SOP4202 Vehicles
SOP4202 Vehicles
Operations
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CONTENTS
1. Purpose................................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Vehicle Classifications...................................................................................................................3
1.2 Definitions......................................................................................................................................3
2. Licensing..............................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Licensing Requirements................................................................................................................5
3. Vehicle Use..........................................................................................................................................6
3.1 Authorisation to Operate Vehicles.................................................................................................6
3.1.1 Familiarisation........................................................................................................................7
3.1.2 Loss of Drivers License.........................................................................................................7
3.1.3 Use of Big Yellow vehicles.....................................................................................................7
3.2 Pre-Start, Walkaround and Post-Check Inspections.....................................................................7
3.2.1 Pre-Start Inspection...............................................................................................................7
3.2.2 Isolation requirements for Pre-start Inspections:...................................................................8
3.2.3 Walkaround Inspections........................................................................................................9
3.2.4 Post Check Inspection...........................................................................................................9
3.3 Vehicle Requirements...................................................................................................................9
3.3.1 Brakes and Steering..............................................................................................................9
3.3.2 Headlights and Flashing Lights..............................................................................................9
4. Communication..................................................................................................................................10
4.1 Communication Essentials..........................................................................................................10
4.2 Two Way Terminology.................................................................................................................10
4.3 Emergency Communication........................................................................................................11
4.4 Mobile Phones.............................................................................................................................11
5. Road Rules.........................................................................................................................................11
5.1 Intersections................................................................................................................................11
5.2 Emergency Vehicles....................................................................................................................11
5.3 General Road Rules....................................................................................................................12
5.4 Giving Way..................................................................................................................................12
5.5 Speed Limits................................................................................................................................12
5.6 “U” Turns.....................................................................................................................................13
5.7 Overtaking...................................................................................................................................13
5.8 Tailgating – Safe Following Distances.........................................................................................14
5.9 Horn Signals................................................................................................................................14
5.10 Breakdowns.................................................................................................................................14
5.11 Breakdown Recovery..................................................................................................................14
5.12 Crests and Ramps.......................................................................................................................15
5.13 Road Maintenance......................................................................................................................15
5.14 Night Driving................................................................................................................................15
5.15 Road Signs..................................................................................................................................15
5.16 Parking........................................................................................................................................16
5.17 Reversing / Clearance.................................................................................................................17
5.18 Temporary Roads........................................................................................................................17
6. Vehicle / Pedestrian Interactions........................................................................................................17
6.1 50 Metre Exclusion Zone.............................................................................................................17
6.1.1 Accessing 50 Metre Zone....................................................................................................17
6.1.2 Leaving 50 Metre Zone........................................................................................................18
1. Purpose
Provide instruction and guidelines to ensure the safe, efficient and productive operation of all vehicles
and the safe interaction between all vehicles and personnel.
Where this procedure doesn’t clarify actions to be taken for a task, take all hazards into consideration
using a Take 5 assessment and do tasks as safely as possible.
If further clarification is required, ask the supervisor for assistance.
Do not operate any vehicle or equipment that you have not be trained to safely use, assessed for
competency and authorised to operate
1.2 Definitions
All areas outside office/workshop complex
All loading and tipping areas – waste dumps, tip
heads, stockpiles
Active Mining Areas All connecting haul roads and access tracks
ROM pads
Any other area where “mining or related works” are
taking place
Australian Road Rules The basis for all road rules and vehicle interactions
The operator has stopped the vehicle and as required:
Applied park brake
Controlled Stop
Neutral selected and hazard lights are on
SME with ground engaging tools (GET) lowered to ground
Secure state in which Surface Mining Equipment and Heavy Vehicles
are parked:
GET grounded
Fundamentally Stable Neutral / Park gear applied
Park brake applied
Does not need to be shut down or isolated
Operator has departed the cab to the deck/walkway
Is a 50 metre radius around any SME
Exclusion Zone
Is a 10 metres radius around any drill
Person who is trained, assessed, deemed competent and authorised to
Driver/Operator
drive / operate a designated vehicle
2. Licensing
Vehicle operators on a gazetted road must hold the correct Australian License for that vehicle.
