INSIGHT
PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS
OF TMM
By Nico Pienaar
When discussions first began about fitting trackless mobile machines
(TMM) with systems that detect other vehicles and people, there
wasn’t much knowledge, which created a great deal of uncertainty.
T
he industry – in questioning the
need for TMM systems to be
included in yellow machines – gave
rise to theories that it was a money-
making issue, some didn’t see the
need for it while others said it was not
appropriate for smaller surface mines or
quarries. The perception prevailed that it
was a system only for big mines.
Further confusion was created when
legislation passed in 2015 on something
that did not exist. What do we mean?
Well, there were no reliable or working
proximity detection systems (PDS) for
surface use. The OEMs that sell yellow
machinery also did not have PDS in
their machines, so even if an operation
wanted to install this mechanism, there
were none available for surface use.
There were systems for underground
use though.
In 2017, ASPASA picked up that this
problem was about to rear its head, and
to address it, ASPASA held a four-day
workshop regarding issues affecting
smaller surface mines and quarries. A
great amount of work has been done
since then; ASPASA is now at the stage
where paperwork has been compiled,
risk assessments for the industry have
been completed and workshops all over
ASPASA director, Nico Pienaar.
40
JULY 2019
the country have been held, which has
resulted in frequent feedback sessions.
All that is left, is for operations to do
their work. In other words, to conduct
proper risk assessment and traffic
management plans.
What needs to be done by
industry?
Since there just has been too much
mystery around the subject, let’s keep it
simple:
Step 1
An accurate risk assessment on traffic
management in the operation must be
done. Risk assessments are conducted for
the specific operation by ASPASA and its
risk assessment must be worked in, which
means that the operations risk assessment
must tie in with that of ASPASA’s, which
represents the industry’s risk.
The trick is that an operation should not
write a risk assessment to show there is
no risk!
Step 2
Proper traffic management flow and
procedures must be implemented.
Where do you start? Right at the
entrance to the mine, quarry or surface
mine; do not allow unauthorised people
to enter. A proper sign-in procedure and
a check on issues such as alcohol-free
vehicles and roadworthy vehicles must be
implemented.
It is crucial that all vehicles entering
the facility are roadworthy as, should
someone be killed by an ‘illegal’ vehicle,
the consequences are serious for the
operation and management.
Upon entry, there needs to be a
separation of vehicles to vehicles,
vehicles to employees and vehicles
with structures. This issue of ‘separating
vehicles’ is the difficult part. For separation
to be successful, meaningful and cost-
effective, there needs to be large berms,
rocks or other ‘barriers’ placed between
vehicle paths to demarcate flow in
opposite directions. Vehicle flows need
to be channelled as ‘one-way traffic’
wherever possible.
The vehicle / employee separation
should be done so that no-one moves into
an area where vehicles are moving. If there
is a need for someone to enter the working
area where there are vehicles, it is advised
that they enter the area when vehicles are
parked, such as before or after work or
during a specified lunchtime. Practical and
effective controls are the easiest and most
cost-effective ones.
If people do not enter an area where
there is moving machinery, this reduces
the chance of pedestrians being injured
and pedestrian fatalities are eliminated.
ASPASA notes that circumstances
where fatalities have occurred are when
employees take shortcuts through areas
where machines are moving and they do
not pay attention to their surroundings.
Step 3
If operations still battle to get things
going, this is where ASPASA steps in.
The ASPASA team has specialists and
with advanced knowledge including
the Minerals Councils MOSH Traffic
Management specialists; the experienced
Metacom computer boffin; a very senior
ex-DMR official; and the coordinator of the
whole TMM Task Team under the auspices
of the Minerals Council.
As ASPASA represents the smaller
mining part of the mining industry
with very practical assistance, there
are opportunities for operations to join
ASPASA as members and receive help,
not only with TMM (PDS) but also with
environmental law for training and advice;
audits; health and safety training for audits
and guidance; technical issues that include
training and advice; skills development
using training and courses; and various
other issues.
At the end of the day, ASPASA‘s
view is to support and help smaller
operations rather than to criticise or not
be involved.
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