SECMC-HSE-SOP-009 Review

• SECMC-HSE-SOP-009, Revision 02, was issued on 06-12-2020 and is effective until 05-12-2023.
• The document concerns the safe operation of mobile plant and equipment at all sites, and the HSE department oversees it.

Change Record

• Revise air bag requirement in LTV was updated on 06-12-2020 in section 4.3 of page 5.
• Headlight use for LTV was revised on 06-12-2020 in section 4.3 of page 5.
• Updated speed limits was updated on 06-12-2020 in section 4.3.3 of page 5.
• Functional reverse alarm was added as a mandatory requirement on 06-12-2020 in section 4.3.8 of page 7.
• Prohibit cell phone use on hands free mode was updated on 06-12-2020 in section 4.3.10 of page 8.
• Joint inspection before resuming operation after adverse weather effect was added on 06-12-2020 in section 4.3.13 of page 8.

Purpose

• The SOP explains how SECMC will safely handle vehicles and plant on site.

Scope

• The SOP details methods for controlling risks from vehicle and mobile equipment operations in all site workers, contractors, and visitors.

Definitions

• Competence is the demonstrated skill and knowledge required to perform a task that meets safety standards.
• PPE refers to personal protective equipment.
• "Shall" indicates mandatory action.
• "Should" suggests advisory or recommended action.

Checking Vehicles and Mobile Equipment

• Inspect compliance using pre-start checklist for all vehicles and mobile equipment
• Perform pre-operational checks at the beginning of each shift or after changing operators.
• Conduct checking and testing as per site procedures and OEM directions
• Rectify safety-critical items before using vehicle or equipment.

Vehicle Isolation

• Personnel isolate vehicles and mobile plants per the Isolation & Tagging regime.
• This includes requirements for "live testing" and "commissioning" vehicles and mobile equipment.
• Recommission/return vehicles and mobile plants per the Isolation & Tagging SOP.
• Pre-acceptance inspections ensure effective isolation switches are fitted in accessible and safe locations.

Operating and Moving Vehicles & Mobile Equipment

• All vehicles and mobile equipment must comply with site Safe Plant and Equipment Standard (SECMC-STD-012), including seat belts for all occupants.
• Front seats must have airbags for light vehicles.
• Closed-circuit AC units are required in all mobile equipment.
• Cargo barriers and load restraints are required for vehicles carrying loads that aren't separated from occupants.
• A First Aid kit is required.
• Headlights must be used after sunset or in bad weather.
• Light vehicles must follow the mine entry protocol and turn on headlights.

Authorisation to Drive and/or Operate

• Personnel must be authorized by SSE or their appointee (DM Production, Manager Equipment, or AM Production) to operate vehicles or mobile plants, including loading/unloading equipment.
• O&M contractors must provide a certificate
• Drivers and equipment operators must be competent per the Training Scheme (SECMC-STD-003) before being authorized.

Speed Limits

• Access Road (MCP to mine area): 40km/hr or as indicated.
• General site: 60km/hr or as indicated by traffic sign.
• Immediate operational and site office areas: 20 km/hr.
• The SSE or delegate may set speed limits in certain areas/vehicles with signage/written notice per the Traffic Management Plan.
• Drivers must reduce speed in poor visibility or road conditions to maintain control.
• Supervisors communicate poor road conditions to relevant personnel.
• If the road is unsealed, use 4WD Hi Range. Some conditions may require 4WD Lo-Range.

Traffic Signs

• Traffic control signs direct right of way, limit speed, restrict entry, warn of hazards, and provide general information.
• Area Supervisors are responsible for sign placement.
• Signs must comply with AS1319 Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment.

Duty to Give Way

• All drivers must give way if there is reasonable possibility of a collision/dangerous situation.
• Stationary vehicles/mobile plants shall ensure the road is clear before re-entering, using signals as needed.
• Vehicles have right of way in this order: emergency vehicles, heavy vehicles, light vehicles, unless road sign indication indicates otherwise.
• Pedestrians must give way to all vehicles always.

Overtaking

• Overtaking on access roads require sufficient room, signal/horn from both sides, and safely pulling mobile equipment to side of the road.
• When overtaking a water truck: must have sufficient room, have a signal (indicator) or horn communication between both, water truck has pulled to the side of the road and sprays are turned off.
• When overtaking mobile equipment engaged in road maintenance: must have sufficient room, have a signal (indicator) or horn communication between both, mobile equipment is pulled safely.
• When overtaking other slow-moving vehicles/plants: must have sufficient room, have a signal (indicator) or horn communication between both, mobile equipment is pulled safely.
• Vehicles/equipment must maintain a minimum safe travel distance of 20 metres behind other vehicles/equipment.

Warning Signals

• Mobile plant operators shall sound the horn as below:
• One time before starting the vehicle or mobile plant.
• Two times before moving forward if stopped during operations continuously during work.

