Lesson 3 – Operation Of Underground Trackless Mobile Machines

TESTING OF BRAKING SYSTEMS

 

a.STATIC TESTING OF BRAKING SYSTEMS

 

BRAKE TESTING DURING NORMAL OPERATION

• Static brake testing shall be performed on all underground TMM’s on a daily basis.
• The following systems shall be tested during such daily tests.

–Service Brakes,

–Park Brake,

–Emergency Brakes,

–Neutral Brake.

• All the above tests shall be performed as per OEM standard. See SOP101 (TMM Brake Testing Procedures).
• Where OEM standards does not exist for such tests, an acceptable procedure which is based on similar and related braking systems, shall be adopted!

 

b.WHERE APPROPRIATE, DYNAMIC TYPE OR OTHER TESTS

• Non of the TMM’s used at Barberton Mines, utilizes Dynamic type testing, of braking systems, during normal operation, but in order to prove the effectiveness of the different types of brakes and braking systems utilized on TMM’s, the following shall apply;

 

PROTECTION OF THE OPERATOR AND PASSENGERS

OBJECTS FALLING ON OR IN CLOSE PROXIMITY OF TMM’S

a. Of the full TMM fleet at Barberton Mines Limited, only the following machines are equipped with canopies;

• SDT10 Dump Truck
• EJC115LP
• TC8D

b. Barberton Mines are in progress to implement ROPS/FOPS on all TMM’s not fitted as such. This process is planned to be completed by December 2017.

c. Before loading of the Dump Truck commences, the Dump Truck Operator will get out of the cabin, and direct the LHD Operator towards the tipping of ore into the bowl.

d. During loading or tipping procedures, all pedestrians shall stand a safe distance from loading/tipping area.

 

 

IN THE EVENT OF A ROLL-OVER

• Barberton Mines are in progress to fit all TMM’s with ROPS/FOPS.
• In addition to the above statement, the following shall also apply;

a. Entry examinations shall be conducted as per COP1, meaning the area must be declared safe prior to any TMM activity.

b. The Operator of a TMM will use that machine in such a way, as to minimize the risk of overturning the TMM.

• No Operator is allowed to drive a TMM with the bucket/bowl in an elevated position, unless it is the intention of the Operator to immediately perform tipping procedures and provided that the TMM is on level ground.
• Whether the TMM is stationary or in motion: No Operator is allowed to turn or articulate any TMM with a loaded bucket/bowl in an elevated position.

 

INADVERTENTLY MOVING

a. All TMM’s will be parked as per COP and if applicable, in conjunction with the lock-out procedures in COP25.

b. No part or section of a TMM will be left unattended with stored energy. All buckets, booms and bowls will be in the fully lowered position, for that specific application or procedure involved.

c. If the TMM is parked on an inclination, it will always be the down-grade side of the vehicle that must be turned or articulated into the sidewall.

d. The Park Brake and Emergency Brake shall be applied.

e. The prime mover (engine) of the TMM shall be switched off. The ignition key and the battery isolator handle must be removed.

f. All TMM’s will be fitted with two wheel stop blocks. When the vehicle is standing on an inclination, the wheel stops will be fitted on the down-grade side of any two wheels, but when the vehicle is standing on level ground, the wheel stops will be fitted on both sides of any one wheel. Both wheel stop blocks will always be used.

g. Except for the pedestrian compactors, all TMM’s are fitted with Fail-Safe braking system that insures that brakes are effectively applied when the prime mover is switched off.

h. Except for the pedestrian compactor and the E15 Tractors, all other TMM’s are equipped with a shut-down solenoid and seat-switch combination that cuts off the engine and effectively apply the fail-safe brakes within 15 seconds of the operator leaving his seat.

 

 

INADVERTENTLY RUNNING OUT OF CONTROL

a. Operators are trained in the use of the emergency braking system of the TMM.

b. If the TMM is a LHD, the lowest portion of the machine shall immediately be turned into the sidewall.

c. All types of TMM’s shall utilize all braking systems including the service, park and emergency brake devices to bring the vehicle or machine to a controlled stop.

