Emergency Preparedness - Minimum requirements …

1 Emergency Preparedness FOR underground FIRES IN METALIFERROUS MINES GUIDELINE MOSHAB Approved December 1997 Document No.: ZMT579 Emergency Preparedness for underground Fires in Metalliferrous Mines Department of Industry and Resources Guideline Document No. ZMT579WI CONTENTS Page 1. 2. LEGISLATIVE requirements (WESTERN AUSTRALIA)..5 3. RECOGNITION AND AWARENESS OF fire Potential fire 4. EQUIPMENT fire Diesel Equipment Maintenance Checks on Diesel Equipment fire Hot Work Electrical 5.

2 TRAINING FOR underground fire Essential Emergency Team Training (not mine rescue)..13 6. COMMUNICATIONS AND WARNING Emergency Communications to Surface (monitored)..13 Emergency Warning 7. SURFACE BASE Surface Control Record of Mine Plans Page 2 Issued: December 1997 Version Department of Industry and Resources Emergency Preparedness for underground Fires in Metalliferrous Mines Document No. ZMT 579WI Guideline Emergency Call-in 8.

3 IDENTIFICATION AND LOCATION OF PERSONS Identification of Persons Identification and Possible Location of Unaccounted All Persons Evacuating Mine to 9. underground REFUGE Fresh Air to Refuge Conduct in Refuge Location and Equipping of Refuge Vehicle Parking Fresh Air Considerations in Event of Power 10. ESCAPE Integrity of Escape Routes to Escape Route Ladderways to Unfamiliar Escape Rescue Team Entrapped 11.

4 Emergency EVACUATION Frequency of Drill 12. MINE RESCUE Breathing Apparatus and Rescue Maintenance of Rescue Additional Oxygen Self 13. WINDERS AND Winder Activities in an Issued: December 1997 Page 3 Version Emergency Preparedness for underground Fires in Metalliferrous Mines Department of Industry and Resources Guideline Document No. ZMT579WI Secure Conditions for underground Winder 14. WRITTEN Duty List of Essential 15.

5 SELF Maintenance of Self Quality of Spare Parts and Maintenance FSR Markings and Instructions for Routine Examination and Weight 16. MINE RESCUE Medical and Physical Training Future underground FOREWORD Page 4 Issued: December 1997 Version Department of Industry and Resources Emergency Preparedness for underground Fires in Metalliferrous Mines Document No.

6 ZMT 579WI Guideline This Department of Industry and Resources guideline has been issued to assist in identifying hazards, and developing both appropriate preventative strategies, and training and action plans to deal with any fire Emergency which may occur. Adequate Emergency Preparedness and response capacity is fundamental to the duty of care. It is emphasised that this guideline is not totally inclusive of all factors concerning Emergency Preparedness and that in some respects, it may not be totally suited to the individual requirements of every mine.

7 Comments on, and suggestions for, improvements to the guidelines are encouraged. The guideline will be revised as appropriate to accommodate comments, as well as reflect legislative changes, new information, improvements in technology and operational experience. Safety Health and Environment Division Department of Industry and Resources 100 Plain Street EAST PERTH WA 6004 TEL: (08) 9222 3333 FAX: (08) 9325 2280 Issued: December 1997 Page 5 Version Emergency Preparedness for underground Fires in Metalliferrous Mines Department of Industry and Resources Guideline Document No.

8 ZMT579WI 1. INTRODUCTION The Emergency Preparedness and Response Guidelines published by the Department of Industry and Resources in September 1992, contain a broad strategy for Preparedness and response. Appendix C of that document discusses the four elements of Emergency management; namely prevention, Preparedness , response, and recovery. This Guideline is framed for underground Metalliferous mines and outlines the major issues to be considered when reviewing or auditing Emergency Preparedness and response systems and capacity.

9 Recent data has shown that out of 155 underground fires reported in ; at least three vehicles were completely destroyed and two persons hospitalised. An analysis of underground fires that were reported in the last three financial years shows that diesel vehicles accounted for 89% of the incidents. Automotive diesel fuel and oil leaks contributed to over half of these cases and electrical problems contributed over 30%. The need for prevention is fundamental:-- "While there are combustible materials present underground , the risk of fire remains.

10 No hazard is more to be feared, and every underground mine should be prepared for such an event." This guideline has been compiled on the basis of extensive auditing of industrial practice, consultation and interaction between the Inspectorate and Industry. 2. LEGISLATIVE requirements (WESTERN AUSTRALIA) The Mines Safety and Inspection Regulations 1995 contains regulations in Part 4, Division 3 - Emergency Preparation, that apply to the planning, facilities, training and procedures deemed necessary for underground emergencies.