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June, 2008
An Unexpected Shift to Neutral
Hazard
Member companies have reported that electronically-controlled transmissions that are sometimes found on new heavy mobile equipment have experienced transmission shift-controller failures resulting in the vehicle shifting into neutral without the knowledge of the operator. This sudden shift to neutral has caught operators off guard.
Recently a mining company reported an incident where a vehicle was driving up a ramp. The transmission shift controller failed to neutral and the vehicle began rolling backwards. The surprise and confusion of the vehicles sudden reversal prevented the driver from immediately initiating either of the service or emergency braking systems. The operator temporarily lost control of the vehicle.
Prevention
All mines should have a safe driving program in place. As a minimum, the program should contain:
- A hazard assessment for each type of mobile equipment
- Operator awareness that includes the fact that electronically-controlled transmission shifters can fail to neutral without prior warning to the operator
- Training on how to activate an emergency stop immediately
- Training on pre-operational checks to ensure all of the vehicles braking systems are functioning
- Policies on seat belt use
- Posted signage for appropriate vehicle speeds
- Procedures for traffic control of vehicles on ramps, including emergency situations
- Follow-up from supervisors to ensure policies and procedures are being followed and training is completed
Regulations
Regulation 854, Mines and Mining Plants:
Section 105(1)(b): When in use, a motor vehicle, other than a motor vehicle running on rails, shall, have brakes which will stop and hold the vehicle under full load conditions on all operating grades.
Section 105(a): A procedure for the testing, maintenance and inspection of each motor vehicle shall be adopted and the procedure shall, schedule the testing of brakes, steering, lighting and other safety components prior to initial use of the motor vehicle for the shift.
Section 106(1): Where a motor vehicle is operated on a grade or a ramp, traffic control procedures shall be established including provision for the control of emergency situations.
For more information or resources, please contact your MASHA
field consultant.
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