 

BEING SET IN MOTION BY AN UNAUTHORIZED PERSON

a. In conjunction with subsection 8.4.1 above, the Operator of the TMM will also remove the ignition key upon exiting the TMM.

b. After removing the ignition key the Operator will also isolate the batteries of the TMM, by switching off the Battery Master Switch and removing the switching handle.

c. Key-Control will be performed as such:

• Ignition keys for TMM’s will be accompanied by metal key-tags.
• The tag will reflect the operator’s name and surname, as well as his company number.
• The tag will be permanently fixed to the key by means of a key-ring.
• When an operator receives the TMM Operator’s Competency Certificate, he/she will be issues with an ignition key-and-tag combination.
• The operator will then sign the Key Control Register.
• Refer to SOP51 (Key Control Procedures) for more information.

 

SAFE BOARDING/ALIGHTING AND WORKING ON TRACKLESS MOBILE MACHINES

• In order to ensure that persons can safely board, alight and work on trackless mobile machines, the cop must describe the design of equipment and procedures in place to provide for the safe boarding onto, alighting from or working on trackless mobile machines.
• No person is allowed to embark or disembark any TMM while in operation.
• The three-point-of-contact method will always be used when embarking or disembarking from any TMM.
• No person is allowed to use any of the hydraulic or electrical control knobs, switches or levers of a TMM to assist such person to mount onto or dismount from the machine.

 

Common practice to embark and disembark, will proceed as follows:

• TMM Operators: The Operator currently on the vehicle will disembark first, before another operator or maintenance staff is allowed to board the TMM.
• TMM Passengers: Common practice for passengers to embark and disembark, will proceed as follows,
• The operator of the TMM (Troop Carrier) shall make use of hooter signals to inform passengers when it is safe to board onto, or disembark from the vehicle. The hooter signals will be carried out as such;
• Sound the hooter three times (3x), to indicate that the TMM has stopped and that it is safe for the passengers to get off.
• Sound the hooter three times (3x), to indicate the TMM is about to move. The operator will only sound this signal upon confirmation that all the doors are closed. This is indicated by the green light on the instrument panel.
• Persons currently on the vehicle will be allowed to disembark first, before persons about to travel, can board.
• Normal Practice: During normal conditions, passengers are only allowed to embark or disembark from the vehicle at specific designated boarding points.
• Emergency Conditions: During an emergency, passengers are allowed to embark or disembark from the vehicle, but only in order to promote the safety of personnel and equipment. This may happen at any point where the operator of the Personnel Carrier might see fit to stop the vehicle. The TMM must be stationary and the emergency brakes applied.
• While persons are in the process of moving into or out of a TMM, the Operator of such a vehicle will not set it in motion. The operator shall ensure that the TMM remains stationary until all persons are safely in or out of the vehicle;
• An emergency exit shall only be used under emergency situations. No person is allowed to embark or disembark a Personnel Carrier through any opening other than the entrances.
• The Operator is to ensure that the door is properly secured, before setting the vehicle in motion; and
• All TMM’s permitted to carry passengers, will be equipped with a sticker indicating the maximum number of persons allowed.
• Steps, stepping points, ladders or holding points on TMM’s;

–The spacing of any first step from ground level to the first point of shoe-contact shall not be more than 500mm high.

–The first two hand-holding points shall be easily accessible from ground level and shall not be higher than 1.6m from ground level.

–The distance between stepping points on TMM’s shall not be more than 600mm apart.

–Where ladders are used, the steps stall not be more that 250mm apart.

–Where maintenance personnel needs to gain access to the TMM, other than by the normal access points for operators, a step-ladder or similar device will be provided for safe access, to and from the TMM.

 

 

Where a stepping platform or similar device has to be used to gain access to a TMM, this device shall have the following specifications.

