(For mandatory purposes)
The following is a series of technical solutions that might be considered for addition in the mine's action plans and/or as part of the COP. This includes but not limited to the following:
Vehicles
| (a) | An adequate number of fire extinguishers adequate for the classification of fire for which it is to be used must be provided for each vehicle. |
| (b) | In addition to the above, large mining vehicles used for ore loading and transport should be provided with custom-designed on-board fire suppression equipment. |
| (c) | Where a vehicle has to pass under a power line, the line should be raised to provide clearance in accordance with MHSA Regulation 3.29. |
| (d) | In relation to the layout of equipment in engine bays, the following should be considered in relation to hydraulic hoses: |
| (i) | Hydraulic hoses should be flame retardant and meet the requirements of SANS Hydraulic hoses parts 10a and 10b and SANS 347 (2009): Categorization and conformity of all pressure equipment; |
| (ii) | Securely clamped away from hot surfaces; |
| (iii) | Located so that impact damage is minimized; and |
| (iv) | Provided with bulkhead fittings where they pass through bulkheads. |
| (e) | Flammable fluid containers should be located such that any overflow should not contact a potentially hot surface. |
| (f) | Secure filler caps should be provided that include tie straps. |
Engine systems
| (a) | Consider the use of powering-down systems to stop engines safely in the event of an emergency. |
| (b) | Engine control systems should be designed so that the fuel system would be shut-off automatically if a fault occurs that requires the engine to stop. |
| (c) | Adequate protection must be provided where this equipment is operated in explosive gas dust atmospheres (SANS 868-1 -1: Compression-ignition engine systems and machines powered by such engine systems, for use in mines and plants with explosive gas). |
| (d) | The introduction of operational or automatic means for shutting-down engines when working pressures exceed recommended maximum values should be considered. |
| (e) | Bulk heads should be fire-proof. |
| (f) | Ideally all equipment surfaces onto which flammable liquids could spray should operate at temperatures less than the lowest flash-point of oil being used. |
| (g) | Consider installing fire monitoring sensor at points where the temperature of the hottest part of a diesel engine exhaust system and retarders can be measured as per SANS 868-1-1 (2005): Compression-ignition engine systems and machines powered by such engine systems, for use at mines and plants with explosive gas atmospheres or explosive dust atmospheres or both Part 1 -1: Fire hazardous locations in underground mines - basic explosion protected engines." |
| (i) | Part 1-2: Fire hazardous locations in underground mines - explosion protected engine systems. |
| (ii) | Part 1-3: Fire hazardous locations in underground mines - machines. |
| (iii) | Part 3-1: Fire hazardous locations on surface - basic explosion - protected engines. |
| (iv) | Part 3-2: Fire hazardous locations on surface - explosion - protected engine systems. |
| (v) | Part 3-3: Fire hazardous locations on surface - machines. |
| (vi) | Part 4: Non-fire hazardous locations in underground coal mines. |
Vehicle electrical systems
| (a) | Protection should be provided against short circuiting and over current. |
| (b) | Electrical cables should be installed at safe distances from fuel lines. |
| (c) | Electrical systems should be designed to prevent the occurrence of electrical sparks following a system malfunction or accident. |
| (d) | Consider the use of electrical systems that derive power from diesel engine alternators or batteries designed to AS 4242: Earth-moving machinery and ancillary equipment for use in mines - electrical wiring systems at extra-low voltage standard. All other electrical systems should be designed to AS3000 Electrical Installations standard. |
| (e) | Where jump-starting systems are used, they should be purpose- designed for all electrical start equipment and meet the requirements as specified by the mine's engineer. |
| (f) | Where electrical cables and hoses are to pass through rubber flame retardant connections bulkheads, they should have (i.e. proper bulkhead connections) to which the cables and hoses are attached. |
| (g) | Protection against over current in low voltage (a nominal voltage level that are used for the distribution of electricity, the upper limit of which is an AC voltage of 1000V or a DC voltage of 1 500 -V) - circuits should be considered, where practical, by using circuit breakers or encapsulated fuses. |
