Mines safety alert no. 221 | 17 April 2009 | Version 1
Review, with the machine operators, the potential severity of incidents resulting from careless operation of underground mobile diesel machines.
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.
Investigations into the incidents revealed the following:
Testing of the alternator protection systems on underground mobile diesel machinery was not occurring, neither on the machines introduction to site, nor as part of a scheduled maintenance program. Further investigation at other sites has identified similar deficiencies.
Coal mine - underground
In two recent incidents at the same underground mine, electric cables supplying lights on underground diesel machines were torn from their flameproof light fittings. On each occasion the electrical protection systems fitted to the alternators failed to operate.
Flameproof lights, flameproof alternators and cables fitted to underground mobile diesel machines.
Failure of flameproof equipment in a hazardous zone.
A flameproof light on an underground diesel loader was dislodged from its mountings, resulting in the cable supplying the light being torn from the fitting.
The cable supplying a flameproof light on a coal hauler was torn from the light when it contacted a rib bolt whilst the machine was in motion.
Contact: minesafetyandhealth@dnrm.qld.gov.au
Issued by Queensland Department of Mines and Energy
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All information on this page (Flameproof alternator electrical protection systems - https://www.rshq.qld.gov.au/safety-notices/mines/flameproof-alternator-electrical-protection-systems) is correct as of time of printing (Sep 1, 2024 3:34 pm).