• The all-over width of the structure shall not be less than 700mm wide.
• The height from ground level to the first step or between any of the other steps shall not be more than 250mm apart.
• Each landing or step shall not be less than 300mm deep, to allow for adequate and comfortable shoe-space when a person is standing on it.
• The all-over height of this structure shall depend on the height required to safely access the TMM, but shall never be higher than 1m (1000mm).
• This structure shall be fitted with adequate handrails whenever the total height of the structure exceeds 500mm, or when the structure will consists of three or more stepping platforms.

 

Where maintenance personnel needs to work on top of any TMM, and leaving ground level, the following will be adhered too:

• All surfaces on top of the TMM will be clean from any oil or dirt or unnecessary spares, equipment or tools.
• No person is allowed to stand or walk on top of any TMM, unless that person makes use of a safety harness to prevent him/her from falling off the TMM.
• It shall be the duty of maintenance supervisors to issue harnesses to personnel which requires the use thereof.
• Before such procedures are to be commenced with, such personnel shall comply with the following;

–Safety harnesses shall comply with the provisions stated in SOP41 Lifting Equipment.

–Harnesses shall only be attached to permanently installed safety strings, or fixed structures.

 

 

DESIGN AND OPERATION OF TOW-BARS AND COUPLING DEVICES

In order to ensure that persons are protected from risks during the use of tow –bars and coupling devices, the cop should describe at least the following:

• Currently we do not have safe means of towing TMM’s underground. With regards to this, the following shall apply:

–As general practice, the towing of TMM’s, shall not be allowed at Barberton Mines.

–If any TMM, covered in this COP, is blocking a travelling-way or the workings of a section due to mechanical, electrical or hydraulic failure, the vehicle will ONLY be moved to a safer place, if it is possible to safely rig the machine to that position.

–If it is, or becomes impossible to further move the TMM by means of rigging, the vehicle shall be repaired at that location.

–Rigging and lifting shall be performed in accordance with SOP41 (Lifting Equipment) and where applicable, SOP31 (Transporting and Handling of Heavy Equipment) shall also apply.

–All underground workshops shall be equipped with notice boards stating “No Towing of TMM’s”.

 

Tow-bars

• Measures to ensure that the design of tow -bars and coupling devices are in accordance with an appropriate sans or international standard. Any tow-bars or coupling devices not designed in accordance with a sans or international standard shall be approved by a registered professional engineer;

 

Coupling And De-coupling Of Tow-bars

• The methods and procedures to be used for the safe coupling, towing /pushing and de- coupling of trackless mobile machines; and

 

Inadvertent De-coupling Of Tow-bars

• The methods and procedures to prevent inadvertent de- coupling of any trackless mobile machine being towed or pushed.

 

ILLUMINATION

In order to ensure that trackless mobile machines are visible to persons and to enable the operator to identify the presence of persons and hazards timely, the cop must describe at least the following illumination provisions on trackless mobile machines:

 

Light Intensity, Type, Numbers, Size, Spread And Range Of Light Beams:

• Every TMM shall be provided with a light of sufficient intensity shining in the direction of travel. In accordance with the Minerals Act Regulation 15.3.2, the average light intensity shall not be less than 10lux at a distance of 20 meters.
• In addition to this, the following shall also apply;

–Unless otherwise specified, all TMM’s shall be fitted with at least two (2) light sources in the main direction of travel. Each of these light sources shall be able to produce a minimum light intensity of 10lux at a distance of 20m. Each one of these light sources shall be referred to as a “Main Light Source”.

–Unless otherwise specified, all TMM’s shall be fitted with a “Flood Light” as the “Main Light Source” and it shall have an effective angle of spread of approximately 60 degrees and a minimum intensity of 2000 lumens.

–Where vehicles make use of “Reverse Lights”, these lights shall be the same as specified for the “Main Light Source”

–Where TMM’s have been fitted originally with reverse lights (by the OEM), such lights shall be adequate.

