WMC Environment, Health & Safety Management System Guideline Underground Fires Major Hazard Standard MHS-02 DocsOpen Ref: 57228, 01/03/2001 Uncontrolled copy check web for latest revision Revision Reviewed Description of Changes Date Approved 1 A Barfield Revised 01/03/2001 P Plavina 0 First Issue 19/03/1999 K Thomas WMC Resources Ltd WMC has developed this document for internal use, specific to circumstances and conditions within its operations. It is intended to provide general information and its applicability to external parties may therefore be limited. WMC makes no representations as to the applicability of the information for use by any party other than WMC and should not be relied upon as such. WMC provides no representation or warranty as to safety or business outcomes arising from application of this document and its requirements by third parties.
PURPOSE AND SCOPE... 2 DETAILS... 2 1 Responsibilities... 2 2 Hazards... 2 3 Definitions... 2 3.1 Danger Sign... 2 3.2 Caution Sign... 2 3.3 Mandatory Signs... 3 3.4 Safe Condition... 3 3.5 Location Signs... 3 4 Installation of Signs... 3 4.1 Barricading Signs... 3 4.2 Ground Based Signs... 3 4.3 Other Signs... 3 5 Signage Protocol... 4 5.1 Danger No Entry... 4 5.2 Danger No Unauthorised Entry... 4 5.3 Danger Charging in Progress... 5 5.4 Danger Charged Face... 5 5.5 Danger Firing in Progress... 5 5.6 Danger Remote Bogging in Progress... 5 5.7 Danger Jumbo Trailing Cable... 6 5.8 UGME Area - Restricted Access Only... 6 5.9 Pedestrian Area Restricted Access Only... 6 6 REGULATIONS... 7 Appendices... 8 A Definitions... 8 B Related Documents... 8 SAF-MHG-02 Rev.1 DOCS No. 57228 Issued: 01/03/01 Page 1 of 8
PURPOSE AND SCOPE The purpose of this guideline is to aid in standardising signage used in mines to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries from misunderstanding the meaning of signs and barricades utilised underground. The objectives of the guideline are to: ensure all persons working and travelling underground understand the meaning and expectations of all signage and barricades erected throughout the mine; and clearly define responsibilities for the use, access and removal of signs erected underground; This guideline is for the use of all WMC employees and contractors who work at any WMC underground mine. It outlines the minimum requirements for signage required by the Major Hazard Standards for underground mines. DETAILS 1 Responsibilities The general responsibilities of relevant personnel are detailed below. Where a position is not relevant then those specific responsibilities shall be assumed by the next up relevant manager. Responsibilities for specific signs are detailed with those specific signs. The Mine Manager is responsible to ensure that their direct reports are familiar with the procedure for the use, access and removal of all signs within the standard. The Underground Manager is responsible to ensure that their direct reports are familiar with the procedure for the use, access and removal of all signs within the standard. The Production Foreman is responsible to ensure that their direct reports are familiar with the procedure for the use, access and removal of all signs within the standard. The Shift Supervisor is responsible to ensure that their direct reports are familiar with the procedure for accessing all signs within the standard. Employees are responsible to ensure that they comply with all directions and procedures relating to the erection and use of any sign. 2 Hazards Personnel installing and erecting incorrect signage or barricades Personnel misunderstanding the meaning of signs and barricades, and Personnel ignoring the requirements of signs and barricades 3 Definitions 3.1 Danger Sign This sign is red, black and white. A Danger sign should be used when access to an area needs to be restricted. This could be for the following types of hazards: Charged heading Unsupported ground Persons working above Persons working below No ventilation Remote bogging in progress Open hole (above and below). Specific instructions relating to each sign may be located on the reverse side of the sign. Alternatively other systems should be employed to ensure personnel can adequately determine the protocols required for the specific sign. 3.2 Caution Sign This is a yellow and black sign. This sign is intended to warn personnel entering an area of any hazards. This sign does not restrict access to an area. A Caution sign can be used in the following types of instances: Trip hazards are present Equipment starts automatically. SAF-MHG-02 Rev. 1 DOCS No. 57228 Issued: 01/03/01 Page 2 of 8
3.3 Mandatory Signs This is a blue and white sign. Entry past a mandatory compliance sign requires that any equipment specified on the sign are/is worn. This could include: Hearing Protection Eye Protection Foot Protection. 3.4 Safe Condition This is a green and white sign. This type of sign designates safe areas and services in the mine. These can include the following: Fresh Air Base FAB Escape Route First Aid. 3.5 Location Signs This is a blue and white sign. This type of sign provides location descriptions within the mine. Examples would include: levels and locations pump stations main magazine. 4 Installation of Signs The signs as outlined in this standard are a minimum that should be employed. Mines can have more signs, but where they do there shall be a written procedure which describes: the signs in use when they are to be used who can erect or remove them and how, and the access requirements. 