NSW mining safety regulator issues safety alert after fire suppression system fails to activate during emergency

The NSW Resources Regulator has issued a safety alert after the fire suppression system of a bulldozer failed to activate during an emergency at an open-cut coal mine.

The safety alert states that a bulldozer operator tried to activate the fire system after he saw smoke and fire. He tried to pull the safety pin, but the valve and panel cover separated from the mounting bracket.

The NSW Resources Regulator said, ‘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.’

The full safety alert is accessible here.