–Where vehicles make use of “Tail Lights”, these lights shall be fitted to the rear of the vehicle and shall be similar to what is permitted on vehicles driving on the national roads.

 

The Distinction Between Front, Rear And Side Lights Including Colour Coding;

 

Front Lights (White Only)

• Lights fitted to the front of a vehicle, to illuminate in the main direction of travel, shall be white in colour and shall be of the type “flood lights” as mentioned in 8.7.1 above.
• Where a TMM utilizes both directions of travel equally, both ends of the vehicle shall be fitted with “flood lights”.

 

Rear Lights (White & Red where applicable)

• Lights fitted to the rear-end of vehicles, where movement in that direction is not regarded as a main direction of travel, shall be fitted with a white light for the purpose of illuminating the area behind the vehicle, while it is reversing. These shall also be of type “flood lights” as mentioned in 8.7.1 above. As per subsection 8.7.1(d), OEM fitted lights shall be adequate.
• To identify the rear-end of a vehicle, while it is moving forward, a red light shall be fitted at the rear end and shall be of the type commonly known as “Tail Lights”.

 

Side Lights

• None used on any underground TMM’s as Barberton Mines.

 

Positioning Of Lights To Indicate The Width Of The Trackless Mobile Machines

• Lights fitted to the front and rear side of TMM’s shall be positioned as such to indicate the approximate width of that specific TMM. TMM’s that does not conform to this standard, the light sources shall be repositioned as such.

 

Installation And Adjustment Of Lights

• All light sources where the minimum illumination requirement is 10lux at 20m, shall be checked and adjusted to comply with these specifications, at least once a week during the weekly service or inspection.
• Lights that does not meet minimum requirements, shall be replaced with new units immediately.

 

The Use And Positioning Of Reflectors

• To increase the visibility and identification of TMM’s, all TMM’s shall be fitted with reflective tape. The positioning of the tape shall always be to indicate the total width or length of the vehicle, as far as practically possible.
• Reflective tape fitted to a TMM shall be of adequate size and length to ensure excellent reflectivity.
• Reflective tape shall be cleaned and checked on a daily basis by the operator of the TMM.
• Reflective tape shall be maintained on a weekly basis by maintenance personnel.

 

Procedure In Case Of A Luminaire Or Lamp Failure

• Any light that fails, shall be replaced as soon as practically possible.
• If a failure of any light will impair the operator’s ability to safely use the TMM, the TMM shall not be used until the substandard has been rectified.
• Light sources that losses luminance intensity, shall be checked by maintenance personnel and renewed if found to be inadequate.

 

The Use Of Adjustable Lights To Illuminate Places Critical To Safe Operation

• None of the TMM’s at Barberton Mines make use of additional adjustable lights, but where the need may arise to fit such lights, the situation shall be investigated and adequately addressed.

 

MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTIONS OF TRACKLESS MOBILE MACHINES

In order to ensure that the maintenance and inspection of trackless mobile machines are appropriate for the specific circumstances at the mine, the cop must describe:

 

Scheduling Of Maintenance, Inspections And Over Inspections.

• Maintenance Scheduling:

 

Methodology (TMM Maintenance Plan)

• The maintenance conducted on trackless mobile machines is regulated by a maintenance plan, which combines the OEM specifications as basis for all services, together with what can practically be implemented and maintained.

 

The following information has been used to formulate the TMM Maintenance Plan at Barberton Mines Limited.

• The OEM’s Operation and Maintenance Instructions which forms the basis for each TMM’s service plan.
• The general working conditions associated with Humidity, Dust and Temperature.
• The average working hours of each TMM.
• Service items/parts will not be longer in operation than what it was intended for by the OEM.
• Service intervals might be shortened to combine services into a more practical execution thereof.

 

PRE-USE CHECKLISTS

In order to ensure that TMM’s are adequately checked before operation, the following shall apply;

• Pre-Use Daily Checklists

–The Pre-Use Daily Checklist shall be used by the Operator of the TMM at the beginning of every shift, and as a guideline throughout the shift when the need arises to recheck the TMM and safety systems.