4.1 Barricading Signs Barricading signs (those prohibiting or restricting access) shall be: hung on pins 1.5 m off the floor, hung on 6 mm chains (as a minimum), hung centrally in the excavation, and clean and legible. When removing the barricade the chain should remain attached to one pin and the chain swung back to that wall where it is attached to another pin. The message on the sign should face into the wall. 4.2 Ground Based Signs Signs which warn of a hazard and because of the nature of the operations in the location in which the sign is to be used it cannot be suspended from chains as required by Section 5.1 (e.g. Danger Jumbo Trailing Cable ) the sign may be ground based. These signs shall be: Supported on a purpose built stand, Placed so that they are visible to all persons and traffic which may enter the area, Placed so that they are not liable to impact from passing underground mobile equipment (UGME), and Located no closer than 6 metres from a hazard if indicating a hazard. 4.3 Other Signs Other signage may be fixed to equipment, to the walls of excavations or hung from the backs or otherwise mounted such that the signage is: Clearly visible to all personnel in the area, Will not be damaged by passing equipment, and Suitably mounted such that it will not be dislodged accidentally, or Can be removed or covered when not in use or is not applicable any more. SAF-MHG-02 Rev. 1 DOCS No. 57228 Issued: 01/03/01 Page 3 of 8
5 Signage Protocol Danger signs are used to identify potential hazards and dangerous conditions. Specific requirements for the erection, removal and movement past these signs shall be detailed in the mine s signage procedures. These details may also be detailed on the reverse side of the sign. 5.1 Danger No Entry This sign warns that immediate danger exists beyond the barricade and that no unauthorised person is permitted past. Possible dangers may include: fall of ground scene of an incident quarantined equipment (precaution against tyre explosion). 5.1.1 Use Only the following personnel are permitted to erect a Danger No Entry sign underground: Mine Manager Underground Manager Project Manager/Production Foreman Shift Supervisor. Persons other than those identified above should barricade access to a potentially hazardous area with a Danger No Unauthorised Entry sign and report to the Shift Supervisor immediately. Only authorised personnel are permitted to upgrade the sign to a Danger No Entry sign. Once a decision has been made to erect this sign details must be recorded in: A Sign Register Book The Daily Shift Report A prominent position (e.g. Task Assignment/Status Board). Underground crews should be made aware that a Danger No Entry sign has been erected as soon as practicable to ensure that they are aware of specific requirements that must be adhered to. 5.1.2 Access Only persons who have received written authorisation from the Underground Manager are permitted to enter the area. (this must be documented in a Sign Register Book) 5.1.3 Removal Removal of the sign can only be undertaken with the written permission of the Underground Manager. All changes (including removal) must be recorded in the Sign Register Book. 5.1.4 Responsibilities The Underground Manager is responsible to ensure that: all instances where a Danger No sign is erected are logged in the Sign Register Book. only persons who have written authorisation from the Underground Manager are permitted to proceed past a Danger No Entry sign. whenever a Danger No Entry sign is removed it is logged in the Sign Register Book. The Production Foreman is responsible to ensure that the Underground Manager is notified as soon as practicable whenever a Danger No Entry sign is derground. a person in authority is immediately notified whenever a Danger No Entry sign is erected underground. a record of the erection of a Danger No Entry sign is documented in the Daily Shift Report and in a prominent location (e.g. on the Task Assignment/Status Board). the incoming Shift Supervisor is informed that a Danger No Entry sign has been erected. 5.2 Danger No Unauthorised Entry This sign is used for a number of reasons when access to an area needs to be restricted. Specific requirements for the use, access and removal of this sign are clearly detailed on the reverse side of the sign. This sign is erected in the following instances: Open Hole Above Open Hole Below Persons Working Above Persons Working Below Unsupported Ground No Ventilation SAF-MHG-02 Rev. 1 DOCS No. 57228 Issued: 01/03/01 Page 4 of 8
5.2.1 Use A Danger No Unauthorised Entry sign can be installed by anyone, however the Shift Supervisor must be notified immediately once the sign has been erected. 5.2.2 Access Only persons who have been authorised by the Shift Supervisor can gain access to this area (this authorisation can be verbal). 5.2.3 Removal This sign can only be removed at the direction of the Shift Supervisor. 5.2.4 Responsibilities a record of the erection of a Danger No Unauthorised Entry sign is documented on the Task Assignment/Status Board (this is not always possible but does assist the oncoming Shift Supervisor to manage his/her crew better if this information is available). the incoming Shift Supervisor is informed that a Danger No Unauthorised Entry sign has been erected. 5.3 Danger Charging in Progress This sign must be installed when charging is in progress it shall be erected a minimum of 10 meters from the charging equipment 5.4 Danger Charged Face This sign is installed once a charged face or heading has been left unattended it shall be erected a minimum of 10 meters from the face 5.5 Danger Firing in Progress A Danger Firing in Progress sign indicates that the detonator and firing line have been connected and that the initiation of a blast is imminent. This sign is erected across the level to be fired (if more than one access to the level exists all access must be similarly barricaded and have sentries posted). 