the resources apply in most circumstances e.g. specifying that new equipment for use underground has non-flammable engine covers.
Other resources such as examples of maintenance quality checks and hot work process are operation specific. However, the principles, once understood, can be adapted, and applied for your circumstances.
What is the role of technology?
The EMESRT Fire Management working group is considering and developing technology application functional requirements e.g. Integrating fire suppression systems with machine operation and Regular monitoring of equipment status that predicts fires, alarms on equipment, and notifies.
Please review the resources below for further information.
Lightning Strikes – Managing the Risks – Safety Bulletin 60
Lightning
Mining Magazine Article – Fire threats on the rise at mine sites
2 page article covering an observed trend by insurers in the frequency and severity of fires in Australia...
Mining Publication: Analysis of Mine Fires for All U.S. Underground and Surface Coal Mining Categories: 1990-1999
Prevention of fires in underground mines
SA12-01-Inappropriate-maintenance-practices-and-fire-protection-lead-to-major-plant-fire
Investigation findings and recommendations from an excavator fire (which was a complete loss) [More...]
SA19-02-Truck-catches-fire-underground
Agitator truck, underground metals mine, Cobar, mon-metallic engine covers and guards, fuel load, fuel tank puncture [More...]
SB15-03-Fires-ignite-while-refuelling-mobile-plant
Incidents related to fuelling fires are analysed [More...]