Roof fall leads to call for better strata monitoring at mine sites

Operators of coal mines should review their risk and controls for strata management after a roof fall occurred recently on a main travel roadway at an underground coal mine.

The mine was working normally when underground services were disrupted. Subsequent investigation discovered a roof fall and the mine was evacuated and all persons accounted for. There were no injuries.

The relevant inspector of coal mines attended the site and conducted inquiries relating to this event and deficiencies were found with the management of the strata monitoring.Through subsequent review of strata monitoring it was discovered that up to 30% of the strata monitoring devices (SMD) were not operable for various reasons.

A neighbouring mine reported up to 40% of similar devices not operable. People allocated to using these devices were unable to determine whether the strata monitoring devices were in good operating condition.

It was suggested that operators should review their risk and controls for strata management with particular emphasis on (but not limited to):

• the type of SMD used;
• the suitability of the SMD for the required areas of operation;
• the process of recording information relevant to the SMD;
• training of underground people in the installation, use and interpretation of SMDs;
• training of underground people in determining if a SMD is faulty;
• TARPs relating to strata management and SMDs;
• repair and replacement management of SMDs.

For more information, visit the NSW Government’s Mine Safety website.