Modern Quarrying Q4 2018

AUTHOR: MUNESU SHOKO

Following the Department of Mineral Resources’ promulgation of the mandatory use of proximity detection systems, collision avoidance systems and motion inhibitors in December 2014, the quarrying sector previously highlighted some uncertainty and concerns. Subsequent to a lengthy consultation process between various stakeholders, Letisha Van Den Berg, Health and Safety at Afrimat, gives us an update on the state of affairs as far as adoption at quarries is concerned. PDS COMPLIANCE – WHERE ARE WE NOW?

SAFETY UPDATE – PDS COMPLIANCE

Munesu Shoko [MS]: The Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) promulgated the use of proximity detection systems (PDSs) collision avoidance systems (CAS) and motion inhibitors in December 2014. What is the latest as far as the mandatory use of these technologies at quarries is concerned? Letisha van den Berg [LvdB]: The law states very clearly that you have to do a risk assessment to determine your risk level; if the risk is sig- nificant, you have to install proximity detection systems, but not collision avoidance systems for diesel equipment at this stage. We are currently engaging with the Chamber of Mines (now Minerals Council), original equipment manufac- turers (OEMs) and small-scale mines to ensure the risk evaluation is done properly through an Australian com- pany, Mitacom. This is aimed at having a user guide with precise specifications required for specific needs from a specific mine, and not off the shelve purchases. The process cannot be manipulated to reduce the track- less mobile machinery (TMM) risks. We have selected four Aspasa small-scale mines to trial PDS units. Afrimat has already selected a supplier and service level agree- ments will now be put in place. We are doing the trials to get the best PDS units on the market for small-scale mines at a practical cost. Other mines have also sent out tenders on the scope. MS: When should operations comply? LdvB: By now, everyone should have done their risk assessments on TMM to determine their level of risk – if it

is significant you have to install warning devices (proxim- ity detection) but not CAS (collision avoidance systems). The deadline for collision avoidance systems was initially set for 2019, but has subsequently been pushed to July 2020. However, there is no formal approval and sign off from the DMR on these dates. MS: What does the regulation say as far as the adoption of these technologies is concerned? LdvB: The PDS needs to warn the driver that there is another machine in its proximity or a person, which the mine itself must have identified as an unwanted event. Your risk assessment determines your adoption; our risk evaluation came out as not significant but we will still trial the collision avoidance systems to determine if the technology can further reduce our TMM risks. The regulation further says, if the driver of the vehicle does not respond to the warning, the vehicle needs to come to a slowdown and standstill (CAS). This is the part operations need to comply with by July 2020, if your risk assessment and user requirement specification indicates the need. MS: What are some of the challenges for the industry at this stage? LvdB: Not all PDS units comply with the TMM PDS and CAS standards and specifications. There are very few suppliers that can provide surface mine CAS solutions on multiple vehicles. Some OEMs are reluactant to be involved in this process and approving of these various PDS/CAS units because the MHSA Section 21

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MODERN QUARRYING QUARTER 4 - 2018