| (h) | Consider protecting all circuits, except starter motors, against short circuit and over current. |
Vehicle fuel and hydraulic systems
| (a) | Consider using steel lines for fuels, hydraulic and exposed lubrication systems. |
| (b) | Where flexible hoses are used they should limit the spread of fires (SANS 10177-9: Fire testing of materials, components and elements used in buildings - Part 9: small-scale burning characteristics of flexible hoses). |
| (c) | Vent outlets or overflow points should be directed away from hot surfaces. |
| (d) | Hoses, oil, fuel and hydraulics lines, and fittings should be installed OEM specifications, i.e. positioning of clamps, routing and length of hoses, replacement fittings and components. |
| (e) | Fuel or oil lines or hoses should be kept separate from electrical cables. |
| (f) | Fuel or oil lines or hoses should be routed away from moving parts. |
| (g) | Fuel, oil and hydraulic systems and associated distribution lines should be free of leakages and protected from hot surfaces. |
| (h) | The flash points of liquids used by mobile equipment should be below the maximum ambient temperature likely to be experienced. |
| (i) | Hoses should be routed so that in the event of a burst or leaking hose, flammable liquid cannot come into contact with hot surfaces. Where routing away from hot surfaces is not possible, all hoses should be securely clamped and shielded so that in the event of a burst or leaking hose, flammable liquid cannot come into contact with a hot surface. |
| • | Securely clamped away from hot surfaces; |
| • | Located so that impact damage is minimized; and |
| • | Provided with bulkhead fittings where they pass through bulkheads. |
| (k) | Consider providing dry break filling connections where fuel tanks on vehicles are replenished in production areas or for vehicles that transport explosives. |
| (i) | Containers for combustible fluids should be located so that any overflow cannot come into contact with hot surfaces. Where they are not provided with a dry break filler they should be provided with secured filler caps that are permanently connected to the container. |
Tyres and power transmission
| (a) | Tyres should be selected to suit their intended application in accordance with the OEM design and specifications. |
| (b) | Consider fitting flame retardant "V" belts on mobile equipment. |
Other mobile equipment requirements
| (a) | Vehicle brake systems for mining equipment other than light vehicles (utility vehicles, small SUV small personnel carriers, etc.) should be equipped with enclosed brake systems; or, where open discs are installed, residual pressure monitoring, brake drag or temperature monitoring and flame retardant brake hoses should be considered. |
| (b) | Ideally, all equipment functions, including the retarder function should be monitored. |
| (c) | A system that monitors engine oil pressure and stops the engine if pre-determined values are not maintained could be considered. |
| (d) | Turbocharger lubrication lines should be made of steel. Flexible connections may be used provided they are fire retardant and located away from hot surfaces (SANS 868-1 -2). |
| (e) | The operators cab should be provided with a fire-wall to inhibit the passage of fire into the cab. |
| (f) | Covers on engine compartments should be flame retardant |
| (g) | Vehicles transporting dangerous goods (define) should comply with SANS tanker standard. |
| (h) | Vehicles transporting combustible liquids should comply with SANS tanker standard. |
| (i) | Explosives should only be transported in separate enclosed compartments that meet the requirements of SAP Standard (Part 1: Explosives - storage and transport). |
| (j) | Further information regarding fire prevention measures for mobile equipment can be found in the TMM and Rail Bound guidelines. |
The COP should set measures for the operation of all classes of mobile equipment. These procedures should include provisions for the following:
| (a) | Testing of brake functionality by the operator. |
| (b) | Correct brake use by the operator. |
| (c) | Safe parking of the vehicle when a brake fault is detected. |
| (d) | vehicle with a flat tyre to be parked in the nearest safe and accessible place. |
| (e) | Safe parking of equipment when "V" belt fault detected. |
| (f) | Safe parking of equipment when tyre overheating or tyre fire is suspected. |
| (g) | The correct operation of retarder and equipment braking systems. |
| (h) | The provision of self-contained self-rescuers. |
| (i) | Housekeeping standards for operator cabs. |
| (j) | Checking equipment before use for the presence of oil (e.g. rags, paper) and or fuel leaks, combustible materials tyre condition. |
