WorkSafe Victoria has issued a safety alert regarding the management of risks associated with fires on mobile plant equipment in quarries and mines.
The alert comes after an incident at a site last month during which a fire broke out in the engine bay of a drilling rig, while it was tramming to the surface workshop.
A fellow employee noticed the flames in the engine bay of the equipment as he reached the surface, and quickly notified the operator. The machinery was parked safely and foam fire suppression system was activated to prevent further damage or risk.
In the subsequent investigation, it was found that there were no signs of mechanical or structural failure in the machinery that contributed to the incident as fuel sources.
Further investigation revealed pieces of paint within the engine bay, showing that the heat from the engine had caused a paint can to burst, which then ignited.
The alert by the safety regulator outlines the importance of managing combustible objects or debris on machinery or equipment, regardless of the industry. The material can create a wide range of risks to workplace health and safety, by introducing fuel sources into areas where ignition may exist, such as exhaust systems.
Further information about the alert can be found via the WorkSafe website.