–All TMM checklists used, shall be printed as such to ensure adequately clarity thereof, for the purpose it is intended for. Since the checklist is a legal document, mandated by legislation, it is suggested that the checklists most often used, are procured from an appropriate service provider to ensure the quality of such checklists.

• Checklist Items (Components & System Checks)
• Each TMM Pre-Use Daily Checklist shall contain all relevant items as contemplated in the MHSA Regulation 8.10.24.1 and 8.10.24.2.
• General Layout/Sections

 

Each Pre-Use Daily Checklist shall (at least) contain the following sections;

General Information,

• General Checks, Safety Checks and Safety Critical Checks, including the “Go”, “Go But” and “No Go” options TMM1, TMM3, TMM5, TMM7, TMM9, TMM11.
• Hydrocarbon Control,
• Shift Activity Report, and
• Confirmation of Use (Signatures and Dates)

 

General Checks, Safety Checks and Safety Critical Checks

• All the items listed at the aforementioned sections, shall clearly indicate all the components, features and functionalities to be inspected by the TMM Operator. For each component, feature or functionality, the checklist must clearly indicate the pre-established criteria under which the trackless mobile machines may or may not be used.

–Furthermore, only General Checks and Safety Checks shall be regarded as items where the “Go But” option can be applicable.  For Safety Critical items, only the “Go” and “No Go” options shall be regarded as applicable.

 

Keeping of Records

• Pre-Use Daily Checklists shall be kept for at least 3 months, after which it may be destroyed.
• No TMM Pre-Use Daily Checklist shall be destroyed unless it has been fully captured on the TMM Database application.
• Service Maintenance Checklists shall be stored for at least 2 years.
• Pre-Use Daily Checklists may be stored for an additional period of time, if the storage thereof will assist in establishing important information or trends with regards to the use of TMM’s.

 

SAFE ISOLATING, DE-ENERGIZING RELEVANT SOURCES OF ENERGY AND LOCKING OUT A TMM.

 

Electrical Isolation/Lock-Out

• The electrical isolation/lock-out procedures of TMM’s are specified in section 7.6 of COP25 (Safe Lock-out Procedures).

 

Hydraulic De-Energizing When Parking TMM (to release stored energy)

• Safely stop the TMM.
• Fully lower the boom/bowl (where applicable).
• Fully lower the bucket (where applicable).
• Safely switch off the engine and isolate/lock-out as per COP25.
• Ensure that the pressure in these systems have been safely released by twerking the control handles.

 

Hydraulic De-Energizing For Maintenance Purposes (to release stored energy)

• Safely stop the TMM.
• Fully lower the boom/bowl (where applicable).
• Fully lower the bucket (where applicable).
• Safely switch off the engine and isolate/lock-out as per COP25.
• Before starting to perform maintenance actions on any of the hydraulic systems, ensure that the pressure in such a system has been safely released.

 

VIBRATION CONTROL.

In order to reduce the effects of mechanical vibration on operators while operating TMM’s, the following measures shall be implemented:

• All TMM’s shall be fitted with an adequate suspension seating arrangement. Subsequent to this, no TMM’s shall be used if the suspension seating arrangement is inadequate, with regards to the purpose it was designed for.
• The single use of foam type seating cushions on a solid base, shall not be regarded as an adequate suspension seating arrangements.
• The wear of kidney belts shall be optional.

 

PROTECTION AGAINST NOISE TO WHICH THE OPERATOR IS EXPOSED.

To reduce the exposure of TMM operators to high noise levels, the following shall apply:

• All LHD, Troop Carrier and Dump Truck Operators shall make use of “Noise Clipper” hearing protection while operating such machines.
• All other TMM operators shall make use of standard hearing protection.
• To reduce the noise levels of underground TMM’s in operation, such TMM’s shall be fitted with silencers as far as reasonably possible.
• Noise levels of underground TMM operations shall be monitored by the Environmental Department, as per the COP22 (Noise).
• TMM Operators shall be monitored as per the Hearing Conservation Program.