To drive a Light Vehicle, a current Australian “C” class manual license is required.
Manual / Automatic licensing specification are also applicable to all light vehicles and trucks
Exemptions from statutory licensing requirements for onsite operation require client written approval
A current Australian National ‘HR’ class manual license is required to operate SME / HV’s on site.
All trucks (excluding dump and articulated), buses and light vehicles require licenses as per the
Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) specifications of the Department of Transport Western Australia
“C” Class = vehicle with GVM less than 4.5. tonne or is equipped to seat up to 12
passengers (including the driver)
“LR” Class – vehicle with GVM greater than 4.5 but less than 8 tonne or is equipped to
carries more than 12 passengers (including the driver)
“MR” Class – vehicle with two single axles and GVM greater than 8 tonne
“HR” Class – vehicle with 3 or more axles and GVM of more than 8 tonne
3. Vehicle Use
Personnel who do not hold current site inductions or permits must be escorted in the pit. The
mining supervisor must be advised of all escorted movements on the site.
SOP4202 – Vehicles Page 5 of 24
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SOP4202 - Vehicles
Operations
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Private vehicles shall only be driven in the mining area under conditions set out by the Project
Manager.
1.1.1 Familiarisation
Persons must be given a familiaristion / re-orientation of the current work area after absence
from site for more than seven days or less if the work area has changed such that the traffic
management has been altered.
Any person who’s driver’s license is cancelled, run out or suspended, must inform their
Supervisor immediately and cease operating all vehicles and equipment, until directed to
continue or other duties. Failure to disclose loss of licence may result in disciplinary action
and possible termination of employment.
The Project Manager in consultation with the Client’s Registered Manager will determine
whether an exemption (confirmed in writing) will be made to allow the employee to continue
driving / operating.
Company vehicles may be used outside the normal work environment for:
Shift change requirements
Private use - only with approval from the Operations Director.
Infringements issued whilst using the company vehicle are the responsibility of the driver.
A Pre-start inspection will be done on all vehicles at the commencement of each shift or as
the equipment is required for that shift.
No Light Vehicle shall be driven/operated until driver is satisfied the following are working
and in good order. Complete pre-start inspection check list:
All lights including, indicators, brakes, head lights, flashing and any warning lights
Two-way radio
Steering and brakes
Tyres, spare tyre, jack and tool kit
Horn
Flag pole with flag
Fire extinguisher
Actions
Minor faults and defects – report to the Supervisor and note on pre-start
Defects reported must be noted on the Operators Daily Checklist and transferred to the
Daily Plant Defects Listing by the Workshop Supervisor.
There are two sections to the prestart form for SME / HV’s:
Category “A” Faults – if any items fail - the vehicle will be tagged “out of service” and
reported to the supervisor
Lower section – if any items fail - the vehicle can go to work if deemed safe to do so by
the supervisor
If any defects or faults occur during the shift, immediately report to the Supervisor who will
report to the Workshop Supervisor
Single use Pre-Start forms should be completed and passed to the supervisor at the first
break. Weekly forms should be kept in the pre-start book and handed in at end of the
scheduled week.
Operators should familiarise themselves with the specifics details of pre-starts for vehicles
and equipment, available in the training manuals.
When a pre-start inspection has already been conducted in the current shift, personnel taking
over a vehicle should do a walkaround inspection for any obvious faults or damage by
circling the vehicle without entering the footprint (which would require isolation). Report all
defects and damage.
All vehicles shall be equipped with brakes capable of effectively stopping and holding that
vehicle, fully loaded under any working conditions
Brake and Steering tests should be done on all vehicles prior to leaving parkup areas (as per
requirements of individual equipment SOP’s)
Vehicles shall have headlights capable of illuminating the way ahead for a minimum of 60m
during the hours of darkness and clearly visible taillights to the rear of all vehicles.
