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The size, inertia, weight and power of our SMEs used in our operating sites present significant hazards to people and equipment in their area of operation.
A major reason for these hazards is the operator’s restricted view of the surroundings and the extensive range of vision shadows or blind spots in which people and objects can be hidden from sight. All mobile equipment have blind spots. People most commonly at risk are supervisors, spotters and plant service personnel.
Blind area diagram of a haul truck
Blind area diagram of a dozer
What can happen
- Light service vehicles and their occupants parked near large items of mobile equipment can be seriously damaged or crushed when the larger machine is moved.
- The Operator of a large machine may be unaware that service personnel are working near the unit, and move it.
- Light vehicles overtaking heavy equipment are at risk of being run over if the larger machine turns.
- People are at risk of being run over if they are in the operator’s blind spot
Common incident causes identified include;
- Error of judgement by mobile plant operator’s.
- Absence or inadequacy of signage.
- Not following our Parking Procedure_4.4.6(6)-01
Error of Judgement by Mobile Plant Operator
The operator of Dump Truck-247 was travelling from the Calcrete dumping area towards the pit, when he failed to see another dump truck at the stop sign near an intersection. He attempted to stop, but DT-247’s rails connected with the other dump truck’s rear. DT-247 sustained minor damage to the rails in front of the cab.
Not following standard operating procedure
The operator of Grader - 87 was busy grading the waste dump ramp, when a loaded dump truck ascended the ramp. The operator of G-87 reversed to make way for the dump truck. At the same time, Dump Truck – 182 was descending the ramp. G-87 collided with DT-182, causing the grader’s ripper assembly to damage the right front wheel rim cover of DT-182. This also resulted in an oil spillage.
Collision Event Reversing out of the loading area
The operator of DT-172 was instructed to reverse out of the loading area and onto a ramp, while the loading area was graded due to wet and slippery surfaces. The operator reversed into DT178, damaging its cab and rails.
Reversing into position to park Collision
DT-11 was parked near a Face Shovel on breakdown. Around 01h55, the other dump trucks started to park near the face shovel for a fatigue break. DT-90 was returning from the dumping area and attempted to park next to DT-11. The operator misjudged his distance whilst reversing and collided with the cab of DT-11. No injuries were reported, but DT-11 sustained damage to the ROPS and handrails.
Safe work practices
- Strictly adhere to our site traffic management plan.
- Follow our safe work procedures regarding exclusion zone requirements for pedestrians and vehicles when equipment is operating.
- Only park in approved locations and ensure that you reverse park 5 meters apart from other equipment and vehicles.
- The operators of SMEs should ensure that wheel stops, spoon drains or tyre humps are provided where there is potential for uncontrolled vehicle movement when parked.
- Avoid parking light vehicles close to large items of mobile plant if possible, and never leave them in the blind spot of a large machine. Beacon lights must be left on.
- Drive defensively and always give way to larger mobile equipment.
- Sound horn and wait ten seconds before moving.
- Maintain 50 meter clearance from operating plant bench faces and bench edges.
People who have reason to be near large mobile equipment must;
- Contact the Operator and obtain permission before approaching any earthmoving equipment.
- Take every precaution to ensure the operators can see them at all times (especially at night).
- Remain alert to the danger of placing themselves in the path of a machine while the operator’s attention is focused elsewhere.
- Be aware of the danger of entering the blind spots of this equipment, and have thorough appreciation of the location and size of these spots.
Other potential implementations of a preventative / avoidance system on site are;
- Monitoring of surface condition in ramps or haul roads.
- Improving safety on shovel-truck loading activities/tasks.
- Improving preventive maintenance.
- Perform regular documented traffic management audits and risk assessments on all intersections to identify potential collision hazards.
- Ensure that OEM mirrors are fitted at all times to SMEs.
- Ensure that blind spot training and planned task observations is carried out at regular intervals.
[Content kindly provided my Moolmans Mining]
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