BMA (BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance) sites have their own safety standards and vehicle requirements. A summary of requirements for light vehicles with four or more wheels and not exceeding 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass follows:
Airbag Drivers Side
Light vehicles entering BMA controlled operations must have an Australian Design Rule approved driver side airbag.
Cargo Barrier
Passenger vehicles shall have an Australian Design Rule approved cargo barrier to protect all passengers from any load being carried.
This particular cargo barrier has been incorporated into the internal ROPS.
Load Restraints
All vehicles that transport objects shall have a suitable load restraint applicable for the type of load being transported. Internal to the tray tie down points are the safest and preferred system to secure a load,
Elevated Tail Lights
Light vehicles must have elevated tail light assemblies, over and above the OEM fitting, which have tail lights, brake lights and indicators raised to the vehicle roof line.
First Aid Kits
The vehicle must be fitted with a suitable first-aid kit, with a system applied to ensure that it is properly stocked at all times.
Three levels of first aid kit are specified depending on the environment and remoteness of the areas to be visited.
Fire Extinguisher
All vehicles entering a BMA site must be fitted with a fire extinguisher or fire suppression system.
The fire supression system should be the correct type and quantity for the application and the inspection and service tags should be current. Tray back vehicles should have a minimum 2.2kg extinguisher fitted.
Flashing / Rotating Light
To enter a mine site, light vehicles must be fitted with a flashing / rotating amber light that must be used at all times other then when parked.
High Visibility Colour
To enter sites the colour of the vehicle has to be bright and light. White is an approved high visibility colour for light vehicles on BMA sites.
High Visibility Flag
Light vehicles are required to have a high visibility flag that can be fitted prior to entering the mine site.
The flag should be a minimum of 3.4m above ground level when fitted and be made from reflective material.
Jump Start Receptacles
To assist with minimising mistakes during the use of jumper leads, a jump start receptacle that meets the BMA standard must be fitted.
This unit incorporates the jump start receptacles and starter isolator switch in one compact unit. The receptacles are Anderson 175 amp connectors.
Starter Motor Isolator
Vehicles must be fitted with an isolator switch that can be locked in the "off" position to isolate the starter motor. The switch must be wired so that all other vehicle electrics still function while the starter motor is locked off.
This particular isolator is connected to isolate the battery.
Lights On
BMA vehicles are fitted with ‘lights on’ relays however, this is not mandated for contracting partners’ vehicles but is promoted as a preferred option to improve road safety for all users.
Positive ID Signage
All road-going vehicles entering the site shall be clearly identified with the radio call sign of that vehicle.
The unique identification number forms the call sign of the vehicle. It must be placed on both sides of the vehicle and be yellow on a black background with a minimum height of 200mm. The characters should be typed in "Helvetica Narrow Bold" font and be 40mm thick.
Reflective Yellow Tape
The vehicle must have reflective yellow tape on both sides of the vehicle. The tape should be a least 50mm wide and 2m long on each side of the vehicle.
Reversing / Travel Alarm
Reversing alarms are to be working and audible to Australian Standards when on site.
ROPS
Roll-over protection (ROP) for all occupant seats in a vehicle shall be fitted to all 4WD vehicles. Internal ROP systems must comply with LH8, Queensland Government Specification Guideline.
Internal 4 point ROPS shown fitted to a Landcruiser Wagon.
Traffic Control Equipment
Vehicles must carry safety control equipment such as safety warning triangles or safety flares to warn nearby road users of any traffic incidents or breakdowns.
Wheel Nut Indicators
Wheel nut indicators are not a mandatory requirement but offer a visibile indication of the status of the wheel nuts.
Two Way Radio
Vehicles entering mine site areas must have a site-specific and compliant two way radio capable of voting. Some BMA sites now require digital VHF radios like the Tait TM9134.
Wheel Chocks
Vehicles must carry two wheel chocks to be used when parking on slopes.
Compliance Certification
All vehicles must have modification plates fitted for the ROP systems and to cover any other changes made to the vehicle.
When all aspects of BMA certification are met, a sticker is issued to prove compliance.
Brake Test
Vehicle brake and park brake systems must undergo a functionality test and the results recorded for presentation at the annual inspection or if requested.
Brake Test Certificate
Collision Avoidance System (CAS)
The BMA mine vehicle compliance standard has been updated to include Collision Avoidance Systems (CAS). This equipment is designed to reduce the likelihood of collisions. The equipment comprises of a radio frequency (RF) sensor and an in-cabin alarm unit. After CAS has been commissioned on a mine site, the requirement to have CAS fitted to vehicles entering that site will be mandatory. The CAS hardware is provided by Advanced Mining Technologies (AMT). The first BMA sites to require CAS are Gregory Crinum Mine and Peak Downs Mine.
Collision Avoidance System Light Vehicle RF Unit
Collision Avoidance System Dash Mounted Alarm Unit
The Dash Mounted Alarm Unit is situated inside the vehicle cabin and provides an audible and visual warning to the driver when a heavy vehicle is detected within the programmed detection range. Data is also logged by this unit.
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See the mine specification page for more photos of typical mine specification vehicles available for hire from Vista Hire .
For more information on hiring a mine specification vehicle from Vista Hire, call us on 1300 993 767 or complete the request a quote form.
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The information provided on this page is a guide only and should not be relied upon as a complete specification of vehicle requirements. Vista Hire recommends contacting the safety manager at the relevant site to obtain the latest requirement to ensure your vehicle meets the required specification. Vista Hire accepts no liability for the information presented herein.