Headlights and flashing lights must be turned on at all times when operating.
Headlights and flashing lights must be left on when temporarily unattended e.g. supervisor
checking RL’s
If left for an extended period of time, park in a safe location and turn all lights off
Where practicable always park at a designated “go-line”
4. Communication
Positive communication is essential between equipment and personnel to ensure there is no confusion
about actions being taken.
All vehicles and personnel who enter Active Mining Areas must have working radio communication set to
the correct channel
Positive communication should be used with good planning, removal or reduction of risk, clear
instruction, understanding and vigilant supervision.
Personnel should not only rely on positive communication for safe work. Individuals are required to
ensure they use their own eyes to check their proximity to other equipment and personnel.
Ensure correct two way channel is set for the area and volume is adequately set
If out of a vehicle, personnel must carry a hand held radio. In a group, the person in control
of the group will remain in radio contact at all times
Be specific when referencing location
Speak clearly and be straight forward
Use equipment/asset numbers or call signs when communicating
Do not use of personal names
Swearing and bad language is not acceptable
Clicking of handset is not acceptable, responses must verbal
Wait for confirmation, do not assume messages has been heard
Keep transmissions brief and to the point
Be aware of other people talking and don’t cut over
Hold the hand piece within 10cms directly in front of mouth when speaking
Before speaking - hold hand piece button in for 2 seconds
Place hand piece on hook when not in use
Emergency silence shall always be observed, if you aren’t directly involved
Observe Radio Silence following a blasting notice being given
Be familiar with the “Emergency Call Up” procedure
Call equipment / asset number or call sign followed by senders call sign:
e.g. DT12 (being called), LV53 (making the call). The correct response is “DT12 receiving”
e.g. Bravo1 (being called), DT59 (making the call). The correct response is “Bravo1
receiving”
In vehicle interaction including overtaking, clear and proper verbal communication is essential
If overtaking:
For emergencies, personnel are required to call up on their operating radio channel:
Note: Do not state the names of personnel involved over two-way radio.
Pull over to the left hand side of the road as soon as is safe
Apply park brake
Activate hazard lights
Maintain radio silence
Await further instructions.
Personnel who are provided with mobile phones as part of their work are not permitted to use them
whilst the vehicle they are driving is in motion, unless the vehicle is fitted with hands free
equipment.
Personnel are required to abide by the Client’s rulings for the use of mobile phones onsite
5. Road Rules
5.1 Intersections
Will have traffic control signage, as laid out in the Traffic Management Plan
Give way to emergency vehicles (ambulance, fire, police and site emergency vehicles) when
they are displaying emergency signals and sounding alarms
Emergency vehicles with red & blue flashing lights operating, may disobey traffic signs with
caution.
Australian road rules and signage are applied on site. No vehicle has precedence over any
other except in emergency conditions
Light vehicles should follow heavy equipment down and up ramps maintaining 50m behind
Down-hill traffic has Right of Way over up-hill traffic – except when entering a confined
area, such as a drop cut where two trucks cannot fit and alternate traffic management plans
have been established
No person shall approach within fifty (50) metres of SME / HV unless radio contact has
been established and permission given by the SME / HV operator.
Drive to Conditions - If conditions are wet, the visibility or road/ramp conditions are poor,
then slow down and proceed safely. Advise your supervisor and other operators as to the
change in conditions. Light vehicles to engage 4WD
When light vehicles are not following other vehicles - they should be driven in a road
position so they can be clearly seen by equipment entering the roadway.
If communication isn’t acknowledged, hold position until response received. Do not assume your
message has been received and understood without confirmation.
Speed limits are managed through the Traffic Management Plan and may differ between sites.
Changes must be done through the change management system and site specific procedures.
