Mining and Tunneling

Statistics show that nearly 55% of all fires in mines originate in a vehicle fire*. This has been a rising figure over many years. Hot surfaces and overheating are a leading cause of underground fires. Together, these two are the cause of more than 50% of all vehicle fires in mines. Mining operations are extremely sensitive to unscheduled downtime. An engine fire above or underground can be devastating, as every minute of operation counts. Due to the typically large quantities of diesel and hydraulic oil, often operating under high pressures in the immediate area, an ignited engine fire could lead to a rapid and disastrous series of events. The financial and operational consequences resulting from occurrences such as a leaking fuel line or ruptured hydraulic hose are what machine operators want to prevent. The most important resource of any company is the human workforce who are at risk in the event of a fire.

In the UK and Ireland we have worked on many projects and with many companies including Crossrail and Tara Mines.

* [Annual Report, Gramko Fire Commitee, www.svemin.se, Sweden, 2013 & Safety Bulletin No: SB13-05, www.resources.nsw.gov.au/safety, NSW, Australia, 2013]