Reversing

• Reversing is only allowed when:
• Driver/operator checked to ensure rear/sides are free of obstructions/other vehicles.
• Driver has a clear view.
• Reversing camera is installed in the vehicle/mobile plant is fully operational.
• A spotter with clear view directs the driver/operator and is visible/communicating.
• Reversing alarm is installed and functional.
• After sounding the horn, wait 5 seconds before starting/moving to allow personnel to move to safety.

Parking

• Designated parking areas must be delineated by earth bunds/barriers, signposted, and located on clear/flat ground with drainage.
• Site safety inspections include parking areas.
• All vehicles must be reverse parked where designated, unless dropping off/picking up items/personnel (and must position to drive forward from that point).
• Parked vehicles must have the engine off and be stable (wheel chocks, gear engaged, park/handbrake, wheels turned towards berm).
• Light vehicles must not park within 50m from mobile plant, unless in designated area or part of refuelling process.
• Mobile plant shall reverse park in designated area or be, parked visibly, positioned to drive forward, and not obstruct access including pedestrian paths.
• All parked mobile plants must have the engine switched off made stable with wheel chocks, gear engaged, and park/handbrake applied.
• May allow mobile plant operators to stand the plant with the engine running, if its near, control is capable, and follow parking requirements.

Mobile Phones

• Mobile phones, including speakerphone/hands-free kits, are prohibited while driving/operating vehicles or mobile equipment.
• To talk, should park in a safe zone or inform supervisor and park in parking area if the purpose it for personal.
• Must be parked before answering use cellphone.
• Hands free are not to be used for light vehicles.

Operating During General Maintenance, Servicing, Lubricating and Refuelling

• During assembly, maintenance, servicing, lubricating and refueling all personnel must comply with requirements of Modify/Maintain Fixed and Mobile Plant SOP (SECMC-SOP-007) and Isolation & Tagging SOP.

Traffic Management Plans

• Develop a TMP for the site, regarding hazards and traffic controls and, such as overhead power lines, crossings, junctions, approved routes, access road weight/width restrictions.

Adverse Weather

• Area Supervisors can suspend vehicle movements on site based on conditions and the decision should be based on site reports and weather reports.
• People involved must acknowledge the arrangements and Joint team of Mine Planning, Production, Geology, and HSE must inspect the mine prior to resuming operations.

Emergency Incidents

• For vehicle/equipment emergencies like fires, prepare and respond per the Emergency Response Plan.

Carrying and Transporting of Personnel

• No one shall be transported unless there is a seat and seat beats.
• Vehicles for personal transport are to meet the SECMC-STD-012 standard.
• Vehicles shall ensure:
• All personal that are transported wear seatbelts.
• All are authorized to be onsite.
• Tools and equipment in compartments are always in a space secure from all and provide barriers to protect the material carried.

Specific Operational Tasks

• Conduct all specific tasks requiring vehicle/mobile plant operations not detailed in this SOP per relevant work instructions, procedures, and legislation.

Overhead Powerlines

• The SSE must ensure all overhead electrical ones are marked.
• Height must be surveyed and the clearance sign posted before vehicle crossing on the design.
• Sign must include:
  • High Voltage
  • Safe Clearance Height
• Powerline signage must be serviceable.

Contact with Overhead Powerlines

• Activate the Emergency Response Plan
• Retreat to a safe place (e.g., muster point/20m away) and don't touch the vehicle/item.
• Electrical power must be isolated/tested before personnel rescue, recovery, or fire suppression.

Towing of Equipment, Trailers and Other Vehicles

• For towing equipment not designed as a trailer follow these measures:
  • Use the safest route.
  • Use a vehicle of sufficient size to control the tow.
  • Inspect the towing link prior to attaching.
  • Use competent persons to control both vehicles.
  • Consider using an escort vehicle.
  • Active hazard lights and speed limited to 40 kph.

Roles and Responsibilities

• SSE is responsible for the following:
  • Ensure staff are trained in the procedure
  • Ensure personnel are aware of materials and any assistance with the tools
  • Ensure supplies and contractor requirements are met
  • Ensure periodic auditing for safety and compliance
• Supervisors ensure the following:
  • Ensure procedure requirements are always used
  • Provide training to staff, on tools and procedures
  • Ensure regular inspection
  • Ensure the raising of concerns involving safety
• All Workers and supervisors
  • Must comply with procedures
  • Make supervisors fully aware of hazards
  • Work within defined area of performance

Records and Review Criteria

• Until the Risk assessment changes it shall be maintained
• All records of all the safety measures shall be kept
• Documents are be followed as follows:
  • Every 3 years
  • If changes occurred, affecting quality
  • If significant events occur
  • If a deficiency, affecting SOP is found
  • As result from a non-conformance

Document Authorisation

• This is created and authorised under SECMC's safety and health management system.