 

PEDESTRIANS REQUIRED TO INTERACT WITH TRACKLESS MOBILE MACHINES DURING MAINTENANCE WORK IN A WORK PLACE OR IN A WORKSHOP.

 

Where any person wishes to pass through or enter a place where maintenance is being performed on TMM’s, the following shall apply:

• Pedestrians shall regard such places as hazardous areas, and shall not enter such areas unless he/she has been allowed to do so.
• Pedestrians shall not regard TMM maintenance areas/workshops as normal travelling ways, unless a pre-established route is provided for. Such routes shall be adequately demarcated, and as such to allow for safe passage of pedestrians.
• Pedestrians shall make use of their cap lamps to get the attention of maintenance personnel in order to request access to enter or pass through such working areas.

 

THE INTERACTION OF THE TRACKLESS MOBILE MACHINES WITH EACH OTHER AND WITH PERSONS DURING THE REFUELING PROCESSES.

• Where applicable, refueling areas/facilities shall be adequately demarcated to indicate the position of the TMM, while refueling/refilling takes place, and the route of safe passage of Pedestrians and/or other TMM’s.
• All other safety measures related to the use of hooters, warning/flashing beacons and the use of light sources, shall still apply.

 

PROCEDURES FOR THE INSTALLATION, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF PROXIMITY DETECTION AND COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEMS, WHERE SUCH SYSTEMS ARE REQUIRED;

• In order to investigate the use of PDS/CAS systems on the TMM’s at Barberton Mines and to check the adaptability of such systems to our underground conditions and types of TMM’s used, BML implemented a PDS system at one section at Royal Sheba.
• The TMM selected for this trial run is the biggest TMM in our fleet – an EJC115LP – which is used at the Royal Sheba section, on 23 Level MRC.

 

The system implemented to the said TMM and accompanying section, has the following features:

• The TMM has been fitted with a warning system, which detects and identify different distances between the TMM and the subject detected.
• The TMM has interaction with a RBE systems, which utilizes and detects PDS tags fitted to the cap lamps of the Loco Operator and Guard.
• All personnel entering the operational area of the said TMM, is required to wear PDS fitted PPE.

 

In addition to the above mentioned, Barberton Mines also utilizes other measures to promote the safety of TMM’s, other equipment and pedestrians. These measures are as follows;

• We only make use of 1-way traffic! – See Typical Excavation sizes referred to at ANNEX 1-C.
• We make use of safety signage – See ANNEX 1-D.
• Adequate identification and visibility of TMM’s by means of various working light sources, the flashing beacon and reflective means fitted to TMM’s. (See subsections 8.11.4 & 8.11.7(a).)

 

OPERATING PROCEDURES

In order to ensure the safe operation of trackless mobile machines, the cop must describe at least the following:

 

Safe Start -Up, Operation, Parking And Shut -Down Procedures;

• All persons authorized to operate TMM’s shall perform the following procedures to ensure that all TMM’s are safely used.

 

Safe Start-Up Procedures

The following shall be performed before any TMM is started up.

• TMM operators shall always ensure that they make use of the correct TMM Pre-Use Daily Checklist, as per SOP115 (SPMM Checklists).
• TMM operators shall not make use of badly printed pre-use daily checklists.
• A Pre-Use Daily Inspection shall be done prior to a TMM being started up for the first time
• During daily operation of TMM’s, every operator shall perform a visual inspection every time such TMM is started again
• The TMM operator shall ensure that the TMM and the area around the TMM is safe, before starting the engine.
• Subsection (a) above, shall also apply to maintenance personnel, except for while repairs, maintenance and testing procedures are being performed on TMM’s, provided that all procedures performed are done as such to ensure no hazardous situation occurs due to, or while the TMM is started.

 

Safe Operation Of TMM’s

The following shall be performed before any TMM is allowed to start tramming/driving.