5.6 Danger Remote Bogging in Progress The Danger Remote Bogging in Progress sign is hung in a location determined by the mine. This should be recorded on the Mining Instructions or Work Plans. 5.6.1 Use The Remote Loader Operator (RLO) is the only authorised person permitted to erect a Danger Remote Bogging in Progress sign. The location of this sign is to be determined prior to remote loading in consultation with the Planning Engineer, Shift Supervisor and RLO. 5.6.2 Access Only persons who have been authorised by the Shift Supervisor are permitted to contact the RLO. Once the RLO has been notified and granted permission are persons permitted to proceed past the sign and barricade. 5.6.3 Removal Only the RLO is permitted to remove a Danger Remote Bogging in Progress sign. If access to the area remains restricted once the loader has left the area a Danger No Unauthorised Entry sign must be hung to restrict access (refer to section 5.1.2 for further information). 5.6.4 Responsibilities The Planning Engineer is responsible to ensure that: the details of the location of where signage and barricades are to be erected is recorded on the appropriate instructions a copy of the instructions or plans are forwarded to the Production Foreman. SAF-MHG-02 Rev. 1 DOCS No. 57228 Issued: 01/03/01 Page 5 of 8
The Production Foreman is responsible to ensure that a copy of the RLIS is forwarded to the Shift Supervisor the location of where the remote loading is to be conducted is detailed on the Task Assignment/Status Board a copy of the instructions or plans are forwarded to the RLO prior to commencing remote loading. 5.7 Danger Jumbo Trailing Cable This sign is used to prevent the jumbo cable from being damaged by underground vehicles or equipment. Alternative wording for this sign may be Danger Jumbo Trailing Cable. 5.7.1 Use The Drill Rig Operator or Offsider are to erect this sign prior to commencing work. 5.7.2 Access All persons walking can proceed past this sign at all times (unless otherwise directed). If vehicular access is required the Drill Rig Operator must be contacted and grant permission. The sign must be re-hung once the vehicle or equipment has past. 5.8.1 Use This sign is to be used when an area is determined to be for vehicles only and personnel (pedestrian) access is to be restricted (e.g. draw points of a stope, crusher tip area, etc.). 5.8.2 Access Access to the area by pedestrians is restricted. Each mine shall develop a procedure for accessing these type of sites before erecting the signs. 5.8.3 Removal The sign may only be removed with approval of the Shift Supervisor after a systematic check of the area to ensure no UGME are still operating. 5.8.4 Responsibilities the signs are installed correctly and in the correct location. no signs are removed without their authorisation. the location of these signs is recorded in the Sign Register Book and in a prominent position. The UGME Operator is responsible to ensure that: they comply with all directions relating to the use, access and removal of a Danger UGME Area Restricted Access Only sign. they stop the equipment if any personnel inadvertently accesses the restricted area. 5.9 Pedestrian Area Restricted Access Only 5.7.3 Removal The Drill Rig Operator or Offsider are to remove this sign once the drill rig leaves the area. 5.7.4 Responsibilities The Drill Rig Operator is responsible to ensure that a Danger Jumbo Cable sign is erected prior to any work commencing. 5.8 UGME Area - Restricted Access Only This sign warns that there is a collision danger from Underground Mobile Equipment. Access to the area is restricted. This sign warns that it is a Pedestrians area. Access to the area by Underground Mobile Equipment is restricted 5.9.1 Use This sign is to be used when an area is determined to be primarily for pedestrians and UGME access is to be restricted (e.g. workshops, cribrooms, plats etc.). 5.9.2 Access Access to the area by UGME is restricted. Each mine shall develop a procedure for accessing these type of sites before erecting the signs. Personnel may enter at any time. SAF-MHG-02 Rev. 1 DOCS No. 57228 Issued: 01/03/01 Page 6 of 8
5.9.3 Removal The sign may only be removed with approval of the Shift Supervisor after a systematic check of the area to ensure no pedestrians are present. 5.9.4 Responsibilities their direct reports are familiar with the procedure for using, accessing and removing a Danger Pedestrian Area Restricted Access Only sign. the signs are installed correctly and in the correct location. no signs are removed without their authorisation. the location of these signs is recorded in the Sign Register Book and in a prominent position. The UGME Operator is responsible to ensure that: they comply with all directions relating to the use, access and removal of a Danger Pedestrian Area Restricted Access Only sign. they stop the equipment if any personnel inadvertently accesses the restricted area. 6 REGULATIONS Safety Signs Regulation 4.10 (4) A person must not: (a) damage, deface or obscure a safety sign at a mine: or (b) remove a safety sign at a mine unless the person is authorised to do so by the manager of the mine. SAF-MHG-02 Rev. 1 DOCS No. 57228 Issued: 01/03/01 Page 7 of 8
APPENDICES A Definitions None. B Related Documents SAF-MHS-01 SAF-MHS-05 SAF-MHS-08 AS 1614-1985 Underground Ground Control Underground Mobile Equipment Safe Working at Height. Mine Safety and Inspection Act 1994 Mine Safety and Inspection Regulations 1995 The design and use of reflectorized signs for mines and tunnels SAF-MHG-02 Rev. 1 DOCS No. 57228 Issued: 01/03/01 Page 8 of 8