The Regulator has issued a safety alert after a bulldozer operator at an open cut coal mine was unable to activate its fire suppression system in an emergency.
On seeing smoke and flames, the operator tried to activate the fire suppression system but the valve and panel cover separated from the mounting bracket when he tried to pull the safety pin.
Mine operators should review or develop a site standard for fire suppression system actuator panel configuration and conduct an audit of plant to check they are compliant.
All relevant people at mine sites should be provided a copy of the safety alert and be informed of its content.