• MM operators shall test all safety devices and related measures, when starting up a TMM for the first time.
• Should it be required of any TMM operator to start using another TMM during the same shift, then subsection above shall still apply, whether that other TMM has already been used during that same shift by another operator, or not.
• TMM operators shall ensure that the TMM and the surrounding area is safe every time before starting up the TMM.
• All TMM’s and related equipment must be used for the purpose that it was intended for, and within its designed capacity and related safety measures. See SOP114 (TMM Design Capacities and Related Control Measures).
• Where TMM’s are equipped with safety belts, it must be worn at all times.
• Unless for the purpose of testing a TMM, no diesel engine shall be allowed to idle unnecessarily.
• TMM ignition keys and isolator switch handles, shall not be left unattended on, or at any TMM.
• Only TMM’s approved by the DMR, shall be allowed to be used at Barberton Mines. Such TMM’s shall only be utilized for the functions it was approved for.

 

Principles for the Testing of TMM Functions:

• TMM operators shall not perform any Loading, Testing or Tramming procedures, unless he/she has CONFIRMED that all persons are VISUALLY clear from the TMM and its operational path.
• Where maintenance personnel request TMM operators to perform Loading, Testing or Tramming procedures for the purpose of testing specific functions of the TMM, such TMM operator shall only perform each such action requested, under direct instruction from the person in charge of observing such testing functions.
• Where TMM functions are being tested while the person observing such actions must be in close proximity of the TMM, the following shall apply;

–Only one (1) observer shall be allowed in close proximity of the TMM.

–The TMM operator shall ensure that he/she is always aware of exactly where the observer is positioned.

–The observer shall clearly communicate all instructions to the TMM operator and as such to prevent any misunderstandings between him/her and the TMM operator while testing of the functions takes place.

 

Stationary/Static Testing of the TMM:

The TMM operator shall test all safety and movement functions of the TMM, which can be tested without initiating tramming or driving motions. Such testing could include the following;

• Normal starting function
• Hooter function (normal use and reverse activation where applicable)
• Lighting/Illumination and emergency beacon functions (normal use and directional use where applicable)
• Neutral-Start function
• Seat-Switch/Engine cut interlock
• Door/Hatch interlock indications
• Steering functions to the left and right
• Boom, Bucket or Bowl functions

 

Brake and Dynamic Testing of the TMM:

• The TMM operator shall start by testing the brake-holding power of the TMM before starting to tram/drive the TMM. See SOP101 (TMM Brake Testing Procedures).
• Lastly, the TMM operator shall cautiously test all the functions that requires the TMM to be in motion, in order to test the machine safely.
• TMM operators shall perform all the above tests at a very slow speed, with utmost caution and only on level ground.

 

Tramming/Driving Principles:

On successful completion of the above mentioned tests, the TMM operator shall always obey the following;

• No TMM shall be used unless all the safety devices/systems are adequate in operation.
• TMM operators shall make use of all the necessary safety measures/procedures, where and when applicable, as per this Code of Practice and all related Safe Operating Procedures.
• TMM operators shall ensure that the surrounding areas/roadways are clear before starting to tram/drive the TMM.
• All persons operating TMM’s shall abide the rule of: “PEDESTRIANS ALWAYS HAVE RIGHT OF WAY”
• TMM operators shall avoid skidding as far as reasonably possible, by taking off slowly and slowing down when negotiating curves, corners, turns and junctions;
• TMM operators shall always perform tramming/driving actions in the safest way possible.
• The speed of all underground TMM’s shall be limited to less than 15km/h. Where speed indicators are not available on TMM’s, such measures shall be put into place to prevent the TMM from over speeding above 15km/h. (e.g. gear selections could be restricted to prevent over speeding)

 

Loading Principles:

• Ore loading procedures, shall generally be performed as per OEM standards.
• TMM operators shall not perform any loading procedures that would require the TMM to be operated outside of its normal design parameters.

