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Monday, September 06, 2010 |
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Specialised underground 4x4 diesel vehicles
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Source: Shaun Alcock
The Stefanutti Stocks Mechanical, Electrical & Power Business Unit undertakes both surface and underground construction work for platinum, gold and coal mining clients.
Our comprehensive range of equipment ensures that we can tackle any construction project even in the most remote locations. Included in our fleet are 4x4 diesel vehicles that have been specifically adapted for use in the incline mining operations for the transportation of personnel and equipment. “Our vehicles don’t just go over any surface,” says Shaun Alcock, “they can operate under it too!”
This underground, motorised transport has both safety and efficiency benefits. Its introduction has improved the efficiency of our resources on site, also eliminating the risk of injury in walking down and up the incline shaft, which will often occur numerous times a day.
The main safety features of these vehicles include:
a) A unique exhaust system that operates at lower than normal temperatures.
b) A sealed integrated brake system, including the feature that the brakes lock automatically when the vehicle engine is not running.
c) A fire suppression system which, in the event of fire, is activated by pressing a switch which then sets off the fire extinguishers that are piped around the engine compartment flooding it with foam.
The drivers of these vehicles participate in a detailed training program that familiarises them with the traffic rules and the relevant safety aspects of operating the vehicle underground. In addition a psychologist assesses them to establish that they are capable of dealing with the potential stress associated with operating the vehicle.
“The introduction of these underground vehicles for transportation has hugely benefitted our underground operations,” says Shaun Alcock.
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