The NSW Resources Regulator has commenced proceedings against Tritton Resources Pty Ltd, the operator of Tritton Copper Mine, Hermidale, in relation to an underground haul truck fire which occurred in the main decline of the mine on 23 June 2018.
The Regulator alleges that Tritton Resources Pty Ltd failed in its duty under section 19(1) of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHSA) to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers while the workers were at work in the Tritton Copper Mine in contravention of section 33 of the Work Health and Safety Act.
The proceedings are set down for mention in the District Court of NSW on 3 August 2020. The offence carries a maximum penalty of $500,000.
Underground miner breaks pelvis at Tritton
Fire on underground haul truck
The NSW regulator’s investigation was hampered by the extensive damage to the haul truck. Despite that the previous investigation found there were three issues affecting the haul truck fire that led to an increased risk of it catching fire. Including overfilling of a fuel tank, a hole in the exhaust system and that truck had fan hoses that did not meet the OEM’s pressure requirements.
The investigation determined that the most likely cause of the fire was diesel fuel escaping the fuel system and making contact with hot
components in the engine compartment.
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