(For information 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. The inclusion of these suggestions in the COP is not mandatory. These suggestions are not intended to be complete or exhaustive:
| (a) | Electrical control systems associated with fuel transfer and storage should comply with the above mentioned standard. |
| (b) | High voltage reticulation should not pass through a fuel storage area; SANS standard such as but not limited to SANS 10228: Identification and classification of fire hazardous substances, SANS 10229: Transportation of dangerous goods, and SANS 60079: Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres for a safe distance. |
| (c) | Diesel storage tanks (fixed or mobile) should comply with the above mentioned SANS standard as appropriate and should be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure continuing compliance. |
| (d) | Where a mine uses a surface to underground fuel delivery pipe, it should be: |
| • | Where possible, installed in an accurately drilled and surveyed borehole; |
| • | Where installed in a working shaft or material decline, it should be protected from incidental damage through contact with vehicles or moving conveyances; |
| • | Contained in a free draining borehole; and - Subjected to inspection and non-destructive testing at regular intervals; and |
| • | Provided with a system preventing "runaway" flow of fuel into the mine. |
| (e) | Containers such as "Jerry cans'' used for transporting fuel should be secured to the load-carrying area away from any potential impact damage. |
| (f) | The storage of flammable gas cylinders should be separated from oxygen cylinders by a distance of at least 3m or have steel plate barrier at least the height of the flammable gas cylinders next to the oxygen cylinders. |
| (g) | Appropriate signage should be installed at all entrances to fuel storage areas indicating: |
| • | Type and volume of fuel stored; |
| • | Prohibition of unauthorized persons; |
| • | Prohibition of smoking or naked lights; |
| • | Prohibition of any hot work; |
| • | Requiring the shutting down engines before refuelling; and |
| • | Emergency procedures in case of fire. |
| (h) | All refuelling points should be separated from any connected supply points by the use of a physical barrier or adequate distances. |
| (i) | Any fuel supply or permanent refuelling location should be capable of being effectively and safely isolated from the mine's ventilation system in the event of a fire or situated in a manner that smoke can be effectively directed into the return airway. |
| (j) | Permanent storage, supply and refuelling stations should have an automatic fire detection and suppression system that complies with relevant parts of MHSA regulation 8.10.11. |
| (k) | Automatic fire suppression systems should include a fire alarm or other system to alert mine personnel in case of fire and be capable of being manually activated at a safe distance from the refuelling bay. Relevant part of MHSA regulation 8.10.11. |
| (I) | A minimum of two portable fire extinguishers with a suitable rating for the class of fire should be provided on the upstream side of all temporary fuelling areas. |
| (m) | Permanent fuel storage locations should be built on a bonded floor, impervious to fuel and provided with drainage facilities for handling fuel spillage. SANS10089-3 (2010): The petroleum industry - Part 3: The installation, modification and decommissioning of underground storage tanks, pumps/dispensers and pipe work at service stations and consumer installations, could be used as reference. |
| (n) | These sites should be adequately protected from incidental damage caused by vehicle movement in the vicinity. This implies that sites should be adequately selected in relation to vehicle traffic flow and that the erection of bollards or barriers should be considered. |
| (o) | Where a fuel storage location is temporary, a risk assessment that deals with fuel spillage should be conducted and control measures as identified by the risk assessment is implemented. |
| (p) | All equipment used to store, transfer or distribute fuel should meet all the relevant sections of SABS Standards, SANS 10089-3:2010 "The petroleum industry Part 3: The installation, modification and decommissioning of underground storage tanks, pumps/dispensers and pipe work at service stations and consumer installations. |
| (q) | Storage tanks, pipe work and fuel transport vehicles entering refuelling bays should be earthed in accordance with SANS 10089-3 (2010): The petroleum industry - Part 3: The installation, modification and decommissioning of underground storage tanks, pumps/dispensers and pipe work at service stations and consumer installations dissipate static electrical charge, to |
| (r) | All fuel transfer systems should be constructed with non-flammable materials and brass or non-metallic components and automatically shut off to stop flow. |
| (s) | Where practical, in underground applications, steel fire doors should be constructed to seal off the refuelling bay area to prevent smoke entering intake airways in the event of a fire. |
| (t) | No vehicle should park in a refuelling bay except for the purposes of refuelling or unloading of fuel. |
| (u) | Refuelling bays should be provided with adequate facilities (e.g. water hose, absorbent material) to quickly contain or clean-up any fuel spillage. |
| (v) | Any waste (e.g. soiled absorbent material) should be placed immediately in clearly marked receptacles and well away from any potential ignition source. These receptacles should be emptied at least weekly. |
| (w) | Electrical equipment, including lights, should meet the wiring requirements of SAGS 10142: Wiring of premises - Part 1: Low voltage systems |
