Fire Safety In The Mining Industry

With over 10.4 per cent share of the Australian economy, mining is a major contributor to the overall national GDP. It employs over 0.13 million Australian blue and white collar workers in roles with varying degrees of difficulty and danger.

Over the years, authorities have formulated a strict legislative framework to improve the health and safety of the personnel working on mining sites. However, it remains one of the higher-risk industries to work in. According to an estimate, the mining industry has the third highest fatality rate, with nine workers dying yearly in the country.

Potential Risk Areas on Mining Sites:

Mining and quarrying involve high-level risk activities that can cause fatal injuries to employees and people in the vicinity. In addition, accidents can damage the site’s expensive machinery or powered haulage. Some of the potential hazards are:

- Ground failure/rock fall

- Mobile plant roll-overs and collision

- Fire and/or explosion, including plant fire, misfires, and wild flyrock

- Respirable dust exposure, including crystalline silica

- Loss of ventilation, including blast fumes and confined spaces

Fire threatens underground and surface mining operations, particularly conveyor belt entries. Additionally, fire can be caused by equipment malfunction, spontaneous combustion, welding, lighting and frictional ignition.