The most common mode of transport of coal/ ore and materials in opencast mines whether is big or small is trucks or tippers and its use is on increase. So are unfortunately the accidents are also on rise due to various reasons.
The analysis of accidents revealed that majority of them occurred due to :
- Head on collision and head to tail collision
- Failure of brakes.
- Over speeding or rash driving by operators
- While reversing
- Fire
- While truck is operated when body is raised
- Short circuit
A model code of practice was circulated vide circular no 11 of 1973 and was needed to be enforced by management after getting concurrence from concerned Director of Mines safety.
Further numbers of technical circulars were also issued on the subject.
In order to reduce accidents, the standard conditions are modified with respect to safety features to be available in trucks/ tippers. The standard conditions modified are in addition to circulars issued earlier. These are applicable to all types / model/ capacity of truck/ tippers either used by management or out sourced through contractors.
Safety features required in Tippers/Trucks
1) Cabin Guard Extension:
Canopy covering operator’s cabin
2) Exhaust/ Retard Brake:
Required as per DGMS circular 02 of 2004.
3) Propeller shaft guard:
Propeller shaft guard as per DGMS circular 10 of 1999.
4) Tail gate protection:
Protection of cabin against collision either by head to head or head to tail
5) Limiting speed device:
To ensure speed limits as decided by management .The device may be Electronic or mechanical type speed governors.
6) Reverse gear for audio-visual alarm:
The audio-visual alarm provided for equipments should confirm to DGMS (Tech.) Tests to be carried out on the audio-visual alarm and certificates shall be issued to user industries.
7) Provision of two brakes:
One of brakes shall be fail safe & for details refer DGMS circular 09 of 1999.
8) Body lifting position locking arrangement:
A hooter along with an indication may be provided to show the body is lifted.
9) Fire suppression System
Semi-automatic fire suppression system. For details refer DGMS circular 10 of 2004. The fire suppression system shall be a factory fitment.
10) Blind spot mirror
Better view of front blind spot by operator.
11) Fire resistant hoses at hot zone:
To decrease chance of fire
12) Electric Wires and sleeves are to be of fire resistant quality:
To decrease chance of fire
13) Turbo Charge Guard and exhaust tube coated with heat insulated paint:
To decrease chance of fire
14) Battery Cut off Switch:
To decrease chance of fire
15) Retro reflective reflectors on all sides:
For visibility of truck during night
16) Seat belt reminder
To alert operator for using the seat belt
17) Proximity warning device
To alert operator
18) Rear Vision System
For assisting operator to have back view during reversing
19) Auto dipping System
To reduce glaring of eyes of operator during night
20) Load Indicator and Recorder
Enables management to detect and prevent over loading
The safety features listed above shall be a part of notice inviting tender for new procurement and action shall be taken to provide the safety features in existing trucks within a specified time frame but not later than one year from the date of issue of this circular. The same features shall be included in contractor's agreement also while out- sourcing so that the trucks/ tippers are provided before putting in to operation in the mines.
In the interest of safety, the above recommendations are implemented strictly to reduce the chances of accidents in truck/tippers working in mines.
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In your safety features followings are seems to be missing:
1) Over loading, more than Govt permissible GVW/GCW: Over loading is a principal cause of loosing control of vehicle
2) Over inflation than nominal load: Excessive over inflation with over loading application leads to tyre burst: Cause explosion
3) Poor condition of welded wheels ;; For split wheels loose flange fly off injured peoples
4) Use of retreaded tyres at steer axle: Very important axle, not recommeded to use retread tyres, already this tyres has experiences lots of fatigue, risky to fit it in front, no problem to use at rear
5) Steer tyre with less than 1.6 mm remaining tread depth, cause of aquaplanning issue during rainny season
6) Poor repair tyres at steer and any axle are dengerous : cause explosion, cause death
The article is about DGMS guidelines for mining sector. But the facts you put here are true in case of general safety guidelines. Thanks for the feedback Mr. Das.
How it works and briefly explain the operation of Load Indicator and Recorder
Good inputs .
Dear sir
It is very useful recording safety
Good & useful but here need of updatation regarding new implimentations as for rear view we using Rear View Camera
Dear sir,
Kindly eloborate about emergency steering lock system in dumper.