Summary: The operator of a bulldozer saw flames coming from the left hand side walkway and manually activated the on-board fire suppression system. The fire was extinguished and a water cart was also used to cool the walkway area. There was no visible evidence of equipment damage but all guards and covers were removed. The machine hydraulic tank was reported as empty, which indicated a failed internal hydraulic line as the likely source of the fire.
Recommendations to industry: Mine operators should ensure:
- that equipment operators are reminded to investigate any oil leaks and effect repairs and clean up to prevent fires from occurring
- hydraulic oil level alarms or shutdown systems are considered to prevent significant loss of hydraulic oil that may result in equipment damage or fire.
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