SAFETY
EFFECTIVE
FIRE SUPPRESSION
By Tarren Bolton | All images by Sandvik
Ambatovy Nickel Mine in Madagascar, one of the biggest nickel mines in the world, has an
enviable fire safety record. Plant Equipment & Hire looks at how Sandvik’s fire suppression
systems are contributing to this.
The success of the Ambatovy’s safety interventions speaks volumes for its policies and
procedures and points to astute selection of fire suppression systems that are correctly
suited to the kind of risks associated with its type of surface mining activities.
F
lammable liquids, combustible
materials and extremely hot
machinery combine to make the
mine site a veritable tinderbox, and the
hazardous and remote nature of mining
puts mine sites at a high risk of fire.
Not only is adequate fire protection
a financial and regulatory necessity, but
an ethical one too. Fire protection for
the mining industry requires detailed
assessments, planning and execution to
meet the unique requirements of a site.
Fire hazards differ for surface and
underground mines and also vary
according to a mine’s size, structure,
materials, equipment and staff
complement. And, while hazards vary
from one site to another, common fire
hazards can include mobile equipment
and mining vehicles. Engaging a fire
protection expert to conduct a detailed
risk assessment can reduce the chance of
hazards being overlooked.
Ambatovy and Sandvik synergy
Sandvik ECLIPSE Fire Suppression
Systems are contributing to an enviable
fire safety record at the Ambatovy Nickel
Mine in Madagascar, one of the biggest
nickel mines in the world.
www.equipmentandhire.co.za
With several mobile machines, as well
as other risk areas protected by Sandvik
Mining and Rock Technology’s ECLIPSE
Fire Suppression Systems, Ambatovy
has not lost plant equipment nor exposed
onsite workers to hazardous fires since
beginning production in 2012.
The success of the mine’s safety
interventions speaks volumes for its
policies and procedures; and points
to astute selection of fire suppression
systems that are correctly suited to the
kind of risks associated with its type of
surface mining activities.
Progressive approach
According to Sandvik Mining and Rock
Technology business developer for fire
suppression, Nick Steinz, Ambatovy’s
fire record is a good example of a mine’s
management engaging with its supplier to
adopt the right technology and systems to
best protect its assets and, by implication,
safeguard its people and production.
“Our relationship with Ambatovy spans
back to 2008 when their maintenance
manager at the time first made enquiries
about Sandvik’s ECLIPSE Fire Suppression
Systems. Having used and seen our fire
suppression systems in action while
at a previous mine, he enquired about
the suitability of our systems for plant
equipment, pump houses and other at-risk
equipment on the mine, which was still in
the developmental stage.
“Having met all the mine’s
requirements, we won the supply tender
and were able to supply systems for
mobile earthmoving equipment including
dump trucks, dozers, excavators, wheel
loaders and graders, as well as pump
engines and generators throughout the
mine. Every new piece of equipment
since then has also been outfitted with
a Sandvik ECLIPSE Fire Suppression
System,” he says.
Foam extinguishing agent
Steinz continues that Sandvik’s ECLIPSE
Fire Suppression Systems use an entirely
water-based foam system that attacks
all aspects of the fire triangle (heat, fuel
source and oxygen). A chemical chain
reaction between these three elements
results in fire, and a fire will burn for as
long as all elements are maintained. The
water-based foam system attacks all three.
Clean-ups and recharging after
triggering of the system is quick and easy,
as opposed to powders, which can take
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