WA the first jurisdiction to develop mines safety guidelines for autonomous equipment
| Date: | Friday, 19 September 2014 |
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The international group of experts are looking to develop global safety standards for autonomous mining machinery
An international expert leading the development global safety standards for autonomous mining machinery was in Perth for an automation workshop hosted by the Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA (CMEWA).
Dan Roley, who chairs the International Organisation of Standardisation (ISO) technical committee on mobile autonomous mining systems, spoke at the workshop on September 17.
“The workshop offered a good opportunity to have input from Australian experts as we develop these global safety standards,” Dr Roley said.
The ISO technical committee also held a working group meeting on September 18 and 19.
“The technical committee develops commercial and safety standards for machines used in earth-moving, mining, and general construction,” Dr Roley said.
“We continually develop new standards and revise current standards to address new types of machines, new applications and new technology.
“The ISO standards are developed with cooperation between machine users, health and safety organisations, and manufacturers to achieve the common goal of developing machines that can be used safely.”
DMP’s Director Mines Safety Andrew Chaplyn said the workshop provided input into the ISO standards.
“Our State is the first jurisdiction in the world to develop safety guidance covering autonomous equipment in the mining industry,” Mr Chaplyn said.
“Western Australia is at the forefront in the use of this technology, so it makes sense that we provide input into the development of the ISO standards from a regulator and operator’s perspective.
“The guidance documents were developed by a team comprising representatives from equipment manufacturers, mining companies, technology experts, as well as the regulator.
“With ISO holding its working group meeting here in Perth, we have an opportunity to liaise with international experts in the field and, if necessary, revise the guidance to ensure the best safety outcomes for the industry in WA.”
Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion said he was honoured to see an international organisation like ISO in Western Australia listening to our regulators and industry.
“For more than 65 years, ISO has been developing safety standards that apply to industries around the world,” Mr Marmion said.
Mr Marmion said the decision to hold the event in Perth was evidence of Western Australia’s globally recognised expertise in the resources industry.