 

For example:

• TMM’s shall not be used on inclines or declines where the average angle of the inclination is more that 10° from the horizontal, and
• TMM’s shall not be used at any area where a cross-sectional slope exists. Such areas shall always be leveled out to a generally flat surface, before the loading or shifting of ore continuous.
• With reference to subsection 8.3.2, TMM operators are not allowed to tram, drive or articulate a TMM with the boom or bowl lifted beyond and above the normal carry position. See Section 6 (Terms & Definitions) with regards to the term “carry position”.
• Where it is required by any TMM operator to temporary lift the boom or bowl for the purpose of moving or shifting of ore, the TMM operator shall perform these actions slowly, carefully and in a controlled manner, provided that neither the lifting action, nor the tramming/driving actions shall be done simultaneously.
• The boarding and disembarking of people from TMM’s shall be performed as per subsection 8.5 of this COP and as specified in SOP103 (Safe Use of Troop Carriers Underground). All other related SOP’s shall also apply.
• The loading of material onto or into TMM’s shall be regulated by SOP114 (TMM Design Capacities and Related Control Measures).

 

Tipping/Off-Loading Principles:

• No tipping or dumping actions shall be performed while pedestrians are in close proximity of the area or spot where such tipping or dumping is about to take place.
• All pedestrians shall position themselves adequately away from tipping or dumping sites, prior to such actions taking place and as such that no hazardous event could occur during tipping or dumping actions.
• TMM operators shall visually confirm that areas are safe, before starting with the required tipping or dumping actions.
• Subsection 8.5 of this COP, SOP100 (Safe Use of Utility Vehicles), SOP103 (Safe Use Of Troop Carriers Underground) and SOP114 (TMM Design Capacities and Related Control Measures) shall also apply, where applicable.

 

Reversing:

• With regards to TMM’s being used for the transportation of people, the following shall apply.

–Operators of TMM’s which are used for the purpose of transporting people, shall not reverse with such TMM’s, while passengers are still present in or on the TMM.

 

Safe Parking Procedures

• TMM’s shall always be parked on a level and flat surface.
• Where it is not practical or impossible to park the TMM on a level and flat surface, the operator shall turn the lowest end of the TMM towards the immediate side-wall.
• A TMM operator shall only leave a TMM and the surrounding area if the operator is convinced that the TMM is safe and cannot move by itself.
• Unless impossible to perform due to unforeseen circumstances, no TMM shall be parked as such that it blocks the normal flow of traffic.
• TMM’s shall only be parked at designated parking positions, between shifts.

 

Where a TMM cannot be parked at a designated area, the following shall apply;

• TMM’s shall never be parked where it can be damaged by blasting operations.
• Such TMM’s shall be barricaded-off at all entrances to that TMM.
• The emergency beacon of the TMM shall be active.
• The TMM operator shall report this to the immediate supervisor and to maintenance personnel. Such communication shall also include the exact location of where the TMM is parked.
• The immediate supervisor, as mentioned above, shall also report this deviance to the Mine Overseer as well as adequately communicate al the information to the next shift coming on duty.

 

When TMM’s are parked, and to be left unattended, the TMM operator shall ensure that all functions of such TMM’s are in the resting position and that no potential energy exists. (e.g. booms, buckets and bowls are fully lowered). The following sources of energy, shall be excluded from this subsection;

• The emergency flashing beacon shall not be disconnected from the battery.
• The battery of the TMM shall only be isolated, but not disconnected and removed from its position, unless it is the intention to immediately replace the battery.
• Braking systems which rely on hydraulic or pneumatic pressures in order to function and which forms part of the parking system of the TMM.

 

Safe Shut-Down Procedures

• Where specific shut-down procedures are pre-scribed by an OEM, such procedures shall form part of the training material for such TMM operators, and such procedures shall be adhered to where applicable.
• Where a TMM is parked and to be left unattended, such TMM shall also be locked-out as per COP25 (Lockout Procedures).
• No TMM shall be left unattended unless all relevant procedures have been adhered too.