Rescue One Equipment and The Mine Ventilation Society of South Africa
Rescue One, Glencore ECM and TRP shares best practices at MVSSA Conference
Authors: Davida van der Walt (Rescue One), Lourie van Wyk (TRP), Dawid Byleveldt (Glencore ECM) and Mariaan Trollip (TRP).
The Mine Ventilation Society of South Africa held their annual conference at Emperors Palace on the 23rd of June 2023. The theme was: Ventilation Engineers going into the future using diverse technologies and innovations. Speakers were asked to focus on lessons learnt and best practices. Rescue One, Two Rivers Platinum and Glencore, Eastern Chrome Mines, joined forces and prepared a paper on lessons learned and best practices in emergency preparedness and response.
The team developed the model depicted in the figure, highlighting the 3 key elements of successful emergency preparedness and response. Essential to any mine, is well thought through processes and procedures, of the which the mine’s Emergency Preparedness and Response COP is a crucial element. It should be based on risk assessment in a given mine, and adequately address the risks identified.
Systems and technologies are equally important. These can be advanced technologies or primitive technologies, as long as they are effective. And these should in the event of fire, make provision for early warning, as well as supporting miners to get to a place of safety in zero visibility, if needed.
Glencore, ECM highlighted systems such as Lifeline® (a directional rope system that helps miners escape to safety in zero visibility) and Frontline® (an early warning fragrant system – it provides early warning of fire, to allow for escape before zero visibility sets in) as best practices in emergency evacuation. The importance of effective radio communication in an emergency, and audio-visual alarms were emphasized.
Two Rivers Platinum reflected on a belt fire incident that occurred in the last year. Amongst others, emphasis was placed on the importance of risk assessment and implementing the right systems to mitigate or prevent the identified risks. Using ventilation and fire simulation packages can greatly assist in the planning, prevention and mitigation of fire risk. Another significant factor was the management of OEMs to ensure that installed systems are in peak condition and working.
All the presenters at the Mine Ventilation Society of South Africa Conference highlighted the importance of training staff on the implemented systems. The best systems in the world will not be effective if your staff does not know how to use it. Leadership leading by example, and instilling an attitude towards safe behaviour was sighted as a significant best practice.
The MVSSA Eastern Limb branch has made a decision to focus on sharing best practices and lessons learnt on emergency preparedness and response, in order to save lives. One life lost is one too many.
If you would like a copy of the paper and presentations, feel free to send an email request to davida@rescueone.co.za.