The Western Australian Department of Mines and Petroleum’s (DMP) resources safety division has released a draft guideline about tyre safety for earthmoving machinery.
The Tyre safety for earth-moving machinery on Western Australian mining operations guideline outlines the common hazards associated with working with tyres, rims, wheels and assemblies on heavy mining equipment.
It also provides advice on how to implement safe, on-site work systems, recommending that operators adopt a risk management approach to develop a documented tyre management plan that is current and site-specific.
“There have been a number of fatalities in the mining industry directly related to not understanding or addressing the risks associated with off-the-road tyres,” DMP mines safety director Andrew Chaplyn commented. “They are dangerous not only because of the size and mass of these tyres, but also because of the pressures and combustible materials involved.
“[The guideline] provides guidance on safe systems of work in a mining environment, while allowing for flexibility in both process and documentation.”
The DMP is currently seeking industry comment on the draft guideline, with submissions to close on 22 May, 2015.
For more information, visit www.dmp.wa.gov.au