Safety alert — sudden truck tyre burst

A safety alert has been issued by NSW Mine Safety after the sudden failure and burst of an electric drive haul truck tyre which blasted pressurised air at a mining site into the immediate vicinity where workers were intending to check oil levels on the truck.

The incident occurred last month when the driver was reversing to a parked position following orders to stop the vehicle for inspection after noticing an engine oil light alarm.

Investigations showed the tyre failure was caused by sidewall failure and the tear’s position was consistent with contact being made with an open sound attenuation door in the engine bay.

It appears the incident could have been prevented as the investigation further showed the driver’s (or previous driver’s) prestart check did not identify the sound attenuation door had been left open and unlatched at previous truck maintenance.

Click here to view the full safety alert SA 15-06 and the list of recommendations.