Vehicle fault causing smoke at underground coal mines

What happened?

There have been two similar incidents in recent months at Queensland underground coal mines where smoke has started to come from a dry scrubber load haul dump (LHD).

No one was injured in these incidents but there is a serious risk that these machines - which are used throughout underground coal mining in Queensland - can catch on fire.

Key issues

The diesel particulate matter (DPM) filter has been in service for over 80 engine hours.
The DPM filter was heavily contaminated.
The LHD uses a dry scrubber system as opposed to a wet scrubber system which does not have the same issues.
The exhaust back pressure shut down system did not work as expected.

Recommendations

First, contact the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for dry scrubber explosion-proof diesel engine systems.
Then review your mine’s risk assessment for that equipment (dry scrubber explosion-proof diesel engine systems).
Confirm the operating capability of the exhaust back pressure shut down system.
Now address the DPM filters. Contact your supplier of DPM filters to ensure the filters are suitable.
Until the root cause of the exhaust back pressure shutdown system issues are identified by site and the OEM and rectified on dry scrubber LHDs, DPM filters should be replaced at a frequency not exceeding 48 calendar hours.
Finally, comply with the requirements of Recognised Standard 3 - Explosion protected diesel engines.

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.

References and further information

Recognised Standard 3: Explosion protected diesel engines

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 a guide only and 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.

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All information on this page (Vehicle fault causing smoke at underground coal mines - https://www.rshq.qld.gov.au/safety-notices/mines/vehicle-fault-causing-smoke-at-underground-coal-mines) is correct as of time of printing (Oct 16, 2024 6:05 pm).