What is ROPS?
A roll over protection structure (ROPS) is a frame installed in or around a vehicle that increases the structural rigidity of the frame around vehicle occupants. In the event of a vehicle roll over, the increased rigidity reduces the amount of crushing and deformation of the cabin structure, protecting cabin space.
How does a rollover occur?
Whenever a vehicle turns, its inertia forces it to keep going in a straight line. The tyres are designed to create a lateral force due to their friction with the road surface and allow the driver to steer the vehicle off its original course. Depending on the amount of friction and amount of turn applied, the tyres will either grip and steer the vehicle on a new course; slip and the vehicle will continue on its original course; or the leading tyres will grip and bite into the road surface. This last scenario is the most undesirable as it is seldom recoverable. In this case, the vehicle’s inertia forces the top of the vehicle over the wheels and a roll over occurs.
Why do we use ROPS?
As 4WD vehicles tend to have a higher centre of gravity, and a proportionally narrower track than most sedans, this makes them more prone to roll over than a normal sedan. During a roll over, the occupant survival space is generally reduced due to crushing and deformation of the vehicle roof and injuries can occur. ROPS help to maintain the internal cabin space and therefore provide greater protection for the occupants.
Where are ROPS required?
ROPS may be required on mine sites for the following mines:
We also have several non-mining clients who request ROPS in their vehicles for additional safety for their staff.
Types of ROPS
There are two type of ROPS commonly used with 4WD vehicles – internal and external. External ROPS are usually built into a tray or vehicle body and form a structure that protrudes above the existing cabin to become the first point of contact in the event of a roll over.
External ROPS built into tray.
External ROPS built into tray.
Both of these external ROPS examples only provide protection to the occupants of the rear seats (“C” Pillar) and therefore the front seat occupants need to be protected with internal ROPS as shown in the following example.
Internal 2 point ROPS protecting front seat occupants.
External ROPS does not compromise interior cabin space but has the disadvantage of raising the centre of gravity of the vehicle. Therefore it is preferable, from a safety perspective, to fit internal ROPS to all occupant seats (“B” and “C” Pillars).
Internal 4 point ROPS.
Internal 4 point ROPS.
Internal ROPS attachment point to rear of cabin.
Internal ROPS attachment point to vehicle floor.
Compliance
In Queensland, roll over protection structures must be designed and installed by a company that is approved and certified by Queensland Transport to modify vehicles. Internal ROPS systems must comply with light vehicle modification code LH8 for ‘Roll Bar and Roll Cage Installation’. A modification plate must be fitted to vehicles where ROPS has been installed.
Queensland Transport Vehicle Modification Plate for internal ROPS.
Modification plate attached to external ROPS tray.
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To see photos and specifications of typical mine specification vehicles with steel trays or lockable fibre glass canopies, click throught the links.
Need more information on hiring a vehicle with ROPS?
For more information on hiring a vehicle with ROPS or a fully mine specification vehicle from Vista Hire, call us on 1300 993 767 or complete the request a quote form.
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