Light vehicles may undertake “U” turns on haul roads if there is clear vision in each direction and it
is safe to do so.
SME / HV’s are not permitted to do “U” Turns on haul roads. If required to change direction, they
should find a location off the haulroad where they can turn around on their onside for clear visibility
5.7 Overtaking
Overtaking can be hazardous and must be executed with caution at all times, overtaking is the
responsibility of the overtaking operator
o Overtaking Process
Heavy haul units, light vehicles, light trucks and service trucks may overtake slow moving
vehicles (i.e. dozers, graders, loaders, wheel dozers, excavators, drills), provided they: -
o Overtaking on Ramps
Heavy haul units and light vehicles/trucks and service trucks may overtake slow moving
equipment (working grader, dozers, drills, excavators, wheel dozers, loaders) travelling up or
down ramps if:
o The equipment being overtaken moves as far to the left hand side as possible
o Comes to a complete stop to allow overtaking vehicle to overtake safely
All vehicles must maintain a distance of at least fifty (50) metres when travelling behind other
vehicles.
When following a dump truck, light vehicles must travel so they can be seen in the view of the
trucks rear view mirrors.
This doesn’t apply to dump trucks in the load and haul circuit or SME’s / HV’s undertaking mining
operations.
5.10 Breakdowns
SME / HV breakdown:
Place / point the SME/HV to the wall or windrow, without causing damage, then apply park
brake
Follow “breakdown” procedure as above
Operator must remain seated at the controls until assistance arrives unless in personal
danger or directed by a Supervisor
If on a ramp or incline - supervisor must secure the truck using a temporary bund all the
width of the SME / HV and not less than half the height of a truck’s tyres on the down slope.
The temporary bund must be completed before any person approaches or investigates the
breakdown.
Broken down vehicles will be parked, have hazard lights illuminated or warning signs and cones
placed around the vehicle to ensure the safety of personnel attending. No person may work where
they are at risk of being hit by passing traffic until controls are put in to eliminate this hazard.
Vehicles are to be towed from roads if repairs are substantial or cannot be conducted safely.
If it is determined that the vehicle is required to be recovered, the following steps must be taken:
Recovery to be performed under supervision in conjunction with workshop personnel using a JSA
Determine appropriate towing equipment (slings, tow bars and safe rated shackles). Do not drag
tow ropes or slings
Notify all personnel by two way radio
The JSA will determine if it is necessary to close the route to other traffic
Where practicable move the vehicle at shift change to minimise interruption
Use a separate radio channel to allow uninterrupted communication for those involved.
Road crests shall be approached with caution. Operators shall keep to the far left.
Operators shall report to their supervisor and other operators any obstructions, spillage or
deterioration of road conditions that could impact operations.
All vehicles used at night must have fully operational and effective headlights and parking lights.
All personnel must drive within the limitations of vehicle headlights and show consideration to
others by use of the low/high beam.
To pass through cones that are not around a drill and blast area, permission must be
obtained from the supervisor managing that area e.g. production, maintenance,
crushing.
5.16 Parking
Light Vehicles
To be reversed parked unless a humped parkup area is positioned that allows for drive
through access
In Active Mining Area, be parked so they can be driven away in a forward direction
Light vehicles should not enter SME / HV go-lines unless attending to maintenance
requirements. Always park on onside in view of cab
All Vehicles
Operators must use pedestrian paths to approach and leave their vehicles.
NOTE: Parking requirements do not apply when waiting to access single lane sections of a haul
road or ramp.
When parking in pit at night, use a designated and well lit area.
Temporary roads should be used with caution. JSA’s should be undertaken where requirements
are outside of TMP.
No person or vehicle is approach within fifty (50) metres of a working HV. Exception are dump
drucks approaching an excavator for loading. Ancillary equipment grading, dozing, watering should
call up prior to entering the exclusion zone.
Where a vehicle or person is required to approach a working SME/HV for access or work, then
permission must be obtained from the SME operators.
