Coal Inspectorate |
Alert |
No.445
V 1 |
09 February 2024
Uncontrolled movement of longwall transformer cart
What happened?
On 21 December 2023, an underground coal mine longwall transformer cart was being trammed into position when it moved down the grade in an uncontrolled manner for approximately 20 metres until it came to rest against a stationary load haul dump (LHD) machine.
Four coal mine workers (CMWs) were in the vicinity of the longwall transformer cart at the time of the incident. None were in the travel path of the out-of-control cart, however, the potential for a serious incident was evident.
Background information
- Equipment such as longwall transformers, emulsion pumps, shearer water pumps and tanks are often mounted on carts that require hydraulic power to release brakes or power the traction system.
- When the carts are to be moved or relocated hydraulic power is typically supplied to the carts from a LHD hydraulic power take-off circuit. Hydraulic wander hoses connect the LHD to the cart.
How did it happen?
- CMWs hydraulically connected the LHD to the longwall transformer cart.
- The operator function tested the hydraulic operations in the inbye direction and then in the outbye direction. The transformer cart was then trammed outbye approximately 50mm and a noise was heard.
- The transformer cart then moved inbye in an uncontrolled manner for approximately 20 metres before being stopped by another LHD (refer Figure1).
- The mine investigation identified that:
- wander hoses from the LHD to the transformer cart were incorrectly sized and connected to the wrong manifold. his resulted in increased back pressure in the return hydraulic oil circuit. The increased back pressure in the return circuit caused the transformer cart brakes to release. The cart then moved down the grade in an uncontrolled manner.
- CMWs were not familiar with the functionality of the LHD power take-off circuit or the transformer cart traction brake circuit.
- CMWs had no ability to identify excessive back pressure in the return oil circuit.
Recommendations
All site senior executives should:
- provide machine specific technical training for LHDs and transformer carts in combination and individually.
- consider providing a method for monitoring return oil circuit back pressure.
- consider using a second LHD as a brake vehicle.
- review standard work instructions to ensure that CMWs have clear directions on how hydraulically connect LHDs to hydraulically powered carts.
- review the risk assessment for operation and maintenance of transformer carts and similar, including no-go zones.
All supervisors should:
- ensure you know and understand the standard work instructions.
- ensure that the standard work instructions are available to CMWs.
- ensure that CMWs conduct risk management before moving carts.
- ensure that only competent authorised persons conduct the task.
- provide leadership and guidance to CMWs, under your control.
All operators should:
- ensure you know, understand, and comply with the standard work instructions.
- conduct hazard identification and risk management before starting a task.
- report any unusual event to your supervisor.
Investigations are ongoing and further information may be published as it becomes available. The information in this publication is what is known at the time of writing.
We issue Safety Notices to draw attention to the occurrence of a serious incident, raise awareness of risks, and prompt assessment of your existing controls.
Authorised by
Jacques le Roux
-
Chief Inspector – Coal
Contact:
Mick Scully,
Inspector of Mines
,
+61 7 3199 8001
QldMinesInspectorate@rshq.qld.gov.au
Issued by Resources Safety & Health Queensland
Safety: This information is issued to promote safety through experience. It is not to be taken as a statement of law and must not be construed to waive or modify any legal obligation.
Placement: Place this announcement on noticeboards and ensure all relevant people in your organisation receive a copy, understand the content, findings and recommendations as applicable to their operation. SSEs should validate that recommendations have been implemented.
All information on this page (Uncontrolled movement of longwall transformer cart - https://www.rshq.qld.gov.au/safety-notices/explosives/uncontrolled-movement-of-longwall-transformer-cart) is correct as of time of printing (Sep 1, 2024 3:06 pm).