Acts Online
GT Shield

Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 (Act No. 29 of 1996)

Regulations

Guideline for a Mandatory Code of Practice

Prevention of Fires at Mines

Annexures

Annexure 2 : Examples of fire hazards at mines

 

(For information purposes)

 

The following is a list of typical fire hazards that could be considered for addition in the COP's list of fire hazards. The list is intended as an aide-memoire and it is not exhaustive.

 

Underground

 

(a) Fixed mechanical equipment or plant using mechanical friction such as mono-winches and associated winch rope systems, conveyor belt drives and pulleys.
(b) Fixed electrical equipment: electrical short circuits or over heating of oil-filled transformers or switch-gear; (particularly where these are located in main intake airway systems).
(c) Mobile equipment: fuel or oil leaks on hot exhaust manifolds or the surface of a turbocharger.
(d) Re-fuelling bays and battery charging bays.
(e) Underground workshop areas (storage of fuels, grease, oils, paint, tyres, hoses) in the presence of mobile equipment and also where extensive hot work is performed.
(f) Combustible and flammable liquid stores.
(g) Explosives storage areas.
(h) Locations where combustible of flammable dust or gases can accumulate.
(i) Flame cutting and welding operations, particularly near combustible material.
(j) Abandoned panels or work-places: spontaneous ignition of support timber or coal.

 

Surface

 

(a) Major transformer stations and electrical switchgear installations in or next to hoist rooms.
(b) Storage installations for fuel or other flammable chemicals.
(c) Overland conveyor belts.
(d) Coal stockpiles or spoil piles (induced fires or self-ignition).
(e) Explosives magazines.
(f) Smelter granulation or casting process areas.
(g) Ammonia refrigeration plants.
(h) Waste storage or disposal areas.

(i)        Natural or agricultural areas near, plant/surface infrastructure, intake shafts or declines (plant material fires).