Maintain fifty (50) metre clearance until radio contact has been made with the equipment
operator and verbal permission given to enter the zone.
Do not access zone until equipment has ceased work and grounded GET creating a
“fundamentally stable” condition
Equipment must be approached from the front in a position clearly visible from the
operators cab
The equipment operator cannot recommence operations until they receive verbal and
visual confirmation that ALL vehicles and personnel have left the 50 metre zone
When leaving a fifty (50) metre zone, personnel must advise by positive two-way radio when
they have done so.
It is the equipment operator’s responsibility to ensure that the fifty (50) metre zone is
clear of vehicles, personnel and other equipment before moving or commencing operations.
When parking near heavy equipment the vehicle must always be positioned to the onside of
the equipment and in a position that can be seen from the cab and positive communications
must be established
Do not park
within 50 metres of
equipment,
either stationary or
operating except under
normal production
queuing for dump
trucks.
1.1.13 Passengers
Passengers on ground must wait in a safe location in direct sight of the operator. Once
operator has left the cab and given the passenger visual acknowledgement, only then can
they commence boarding the equipment.
A ten (10) metre zone applies to all drill rigs and before approaching a working drill rig,
personnel must:
Maintain ten (10) metres clearance until positive radio communication has occurred
and the drill rig has ceased operating by:
o Disengaging the hammer
o Disengaging the rotation and feed to the neutral position
o Draining stored energy by opening the drill air valve
o Place the drill / tram selector in neutral (rigs with 3 position switch) or place the
drill / tram selection in tram (rigs with 2 position switch)
o The operator of the drill has exited the cab
1.1.17 Escorting
Personnel who have not been inducted or do not hold required licenses/competencies
to operate within the Active Mining Area
Vehicles that have not been approved through workshop inspection process and are
compliant with procedures.
Vehicles being driven in the Active Mining Area which include:
o Oversized loads e.g. floats
o Slow moving
o Small vehicles e.g. skidsteers, forklifts, elevated work platforms, telehandlers
o Not normal minesite vehicles e.g. buses (especially with non mining drivers)
o Vehicles that don’t meet site vehicle criteria
o Being driven by personnel who do not hold a Pit Permit, such as fuel and
explosive deliveries.
Personnel doing escort duties must have authorisation from Project Manager.
If escorted vehicle has an overhanging load a following escort vehicle should be used.
Escorted vehicles with only one escorting vehicle (in front) should have a caution sign
attached at the rear of vehicle.
A thirty (30) metre distance must be maintained between the escort and escorted
vehicles
Hazard lights should be activated on all vehicles involved in the escort.
Escorting vehicle operators must ensure that care is taken not to be separated from
their escort in crossing haulroads. All vehicles must follow traffic control signs.
“LV## ” is escorting “equipment” from “location” via the “haulroad” and finishing at “location”
Please be aware and take caution
At the conclusion of the escort – Attention all Personnel, escort is now complete – thankyou.
Drivers must ensure that vehicle loads are secure and safe to transport through physical tie
down restraint or by design of compartment for load
Loads that project beyond the vehicle by more than 1.25 metres shall be flagged and a light
vehicle shall escort the vehicle.
Where a load on a float exceeds the sides of the trailer a formal JSA shall be conducted and
must consider the risks associated with loading, driving and unloading.
Any mobile equipment which impedes the flow of traffic due to physical size or speed must
have an amber flashing light and be escorted by an escort vehicle.
Oversize loads shall have a highly visible marker on the extremities of the load
Written approval must be given by site electrical supervisor prior to oversized loads
passing under power lines
Approval must be obtained from the relevant authority prior to oversize loads crossing
or using gazetted public roads
Oversize loads moved at night shall have the extremities of the load illuminated
Any loading and unloading at night should be well illuminated.
