WA mine spec vehicle requirements are crucial for keeping mine sites safe. We answered, “What is a mine spec vehicle?” in our last blog post. Now, we’ll look into WA mine spec vehicle requirements and how they vary based on the state government and specific site.
Quick Summary
- WA mine spec vehicle requirements are essential for the safety of mine workers
- The rugged terrain and dangerous conditions of mine sites demand strict safety regulations and mine spec vehicle upgrades
- Mine safety regulations and mine spec vehicle requirements are put in place by state governments and the specific mining site
- Important mine spec vehicle upgrades include features such as communication upgrades, visibility accessories, rollover protection structures, heavy-duty tyres, and ABS brakes
- Mine spec vehicle requirements WA vary based on the mine site and location
- Custom vehicle fit-outs ensure maximum compliance with WA mine spec vehicle requirements, safety, and effectiveness
Why Are WA Mine Spec Vehicle Requirements Important?
Mine sites are notorious for their challenging terrain and harsh conditions. Mine spec vehicles that comply with WA mine spec vehicle requirements are crucial for safety and function.
Dangers of mine sites include:
- Rugged, uneven terrain
- Dusty, low visibility conditions
- Unpredictable weather
- High risk of rollovers
- High fire danger
- Toxic emissions
- Poor air quality
The right upgrades help mitigate the risks posed by these site dangers. By modifying mine spec vehicles, work can be completed efficiently while reducing the risk of injuries, fire, and accidents.
What Are Mine Spec Vehicle Requirements WA?
Mine spec upgrades vary based on state and site. However, there are general upgrades you can expect to see on any mine spec vehicle in WA. These upgrades and requirements focus on promoting a safe mining environment through effective signaling, roll over protection, braking systems, and fire suppression systems.
The Mines Safety and Inspection Regulations 1995 outlines mine spec vehicle requirements WA. Here are some of the WA mine spec vehicle requirements to adhere to.
Rollover Protection Structures (ROPS)
Rollover protection is one of the main safety upgrades in mine spec vehicles. The challenging terrain increases the chance of rollovers on mine sites.
Rollover protection structures fortify the vehicle’s frame to protect occupants in the event of a rollover. Earth moving machinery is required to have roll over protection structures that conform to AS 2294.
Seat Belts and Safety Harnesses
Vehicles must be fitted with seat belts in compliance with Australian Design Rules or AS 2664. Seat belts and safety harnesses help keep passengers secure over rough terrain or during an accident.
Fire Extinguishers and First Aid Kits
With the high fire danger involved at mine sites, first aid kits and fire extinguishers must be readily available. An FFFP or AFFF fire suppression system is required for diesel units rated 125 kW or more. Remote-controlled units must have an automatic fire suppression system with the ability to be activated remotely.
Braking Systems
WA min spec vehicles must have:
- Service brakes
- Emergency brakes
- Parking brakes
- An electric brake controller if the mine spec vehicle is used for towing purposes
- Brakes tested and maintained in accordance with manufacturer specifications
- ABS brakes to help prevent wheel lock and skidding and improve traction. This helps the driver maintain control of the vehicle during sudden stops, which happen often due to the technical terrain.
Heavy-Duty Tyres and Spill Kits
Tyres must be heavy-duty and suited for challenging terrain. Spill kits need to be readily available for any spills or fluid leaks.
Battery Isolators
Battery isolators allow a vehicle to be electronically deactivated to prevent accidental fires or startups. With the high danger of electrical hazards and fire at mine sites, battery isolators are a crucial upgrade.
IVMS (In-Vehicle Monitoring System)
In-vehicle monitoring systems can record important data, such as distance travelled or speed. This data can be used for planning purposes and safety reasons, such as monitoring safe driving speeds.
UHF Two-Way Radios
Reliable communication is non-negotiable at mine sites, where signals are often weak. UHF or VHF Radios provide secure, reliable communication even over long distances or in remote areas.
Lighting and Signals
Mine sites often have limited visibility due to dust, low light, or obstacles. Mine spec vehicles need:
- Effective headlights and tail lights
- Effective turn indicators
- Audible warning signals
- A flashing light in the cab for Light service vehicles and personnel transport vehicles
- High visibility flags
- Flashing beacons
Emergency Stop Devices
Vehicles are required to have emergency stop devices. These devices must be easily and immediately accessible to the operator and be clearly marked and easy to see.
Exhaust Treatments
Turbocharged or diesel units rated at 125 kW or more are required to have appropriate exhaust treatment devices. The exhaust treatment devices need to be properly maintained and replaced if defects are noted. Mine spec vehicles in WA must also have exhaust emissions regularly sampled and analysed.
Site-Specific Mine Spec Vehicle Requirements
Mine spec vehicle requirements WA vary based on the mine site.
Here are the site-specific WA mine spec vehicle requirements for BHP, Rio Tinto, BMA, and FMG.
BHP
BHP requires mine spec vehicles to have HOV specific controls, risk management plans, and meet strict safety standards, including:
- A 5-star safety rating from a recognised vehicle assessment program
- A “Good” rating in both side and frontal crash tests from IIHS
- No aftermarket modifications that could negatively affect vehicle safety features
BHP sets additional safety requirements for high-occupancy vehicles (vehicles carrying nine or more occupants):
- Appropriate fire suppression systems and fire extinguishers
- Date monitoring systems to track driver behaviours, such as speed
- 3-point seat belts for all occupants
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Properly sized and maintained tyres
- A journey risk assessment and management plan
- Relevant local licenses for any HOV drivers
See more of the requirements in BHP’s Safety Requirements document here: BHP Mine Safety Requirements
Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto mine spec vehicle requirements WA include:
- Front, side, and curtain airbags
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and fixed seats for all passengers and the driver
- Speedometre equipped with warning devices to prevent collisions with objects or pedestrians
- A risk-based process for periodically testing brake systems to ensure effectiveness
- No vehicles are allowed to tow equipment unless the vehicle is specifically manufactured for towing purposes
BMA
The BMA mine spec vehicle requirements adhere to BHP safety standards, including:
- 5-star safety rating from recognised vehicle assessment programs
- “Good” rating in both frontal and side crash tests from IIHS
- No aftermarket modifications that decrease safety
- In addition to the mine spec vehicle requirements, BMA also follows safety requirements for high occupancy vehicles:
- Appropriate fire suppression systems and fire extinguishers
- Date monitoring systems to record driver behaviours, such as speed
- 3-point seat belts for all occupants
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Appropriate tyre selection and maintenance
- A journey risk assessment and management plan
- Relevant local licenses for any HOV drivers
FMG
FMG mine spec vehicle requirements WA include:
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Three-point seat belts with pretensioners
- Front, side, and curtain airbags
- Speedometers and warning devices designed to help prevent accidental collisions or interactions with objects or people
- Safety belts and fixed seats for the driver and all passengers
- A risk-based process to test braking systems for effectiveness on a periodic schedule
- Pre-operational safety checks for all vehicles
- No vehicles can tow equipment unless they are manufactured specifically as towing vehicles
Custom Perth Mine Spec Vehicle Fit Out
Mining corporations such as BHP, BMA, FMG, and Rio Tinto set stringent mine spec vehicle requirements. These safety requirements and mine spec vehicle upgrades are imperative for preventing accidents and fires at mine sites.
With a custom mine spec vehicle fit out in Perth, we can deliver a compliant, reliable fitout tailored to your mine site requirements.
With years of specialty experience fitting mine spec vehicles, our team at Elite Tune can get your vehicle mine-ready. Contact our team today to get a free quote for mine spec vehicle fit out.