Towing a disabled vehicle shall be done under supervision of the Project Manager, Workshop
Superintendent or their nominee and after a JSA is approved
Rigid bars shall be used for all towing of wheeled vehicles except in bogged positions
Chains shall not be used for towing
Inspect and ensure wire or continuous fibre slings that are rated for the weight of the vehicle
are in good condition. Gloves are to be worn while handling wire ropes.
Equipment must not be used to push start other vehicles. Pushing of vehicles must only be
conducted under the direction of the Supervisor after the completion of a JSA.
6.4 Spotting
6.5 Trailers
Trailers shall be mechanically sound at all times, i.e. drawbar, running gear, lights and tyres shall
be in good order. Trailers shall form part of the equipment inspected on site using FO4262 –
Lighting Plant & Trailer Defects Checklist. LV drivers are responsible for doing a pre-start check on
a trailer prior to towing. The towing vehicle shall operate within its rated towing capacity and tow
nothing heavier than its own weight.
Trailers must only carry their rated weight capacity. Shall have two heavy duty safety chains
permanently attached to the drawbar which must be secured to the towing vehicle before. An
appropriate safety pin must be installed and used with the safety catch at all times.
Maximum speed when towing shall be determined by posted speed limits and road conditions.
Particular care to be taken when towing over uneven/broken surfaces.
6.6 Blasting
Access to an area being “drilled” must be authorised by the Drill & Blast
Supervisor or the Drill operator.
Care should be taken not to damage holes. These areas are barricaded with orange
cones.
Equipment not used in the charging process is not allowed within 8 metres of a charged
blast hole.
Blast boards are located at the entrance to Active Mining Areas and at offices and crib rooms and
show the date, time and blast location.
Prior to blasting, a siren will be activated by the blast controller indicating that blasting is about to
commence.
No vehicle or personnel is allowed past a blast guard during blasting operations. The “all clear” will
be announced over the radio when it is safe to proceed.
No vehicle shall be driven into any area that has hazardous ground conditions. Hazardous
conditions must be reported to the Supervisor immediately. If in doubt ask.
Operators should drive to conditions at all times and must inform their supervisor and other
operators if weather conditions, visibility or over watering may compromise safety. If driving
conditions deteriorate then reduce speed and ensure you retain full control of your vehicle at all
times.
Drivers/operators of vehicles must not attempt to cross running or standing water or if the level
exceeds the following depths. For further information see FO6359A – 4WD Operator Manual
4WD Light Vehicles – 0.5 metres
If depth unknown
Heavy Vehicles – 1.0 metre
During adverse weather conditions, creeks/rivers can rise rapidly. Vehicles must not enter
any creek/river
Always consider your return journey where conditions may have deteriorated.
Do not tow light vehicles through water greater than 0.5 m deep.
If a vehicle stalls or becomes stuck crossing the river/creek, radio immediately for help. If it is safe
to do so, walk to the closest river/creek bank and wait for assistance.
If a vehicle has to be parked up due to high water levels, ensure that the vehicle is parked in a
safe location well away from the embankment and rising water.
Should visibility reduce (less than 100 metres), by fog, heavy rain, dust, you should:
Proceed with caution if unsure stop but only when safe to do so.
Keep your lights switched on
Slow down to a safe speed capable of stopping quickly and avoiding other vehicles
Inform your supervisor and other operators.
All road users are responsible for reporting excessive dust conditions.
Dust Suppression shall be undertaken as per SOP4206 – Operation of Watercart and FO6357A –
Watercart Operating Manual
When passing under and moving in the vicinity of power lines, a minimum clearance of 4
(four) metres must be maintained.
Persons in vehicles that come into contact with an electrical conductor or lightning where the
vehicle is immobilised, must:
8.
9. Support Documentation
For information on supporting reference material refer to FO1430 – Legislation and Other Requirements.
10. References
Date &
Changes Made Editor
Document Version
March 2021 Document Created M Wallace
25 May 2021 Update to license requirements clarifying HR for SME/HV’s K Muir